A Christmas Tradition There’s only one show currently in the TPAC that is older than the building itself. Can you guess? Tulsa has been enjoying American Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol” since 1976. The TPAC opened a year later in 1977. Most know the original story, written by Charles Dickens, of Scrooge and his humbuggery. The three spirits of Christmases past, present and yet to come help him find the reason for the season and transform himself into a kinder, happier man. In 1976, Robert Odle and Rick Averill adapted the classic story into a stage musical. In the first year of its existence, the show was presented at the Philbrook Museum. At the time, the performance space was a converted garage. The show was a hit! It brought in healthy audiences and was well liked.
The ensemble from “A Christmas Carol” past.
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Dec e mb e r 2021 I N T E R MISSION
The next year, the TPAC officially opened its doors, but the brand-new John H. Williams Theatre was already taken, so the show was presented in the Liddy Doenges Theatre, then known as Studio One Theatre. That year, a local newspaper reviewer suggested the show should become a Tulsa tradition. The following year, the show moved to the John H. Williams Theatre, where it has taken place every year since — except for last year — becoming the tradition it was predicted to be. Since then, it has done a stint in the Tulsa Theater, and during the pandemic, it was presented in movie format at the Admiral Twin Drive-In. This year, the production will make its triumphant return to its long-time home in the TPAC. The beautiful set has gotten a facelift, the fabulous
period costumes pulled from wherever they’ve been stored for far too long, and many new faces have joined the longstanding tradition. But this year will feel markedly different for all involved. ATC’s “A Christmas Carol” has lost two crucial family members. Rick Averill, half of the team responsible for bringing this magical show to life, has been lost since the last time the show took the stage. His incredible talents gave the show its music. Robert Odle, Averill’s creative partner, adapted the story to the stage and wrote many of the lyrics that accompany Averill’s music. The show holds a special pace in Odle’s heart, largely for that reason: “Rick was a musical genius, whom I collaborated with on several musicals. I have always loved the story of
