In 2008, I asked some CVFT board members if they would consider a large full-length musical for the annual CVFT holiday production. We discussed some concerns with busy schedules around the holidays, but I assured them that I had found just the right show: A Christmas Carol - the Musical. This version ( by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens) had only been available for amateur licensing for a few years, and was not particularly well known outside New York until Hallmark Entertainment released a television version in 2004 starring Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge. But I knew then that it was the right show for CVFT.
And it was so popular in 2008 that we've decided to bring it back again in 2014! A Christmas Carol - the Musical has everything CVFT looks for in a production: A large cast with numerous opportunities for all ages and genders, many off-stage activities for people, and a story that has universal appeal for all ages. And with a run time of less than 90 minutes an no intermission, this show really moves along! We're fortunate once again to be performing at the Chaska High School Auditorium, giving us a large stage for a big cast, and seating for over 600 patrons for our nine public performances.
But what really sold me on this particular version of the classic tale of Scrooge was the music: Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) has written a beautiful and memorable score, and lyricist Lynn Ahrens (Seussical, Ragtime) has skillfully retained key pieces of Dickens' text in her lyrics. What's even more exciting and challenging is that the majority of the production is sung! The spoken dialogue has been minimized, letting the music almost entirely tell the story.
This production will require many strong singers and dancers, and has loads of opportunities for everyone. Once again, we have a great production team for this show, including musical direction by Joan Nelson, choreography by Jennifer Sopoci-Hardin, and the orchestra will be conducted by Andrew Hasty. Many new and some old CVFT regulars will round out the production staff.
Auditions are September 15th and 16th beginning at 5:30 for kids 8 - 13 each night, followed by ages 14 and up starting at 6:30. For complete audition information, visit www.cvft.org/auditions. Rehearsals start September 29th, and tickets go on sale October 1st at www.cvft.tix.com.
Hope to see you there, and ...God bless us, everyone!
Bill Coldwell, Artistic Director
