LOWER LAKE — Fun abounds among cast and crew”s preparations for Lake County Theater Company (LCTC)”s “A Christmas Carol in the Museum,” an adaptation of Charles Dickens” “A Christmas Carol,” to be performed during the first two weekends in December at Weaver Auditorium in the Lower Lake Historic School House Museum.
Scrooge, played by Jon Zarr Haber, and Cratchett, played Rick Macedo, are perfecting their roles on stage while a dozen children sit on one side of the theater as quiet as church mice, waiting their turn.
The auditorium is aglow with wreaths and lights and the feeling of being in Dickens”s London on Christmas Eve is in the air.
Actors are quietly trying on costumes in the background while stage hands, sound and light technicians and props persons scurry around.
Meanwhile, David Neft, musician extraordinaire, is softly playing his renditions of classical Christmas music.
Liz Jackson, a first time performer for LCTC plays a beggar woman in the production as well as Maggie the Grave Robber. Jackson is also the stage manager.
Jackson worked tirelessly on “Wizard of Oz,” building sets and working backstage prompting her to get the acting bug. Jackson is originally from Australia and has had a very interesting life, actually becoming acquainted at one time with the Duke of Edinborough. She resides in Lake County and works as a horticulturist.
Toni Stewart plays Jackson”s cohort in grave robbing. Stewart is also a Lake County resident. She is a creative hat designer and salesperson when not on stage and although her own children are all grown and out of the nest, Stewart continues raising children as a foster parent to two foster daughters. Stewart is a veteran LCTC actor and also works as house manager for the group.
Director Suna Flores and Producer Maria Teeter have put together this strong group of performers and crew. This classic Christmas drama is coming alive more and more.
In the spirit of giving, there will be barrels in the auditorium for canned goods and non-perishable foods and new toys for distribution throughout the County.
Times and dates of performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 2 p.m. Dec. ll.
Cost of tickets is $15 for reserved seating and $12 for general. There is a $2 discount for students, seniors and LCTC members.
Tickets are being sold at Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St. in Lakeport, 263-5787; and at the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake, 995-3565. For more information call 279-2595.
