ANDERSON — For many residents of Madison County, there’s a whole different meaning to the term “going caroling.”
Now a holiday tradition of nearly two decades, Madison Park Church of God’s annual musical production of “A Christmas Carol” has grown into a sprawling project each year.
Dubbed “Indiana’s longest running, live musical production of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale,” it features more than 100 roles (including the chorus), new songs by composer Rick Vale and a few strategically placed surprises.
“It’s a small army of folks that pull this off,” said Kevin Majeski, communications director for the church.
The show will run Thursday through Sunday (Dec. 10-13) at the church. The latter three shows offer free admission (though a freewill offering will be taken to support Dove Harbor), while Thursday’s features a dinner at 6:30.
Was the first production intended to begin an annual custom?
“As far as I know, the intent was just to do something unique that first year, to do some community outreach,” Majeski said. “I think the success of it just snowballed, no pun intended.
“There was a period of time when we thought, ‘You know, we can’t continue this. Folks will lose interest.’ But that just hasn’t been the case. It has continued to have seasonal appeal.”
While the basic story remains the classic one, it’s not exactly a faithful adaptation
“There are three ghosts, or spirits, and the second spirit is the one that each year in our production takes on a new persona,” Majeski said. “In past years, it has been Elvis or our own version of (“Saturday Night Live’s”) The Church Lady.”
And director Jill O’Malia will not drop any spoilers about this year’s unexpected elements.
“Oh, no!” she said. “I couldn’t do that!”
Assisting in the production are Pastor Steve Williamson, along with Scott Lieberman, overseeing the music, and Cheryl Shank handling the choreography.
O’Malia calculated she had been in each of the “Christmas Carol” productions since they began.
“I’ve been involved in almost all of them, I think, whether I’m in the show or have a child in the show or I’m working behind the scenes.” O’Malia herself has played a variety of roles, most prominently Mrs. Cratchit and the First Spirit.
“I think it’s just a way for people to start their Christmas season,” O’Malia said. “And that’s why it’s become a tradition. People just look forward to it.”
Contact Rodney Richey, 640-4861, rodney.richey@heraldbulletin.com.
If you go ...
What: ‘A Christmas Carol’
Where: Madison Park Church of God auditorium, 6607 Providence Drive (corner of 67th Street and Columbus Avenue), Anderson
When: 8 p.m. Thursday (with Holiday Dinner Theatre in the Commons at 6:30), and 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday
How much: $20 for Thursday’s dinner theater, free on Friday through Sunday (with freewill offering taken to support Dove Harbor women’s shelter)
With: Free shuttle service from parking lot to front door (valet parking closed)
Information: 642-2000, www.madisonparkchurch.org
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