BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It’s Charles Dickens’ famous festive tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns about compassion when visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.
Theatre West Virginia’s A Christmas Carol returns to the Raleigh Playhouse this December.
“Would hardly seem like Christmas if I couldn’t ‘Bah Humbug’ a little. There’s something about it that gives me pleasure,” said Actor Michael Martin, who plays the title role of Scrooge.
This redemption tale, according to Martin is the most important part of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is not a nice guy. It takes place at a time in London of great poverty.
“Ebenezer Scrooge could have been a lot more help than he was, but he was no help at all. So he must be visited by ghosts, which doesn’t please him very much,” the actor said. “But that’s the way of the thing; that’s how we get redeemed.”
Martin says it is rewarding in so many ways, to play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the better part of more than 30 years. The challenge is the spirit of the man.
“Going from a very, very nasty fellow in the early scenes, to a much nicer guy later on who has sympathy and empathy,” said the actor.
A Christmas Carol is a wonderful salvation story at its core. To be saved by God from the consequences of one’s sin is considered truly transformative.
“And to let people know that they need to think more about others; doing for others and being a help to others,” Martin said. “That’s about salvation too.”
Get in the spirit of Christmas with this classic tale. You can choose from three performances, including a matinee.
“Gives everybody an opportunity to come and get comfortable, and watch the salvation of Ebenezer Scrooge,” said the actor.
IF YOU WANT TO GO
Theatre West Virginia Production of A Christmas Carol.
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