LOWER LAKE — Charles Dicken”s “A Christmas Carol” came to life last week in the Konocti Unified School District (KUSD). Thespians comprising the seventh and eighth grade intramural drama program captivated audiences in six performances of the Christmas classic.
With a cast of 33, including four supporting high school actors, the ensemble delivered a charming, delightful performance Friday night at Lower Lake High School to close out its performance schedule. Filled with music, dance and stunning period costumes, the performance warmed the hearts of all privileged with the experience.
Drama Instructor Tracy Lahr said six-performance run, which included shows at all district elementary schools, was the longest in her history with Konocti students. “I”ve never had a run this long. Three is my max,” Lahr said, adding, “This show is going to knock your socks off because your children are way talented!”
Prior to beginning the performance, Lahr extended gratitude to all of the beauticians from Sherwood Forest and one from Elegant Touch, who volunteered a great deal of their time doing the hair and makeup on all the actors. “I”m really proud of the outpouring of support from this community,” she said.
Leading the cast in his role as Ebenezer Scrooge, Patrick McGough”s performance of the crotchety old man was solid as his spoiled Christmas spirit transformed into that of joy and sharing. Adorned in his sleeping cap and slippers, McGough even had the anxious pace of the wretched old man down as he watched with uncertainty the toils exposed by the entourage of Christmas ghosts.
The play was filled with glorious musical numbers. Allison Lahr, playing Fan Scrooge, delighted the audience with her spunky yet sweet solo performance of “Home.” Natalya Fortino-Dickson, playing Scrooge”s love interest Belle danced and sang her way into the hearts of all leading a dance number along side Young Man Scrooge, played by Nick Molencupp, who also narrated and directed the play. Fortino-Dickson said the hardest part of the performance was dancing with a “high-schooler.”
The voice of Abby Rose LaBar, who played Bess, was a production highlight, to say the least. The young actress who led a limited ensemble in the delivery of “Christmas Day,” showed great command and crisp, clear projection of her sweet voice.
While all the costumes were rich and authentic, that of Christmas Present, played by Breanna Marie Rodgers, was as bright and colorful as the joyful spirit she portrayed. From the long, flowing parlor dresses to period knickers, all the costumes by Norcostco helped transport the audience to Christmas Eve 1843 with ease.
Additional cast members included Brandon Avelar, Cory Costello, Michelle Page, Susan Chappelone, Destinee Wyscarver, Charles Warren, Sadie Sheldon, Wayne Harris, Jr., Emma Diener, Daniel Collier IV, Aubree Avina, Caitlin Benfante, Cheyenne Cacy, Melanie Graf, Kruti Gandhi, Jacob Avina, Teresa Fields, Cole Doud, Adam Painchaud, Kayla Curtis, Chloe Jakubowski, Jadan Turner, Katelynn Dillingham, Larenzi Stover, Kayla Doud, Juni Thom and Fallon Diener.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
