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UW-RF Presents Student Production of "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol"

By Molly Exner
UW-RF News Bureau

NOV. 24, 2004--Members of the UW-River Falls Masquers Student Theatre Organization direct, produce and perform in Tom Mula's unusual version of the Charles Dickens' classic, "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol," at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2-4 and 9-11 in the Blanche Davis Theatre in the Kleinpell Fine Arts Building.

"The most unique and wonderful aspect of 'Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol' is that the entire show is run by students," says Brad Jennings, the play's director and a UW-RF senior double majoring in theatre and English.

Masquers produces, supports and promotes all student involvement in theatre, including non-theatre majors. Whether a student is a theatre major or a theatre lover, Masquers welcomes all students and encourages them to act on their interests in the performing arts.

Each year, Masquers produces one major production, giving students full responsibility in all creative areas. This year, the Masquers produce Mula's interpretation of the classic told from Marley's point of view. Because Ebenezer Scrooge gets redeemed while Marley remains in chains, Mula said he believes Marley deserves better. Seven years after Marley dies he finds himself in Hell and the only way out is to try and soften Scrooge's heart. Marley is reluctant to do this, but as the story progresses, Marley learns fear and pity and earns redemption for himself as well as Scrooge.

The production is a stretch from the typical portrayal of Scrooge and his encounters with spirits on Christmas Eve. Instead, the production focuses on Marley's visit to his old partner in the attempt to bring Scrooge to a total and complete change of heart. Aided by Bogle, a malicious Jiminy Cricket-type with an agenda all its own, Marley sets out to teach Scrooge the real meaning of Christmas.

Jennings, who's been actively involved in several productions with the Masquers and the University Theatre, says it's exciting to see the theatre department flourish with the number of new students in the show. "Since most of the cast members are freshmen, it's nice to see our seasoned veterans working with fresh talent," he said.

Rachel Burandt, a senior double majoring in theatre and psychology, says she is excited to be a part of the production and honored to be stage manager. "I think the combined effort of all the students working on the show will make the play something that audience members will remember years from now," she said.

According to Jennings, the lighting, sound, set and costumes are brilliant, exciting and vibrant in the hopes that the show will appeal to people of all ages.
Burandt agrees. "Delving into the mind of Jacob Marley leaves viewers with something that every audience member will enjoy, young and old alike."

All show times are open to the public. Student and senior tickets are $4. Adult tickets are $7. All tickets are on sale at the door. For more information, please call the box office at 715/425-3114.

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