A Christmas Carol Program

CHARLES DICKENS'

BY RON REED

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR:

ADAPTED

FEATURING

Lawrence Locke

Refreshments and snacks available in the lobby. Please finish your snacks and refreshments before returning to your seats. Only bottled water is allowed in the theatre. Thanks for your help in keeping the theatre venue clean and tidy!

PLEASE turn CELL PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES off before showtime

• Please remain seated during the performance

• Please save the discussion and talking until intermission

• Videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

• Children under 3 unfortunately cannot be admitted into the theatre.

• Out of respect for your fellow audience members, please refrain from wearing strong fragrances while at the theatre.

Land Acknowledgement

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Gallery 7 Theatre’s mandate is to share stories that explore the relational, social, and spiritual aspects of the human experience with a vision towards hope, reconciliation, and redemption. In that spirit, we’d like to acknowledge we carry on our artistic endeavors on the traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lō people, Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwi First Nation and we are thankful for this opportunity. May there be healing and peace as we seek to build a stronger, respectful, and more unified community together.

Director’s Notes

When Charles Dickens was 12 years old, his middle-class father was sent to debtor’s prison. Charles had to give up treasured possessions, leave school and work in a shoe-blacking factory for a few years to survive. This experience forever changed him, giving him a heart for the poor.

As an adult, Dickens, already a well-known novelist and serialist working in IndustrialEra London, was moved to write a political pamphlet calling for more decent treatment of poor children in his society. However, Dickens cancelled the publication of this pamphlet at the last minute, telling an acquaintance that he believed a heartfelt Christmas story would do much more towards changing people’s attitudes than a political pamphlet. He wrote A Christmas Carol shortly after, completing it in just six weeks. Dickens achieved his goal: a marked uptick in charitable giving in London was noted the first Christmas after the book was published. His work helped strengthen the

connection between festivity and charity in Christmas celebrations ever after.

As theatre storytellers, we too believe that storytelling is much more powerful than simply telling people how to behave. We have imbued the storyteller you will meet tonight with Dickens’ fervour and passion for the poor. May his story remind us to keep our hearts open to those in need and not to become desensitized to the beauty of life and to those around us. It’s as timely today as it was in 1843.

Enjoy!

Nicola Shannon Director

December,

2022

Greetings from the Artistic Director

Merry Christmas from Gallery 7 Theatre and welcome to A Christmas Carol. Producing a Christmas show is a relatively new tradition for us, having just started last year with the stellar oneperson re-telling of the classic movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Prior to that, we enjoyed partnering with Pacific Theatre for many years to bring the Fraser Valley Christmas Presence, a unique potpourri of Christmas music and storytelling. Oh, and there was that Christmas sketch revue we did back in our very first year of existence called Tangled in the Tinsel...plus a smattering of other little things over the years - but nothing like what we're doing right now. Postpandemic, we felt it important to continue offering something that brought extra cheer and meaning to the holiday season. Adding a fifth show to our playbill is no easy task for a theatre of our size, and so we looked for ways to minimize production requirements while offering the same high-quality theatre experience you expect from us. Thus, the one-person Christmas show.

There is something wonderfully beautiful and theatrical in the one-person show: we marvel at a performer’s ability to transform into many different characters as they take us through a holiday story sure to stir our hearts, captivate our minds and elevate our souls. It’s a different theatre experience for sure, but one I think that provides no less meaning and edification.

With A Christmas Carol, I think you’re in for a highly entertaining, moving, and thought-provoking experience. This is a faithful rendition of the classic story of reflection, revelation, and new starts.

We trust this show will add to the joy of your Christmas holidays, even as its message of hope, charity and giving takes hold in our hearts.

By the way – this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel is by Vancouver playwright, Ron Reed, who, as it happens, was the originator of the Christmas Presence presentations we enjoyed for so many years. It’s nice to keep connections going even if the traditions change and evolve over time.

Speaking of charity – did you know that Gallery 7 Theatre is a registered charity? It is!! Did you also know that less than 60% of our revenues come from ticket sales? It’s true! Want to help us celebrate 30 + years of inspiring theatre in our community while ensuring another 30 plus successful years? I hope so!! December is a key season for us to raise some of those much-needed funds to keep the lights on, the curtain up and the venue doors open. This season, I invite you to consider making a tax-deductible donation at www. gallery7theatre.com or by calling 604-504-5940. I know there are a lot of causes vying for your attention so we appreciate all the help you can provide in keeping Gallery 7 Theatre alive and well for many years to come.

In the meantime, wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous and happy New Year.

Curtain Up!

Ken Hildebrandt Executive/Artistic Director

Greetings

from

the Gallery 7 Theatre Board President

Hello and happy holidays from the G7 Board! I hope you’re looking forward to an entertaining rendition of A Christmas Carol performed by the talented Lawrence Locke - a great way to kick off the holiday season.

As you may or may not know, the Board of Directors is hard at work executing our strategic plan, though we’ll be taking a break in the month of December and resuming in January. G7 members were emailed a survey regarding our Mission, Vision, and Values a couple of weeks back, and we’ll

be reviewing the feedback and discussing it at our next meeting; your input is valued and helps the theatre grow in the right direction.

On behalf of the Board, please enjoy the show and have a Merry Christmas!

Matt Forster Board President

WHO’S WHO: CAST

WHO’S WHO: ARTSITIC TEAM

Becki Cormier

Lawrence Locke

Jenn Mamchur

Lora-Lynne Frewing

Andrew Potts

Josh Osborne

Dianna Lewis Nicola Shannon

Charlene Crawford

Lawrence Locke (Storyteller) This is Lawrence’s third production with Gallery 7 Theatre, the most recent being his turn as Mr. Bennett in 2019’s Pride and Prejudice. This is the fourth time he has performed in a production of A Christmas Carol, a story near and dear to his heart. A one-man-show demands next-level rehearsal and memorization, so it is his sincerest wish that all those long hours will provide you with a memorable holiday experience. “A Merry Christmas to us all my dears.”

Becki Cormier (Stage Manager) This is Becki’s third show stage managing with Gallery 7 Theatre. She has been involved in the theatre world in Chilliwack for the past 17 years, wearing many hats behind the lights of the stage. To this date, stage managing and directing have been her loves.

Charlene Crawford (Props Coordinator) Charlene graduated from TWU with a BA in Theatre. She has spent over two decades stage managing, directing, designing, producing, and even acting for the stage. When not doing theatre, she goes for fashion walks with her children. Her favourite version of A Christmas Carol is the Muppets version.

Lora-Lynne Frewing (Set & Lighting Designer)

Lora-Lynne has been involved in theatre for the past 20 years. Most of the time she enjoys lights, set construction, set decorating, props, a little sound, and maybe some costumes. Somehow, Lora-Lynne got a reputation that she can either find it, make it, or fix it.

Dianna Lewis (Props Coordinator) Dianna is back at G7 for another season of fun! Being creative has always been a part of Dianna’s life. She’s been a professional photographer for over 30 years and enjoys the challenge of capturing live theatre action. She has worked as a props designer for ages and likes the satisfaction of seeing ideas and sweat come to life on stage.

Andrew Potts (Construction Manager) The Master of Humbug himself, Andrew stumbled upon the MCA stage whilst searching for the loo during the recent filming of the holiday movie Firelight Love in which he stars as the mayor. When he overheard that a few set pieces were needed for the theatre—and observed the crew busy skating on the frozen fountain out front—he surreptitiously borrowed them. Enjoy!

Nicola Shannon (Director) Nicola is a Langleybased director, producer, and actor. She is the founder and Artistic Director at Little Dipper Theatre Co., and an acting instructor at Bez Arts Hub. She also recently completed a directing apprenticeship at Pacific Theatre (2019/20 Season). Recent directing credits include Nowheresville, BC (Little Dipper), Last Train to Nibroc (G7), Jewel (TIC), and Mary’s Wedding (Stone’s Throw). www.nicolashannon.ca

Photos by Dianna Lewis Photography

Production Team

Head of Construction // Andrew Potts

Construction Assistant // Linda House Managers // Linda Funk, Louise Reimer, Pete VanMulen Discussion Guide Editor // Angelika Dawson Program Layout & Design // Justin Keitch, Ignite Creative

Gallery 7 Theatre Staff

Executive & Artistic Director // Ken Hildebrandt

Theatre Administrator // Amaris Henri

Theatre Administrator (on maternity leave) // Mikayla Froese

Production Manager // Charlene Crawford

Marketing Associate & Webmaster // Gabe Kirkley

Bookkeeper // Marion Witoszkin

Front of House Coordinator // Amaris Henry

Front of House Coordinator // Jenn Suess (on sabbatical)

Head of Properties & Company Photographer // Dianna Lewis Graphic Designer // Justin Keitch, Ignite Creative

Gallery 7 Theatre Board of Directors

Matt Forster // President Alison Chisholm // Secretary Ryan Boese // Vice President Rudy Ouwehand // Treasurer Russel Reitsema, Raymond Robyn, Fran Vanderpol // Directors at Large

Acknowledgements

Gallery 7 Theatre extends a HUGE thank-you to all our volunteers for their hard work, dedication and support. Without them, this theatre would not succeed! We would also like to thank the following for their contribution to this production:

Abbotsford Christian School // SAMC Theatre Department at TWU

If you would like to volunteer or contribute to our productions, please contact us at 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.

The individuals listed below are heroes of Gallery 7 Theatre. They have contributed some of their hard-earned cash to help us create entertaining theatre that stirs the heart, challenges the mind and elevates the soul. Thank you! Every effort has been made to make this list as accurate as possible but if you see an error or omission, please let us know at 604. 504.5940 or at info@gallery7theatre.com so we can correct things. Our donors are very important to us!

Family Gallery ($1 - $99)

David Allan

Peggy Bradshaw

Shawn Brynelson

Marguerite Bouchard

Heidi Calzavara

Sarah Cherry

Patricia Davis

Cornelius and Christine DeRuiter

Judith Doyharcabal

Donna Flynn

Shirley Funnell

Lisa Gordon

Jacquelin Goudal

Julia Hoogstra

Natalie Hoogstra Ron Hoock

Leone Hopwood Angela Kim

Jill McGrath

Neelam Mann

Linda McRae

Sean Moore Cheryl Mulder

Faye Naples

Carla Pattison

Sandy Petrica

Jocelyn Phillipps Scott Sampson T Scott

David Smith

Sarah Sorensen Jenny Vanderheide

Patron’s Gallery ($100 - $249)

Anonymous

Nora and Lloyd Arnett Gordon and Frances Bates Gareth and Cynthia Brandt Tamara Charman Cindy Coles Susan Cuthbert John Crawford Maria Denholme Ardis Janzen Lando Klassen Harold and Carolyn Krahn Dorothea McCallum Bruce McLaughlin James and Margaret Reith Janette Thiessen United Way Ontario Elizabeth Winn

Actor’s Gallery ($250 - $499)

Elizabeth Doerksen Ken Hildebrandt Laura Kehler

Louise Oppel Rudy and MaryAnna Ouwehand

Director’s Gallery ($500 - $999)

Anonymous

Bob and Ruth Boughen Karen Vandongen

Producer’s Gallery ($1,000 - $4,999)

Doris Darvasi John and Angelika Dawson

Artistic Director’s Gallery ($5000 +)

Help us light the G7 Christmas Tree! Help us reach our donation target of $12,000 by Dec. 31 by making a donation to our annual Christmas Fundraising Campaign. You can do a one-time donation or set up a recurring contribution. All donations, big or small, are a HUGE help. All donations above $10 receive a tax deductible receipt. Give us a call at 604-504-504-5940 or go to www.gallery7theatre.com to make a contribution today!