A Christmas Carol |
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| Directed by Lex Belile and Amanda Perry | ||
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Director's Notes
Charles Dickens sought to write a social commentary when he began A Christmas Carol. His goal was to “help open the hearts of the prosperous and powerful towards the poor and powerless…” This production gives the audience a visual of this goal. Our goal with this production is to not only spread Dickens' message, but create a space for the audience to be immersed in the show; to “forget where they are.” As a cast and crew, we hope to grow as people and actors, as well as learn from each other.
Special Thanks
A Special thanks to Michele Renner, Johnathan Campbell, MJ Kuntz, and Bill Franke for their hard work and dedication to this production.
Song List
Act One
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
In the Bleak Midwinter
Lo’ How A Rose E’er Blooming
Carol of the Bells
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Joy to the World
Wassail Song
Deck the Halls
O Come O Come, Emmanuel
Act Two
O Come All Ye Faithful
The First Noel
Lully Lullay
Good Christian Men Rejoice
Oh Holy Night
What Child Is This
Away in the Manger
Angels We Have Heard On High
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Sponsors
Cast
Tim Kuntz
Ebenezer Scrooge
Morgan Nelson
Mrs. Cratchit, Ghost of Christmas Past, Charwoman
Patrick Engelhart
Bob Cratchit, Mr. Fezziwig
Jim Guerrant
Ghost of Christmas Present, Joe, Fezziwig Party Guest
Charles Ward
Fred, Debtor, Belle’s Husband, Fezziwig Party Guest
Tom Chase
Jacob Marley, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Fred’s Party Guest
Alicia McNeil
First Chorus, Mrs. Fezziwig, Fred’s Party Guest
Ella Gilkerson
Second Chorus, Caroline, Fred’s Party Guest, Fezziwig Party Guest
Bethany Belile
Third Chorus, Fred’s Wife, Fezziwig Party Guest
Julia Hanson
Belle, Solicitor One, Fred’s Party Guest
Eli Adams
Young Scrooge, Robinson Crusoe, Undertaker’s Man, Fred’s Party Guest
Aspen Steichen
Solicitor Two, Laundress, Fred’s Party Guest, Fezziwig Party Guest
Bridget Richardson
Boy, Child, Student
Isabella McNeil
Kate Cratchit, Child, Student, Belle’s Child
Emerie Holter
Fan, Want, Belinda Cratchit
Jack Willis
Boy Scrooge, Child, Belle’s Child, Henry Cratchit
Owen Engelhart
Peter Cratchit, Dick Wilkins, Student
Oliver Perry
Tiny Tim, Ignorance, Student
Aria Cole
Martha Cratchit, Student, Fezziwig Party Guest
Creative Team
Lex Belile
Director
Amanda Perry
Director
Ally Baker
Stage Manager
Greta Sandel
Choreographer
Drew Pengilly
Lighting and Sound Designer
Brian Nelson
Master Carpenter
Kylah Anderson
Props Master
Lex Belile, Amanda Perry
Hair and Makeup Design
Tom Chase
Photographer
Amanda Perry
Costume Designer
Circe Atkinson
Assistant Costume Designer
Lucas Irvine, Amanda Perry, Kylah Anderson, Cori Flanagan, Riley Allen, Maya Archuleta, Izabelle Parker, Devian Long Feather, Ally Baker
Crew
ATTENTION
CAMERAS AND OTHER RECORDING EQUIPMENT
Cameras and other recording equipment are strictly prohibited during any performance. Theater management reserves the right to ask any patron who is observed recording a performance or invited dress rehearsal to leave the premises without a refund.
CELL PHONES
The use of cellphone for calls or texting is prohibited during performances. The use of these devices is disruptive to both the actors on stage and other patrons. All cell phones should be placed on silent mode and the screen set to its darkest setting. Any patron who not in compliance with our cell phone policy during a performance may be asked to leave without a refund.
Meet the Company
Tim Kuntz
Ebenezer Scrooge
A Christmas Carol is the ninth DSL play Tim has acted in and his first lead role. He previously had roles in 12 Angry Men, Bonnie and Clyde, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Young Frankenstein, Things My Mother Taught Me, Opera Comique, Miracle, On 34th Street and most recently Wait Until Dark. He has also been in several Tru North stage productions. Tim lives near Mandan and when not volunteering to help at Dakota Stage he tries to spend as much time fishing and camping in the beautiful outdoors of North Dakota as the weather allows.
Morgan Nelson
Mrs. Cratchit, Ghost of Christmas Past, Charwoman
Morgan is thrilled to be a part of Dakota Stage's A Christmas Carol. She has been a part of other Dakota Stage shows such as Carrie: The Musical, A Dusty Echo, and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Morgan has also recently accepted the position of Executive Director at Dakota Stage. She would like to thank her family and friends for their unending support both on and off the stage.
Enjoy the show!
Patrick Engelhart
Bob Cratchit, Mr. Fezziwig
This is my second production with Dakota Stage and I am always in awe of the talent my cast mates bring to the show. It is truly an honor to get to work with such amazingly fun and dedicated people. Thank you to my wife Tanya for putting up with me thru all this, and thank you to the crew and to Lexi and Amanda and absolutely everyone it takes to make this show happen! Y’all rock!
Jim Guerrant
Ghost of Christmas Present, Joe, Fezziwig Party Guest
Jim is a newcomer to the Dakota Stage theater, but not as an actor. He has been cast in numerous other shows in Wyoming, where he once lived. His previous experience with Dakota Stage was as the sound tech for Next to Normal. Before relocating to North Dakota seven years ago, he enjoyed attending various productions as an audience member but missed acting. He is excited to be a part of the Dakota Stage family, and he has enjoyed working with the director and other cast members. He hopes to audition for different plays and musicals in the future. In his off time, Jim enjoys photography, painting, gardening, and spending time with his dog, Kallan. Other hobbies include reading, camping, and fishing.
Charles Ward
Fred, Debtor, Belle’s Husband, Fezziwig Party Guest
This is Charles' 5th show with Dakota Stage and second time being in A Christmas Carol. He has also been in several shows at TruNorth Theatre. He keeps busy as a sales person at I. Keatings Furniture, so if you need some new furniture go see him. He also wants to thank his friends and family for their ongoing support.
Tom Chase
Jacob Marley, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Fred’s Party Guest
This is Tom’s favorite Christmas tale, he has directed it, worked on the stage crew, and acted in a few. He has directed or asst. directed over 20 plays at DSL- his home-away-from-home (go ask his wife, Teresa ). There is something that draws people to live theater, Tom is not sure if it’s the play, the audience, or the excitement of bringing a character to life. One answer is the casts- the bonds and friendships you make. OK, that’s a little too serious, it is fun, just good fun! During the day, you can find him at the Heritage Center giving a tour or a short program, sometimes dressing in period clothing from North Dakota’s past. Tom would like to thank Lexi and Amanda for trusting him with this role, and also all of his amazing cast mates. Merry Christmas, and enjoy the show!
Alicia McNeil
First Chorus, Mrs. Fezziwig, Fred’s Party Guest
Alicia McNeil has been involved with theater in one capacity or another for many years in Portland Oregon and in Bismarck. Most recently directing for Shade Tree Players. She has been involved with Shade Tree for 15 years or so and has served on the board for Capitol Shakespeare.
This is unbelievably Alicia’s first DSL show and she is excited to participate! She would like to thank the Directors for giving her the chance to share in the magic of this timeless classic.
She would also like to thank her husband and kids for supporting her in this endeavor!
Ella Gilkerson
Second Chorus, Caroline, Fred’s Party Guest, Fezziwig Party Guest
Ella has been involved in various community shows, including Annie in “Annie”, Logainne in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, And recently won the title of Superior Actor in the 2021 WDA Champion One Act, “#Censored”. In the summer, Ella works as a counselor at Camp Wilderness BSA. As a graduating high school senior, Ella plans to pursue a certification in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. She would like to thank her family, friends, and all those surrounding her for their incredible flexibility and support.
Bethany Belile
Third Chorus, Fred’s Wife, Fezziwig Party Guest
Bethany Belile is a senior at Legacy High School. This is one of the first big roles she’s had in theater and she is excited to see where is takes her in the future.
Julia Hanson
Belle, Solicitor One, Fred’s Party Guest
Julia has been working with Dakota stage for 8 years. The first 7 she spent with shade tree. Her 1st year with DSL will be Christmas Carol. Julia is 15 and attends Century high school as a sophomore. Julia would like to thank her director and stage manager. Along with her Grandmother Marian; for she could not have done theater without her.
Eli Adams
Young Scrooge, Robinson Crusoe, Undertaker’s Man, Fred’s Party Guest
My name is Eli Adams. I am 15 and am in 10th grade at century high school. I have never acted for Dakota stage before but I have been back stage. I have been in many theater productions though out my life. I am a choir student and some of my hobbies include painting and writing.
Aspen Steichen
Solicitor Two, Laundress, Fred’s Party Guest, Fezziwig Party Guest
Aspen Steichen has participated in “Wait Until Dark”, “Pajama Game”, “A Christmas Carol” and other Shade Tree productions. She has a passion for acting from practice to production. Aspen attends Wachter Middle School and enjoys traveling and time with family and friends.
Bridget Richardson
Boy, Child, Student
Bridget Richardson is very excited to be a part of A Christmas Carol, her very first stage production! She would like to thank Dakota Stage for this opportunity, as well as her family for their support. Besides her newfound love of acting, Bridget enjoys singing, skiing, skating, and snuggling with her Saint Bernard, Rocky.
Isabella McNeil
Kate Cratchit, Child, Student, Belle’s Child
Bella McNeil is the daughter of Mike and Alicia McNeil. She has been involved with Shade Tree Players since she was born, attending rehearsals with her siblings since she was a baby! She has been in Shade Tree as an actor for the last two summers, her last role was Jack Beanstalk in The Big Bad Musical.
She enjoys drawing, reading and video games.
She would like to thank her family for always being there for her!
Emerie Holter
Fan, Want, Belinda Cratchit
Emerie is nine years old and has been involved in theater since she was five, performing in Aladdin and Cinderella for the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater. In 2019 she was cast as a background character in the movie Glob Lessons, which premiered in 2021. In the last two years, she has participated in the Shade Tree productions Wizard of Oz: The Deleted Scene, Rumpelstiltskin, Private Eye, and The Big Bad Musical. Additionally, she participated in the Winter 2021 Shade Tree Comedy Workshop. She is learning to play the violin and participates in Jiu Jitsu. In her free time, she loves to read, write and illustrate stories, and create humorous animated videos using the KineMaster app. Emerie has her own YouTube channel, Stories with Emerie, and she hopes to become an author, illustrator, narrator, director, and actress.
Jack Willis
Boy Scrooge, Child, Belle’s Child, Henry Cratchit
A Christmas Carol marks Jack's second production in a musical. He previously performed with Shade Tree Players' "Big Bad Musical" as the Shepherd. When he's not rehearsing, you can find Jack (10) practicing his guitar, on the basketball court, at a baseball diamond, or honing his gaming skills. He sends his love and thanks to his Steichen cousins and Aunt Karin and Uncle Drew for inspiring him to try performing arts. He's also grateful to his parents and grandparents for their ongoing support and encouragement to explore his passion for music and acting.
Owen Engelhart
Peter Cratchit, Dick Wilkins, Student
This is Owen’s 4th production but first with Dakota Stage, having previously appeared in the Shade Tree productions of Enchanted Bookshop, The Wizard of Oz (Deleted Scenes), and The Big Bad Musical. Owen wants to thanks his parents for supporting him and thanks to the audience for coming to the show!
Oliver Perry
Tiny Tim, Ignorance, Student
Oliver Perry, a second grader, is very excited to be making his Dakota Stage debut! Olli loves Pokemon, singing and dancing, art, math and being fast. He aspires to be the next American Ninja Warrior, so he is active in Gymnastics, Hockey, Taekwondo and Soccer to help in his training. Olli was born into a theatrical family, and thinks being a makeup and costume designer (or paleontologist) are definitely good backup career choices. Oliver says, "Have fun, enjoy the show, and have a merry Christmas!"
Aria Cole
Martha Cratchit, Student, Fezziwig Party Guest
Aria is in 5th grade and caught the acting bug after performing in her first stage production this past summer-- The Big Bad Musical. She loves reading, singing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. When she's not acting, she enjoys playing softball, basketball, and volleyball.
Lex Belile
Director
This is Lex Belile’s first time ever directing. She is so excited to share her design and vision with the public. She was recently seen acting in Carrie The Musical, and has experience in every part of theatre from acting to stage managing, and now directing. She is currently working on a double masters degree at University of Mary, and nannie’s two little girls full time. She is so excited to see where this experience will take her next.
Amanda Perry
Director
Amanda Perry spent most of her adolescent life involved in music and community theater here in Bismarck. She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and has a BFA in Theatre Performance, with emphasis in acting, directing and design. For the last 18 years, Amanda has worked with Dakota Stage, Shade Tree Players, DWAC, BPS, MPS, Capitol Shakespeare, Sleepy Hollow and other organizations to educate students, train actors and directors, and create unique theatrical productions and other artistic events and opportunities.
Amanda has two children, Oliver, 7, and Willow, 4, who will undoubtedly be very involved with theater, music and art as they grow up! She is so proud of Oliver, who is making his DSL debut this year, as Tiny Tim. Amanda would like to thank her amazing husband for all he does while she is at rehearsal, and the cast and crew for all their hard work!
Ally Baker
Stage Manager
Although this is Ally’s first time stage managing, it’s not her firsts time being involved in a Dakota Stage production. She has enjoyed being in 9 to 5, A Christmas Carol (2020 and 2021), and A Dusty Echo. Ally would like to thank her family for their support, her cast for an amazing show, and her directors for giving her a wonderful new experience!
Greta Sandel
Choreographer
Drew Pengilly
Lighting and Sound Designer
Brian Nelson
Master Carpenter
Kylah Anderson
Props Master
Lex Belile, Amanda Perry
Hair and Makeup Design
Tom Chase
Photographer
Amanda Perry
Costume Designer
Circe Atkinson
Assistant Costume Designer
Lucas Irvine, Amanda Perry, Kylah Anderson, Cori Flanagan, Riley Allen, Maya Archuleta, Izabelle Parker, Devian Long Feather, Ally Baker
Crew
Photos
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Dakota Stage, Ltd. is to contribute to the cultural development of our community by creating high quality, live theatre productions that enrich, educate and entertain both audiences and participants. As a community-based theater, we constantly strive to provide a nurturing environment for participants of all ages and cultures to develop artistic and technical skills while promoting live theatre as an avenue for entertainment within our community.
INTERESTED IN PARICIPATING?
Follow Dakota Stage. Ltd. on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to find information on auditions and volunteer opportunities for future productions.
Audition Dates:
Crimes of the Heart - December 11 & 12, 6:00pm
Marvin's Room - February (TBD)
The Underpants - March (TBD)
WE'RE HIRING
Dakota Stage is seeking a Master Carpenter to help us build sets for future productions. We are also in search of Lighting and Sound Designers for each of our productions. If you're interested, please send email to DSLadmin@dakotastageltd.com
Sponsors
