Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
‘SCROOGE: A UNITY CAROL’ a new look at a Christmas classic
Experience the classic Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge with an unexpected twist that will open your eyes to a new perspective on God’s presence in your past, present and future.
Unity Touring, along with Unity Dance Studios, will debut its new production, “Scrooge: A Unity Carol,” on Friday, Nov. 22, based on Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol.” Five performances are set for the Dixon Center on Lee University’s campus Nov. 22-24.
“Scrooge” harnesses the power of the arts in ways never before explored in a Unity production. This new production features original music, live instrumental performance, dynamic choreography and acrobatics, professional acting and original Broadway-style sets.
A melody line by piano, cello and violin ushers Scrooge through the wintry walk from his cold London accounting house to his home, where he will experience a night of inexplicable wonder and discovery.
Led by three ghosts of Christmas, Scrooge faces scenes from his past, discovers his present reality from a fresh perspective and receives a timely warning of what is to come unless he makes the decision to live in a new way.
Scrooge is played by Jesse Rademacher, an associate professor of animation at Southern Adventist University. He has performed with Unity Dance Troupe for three seasons in several roles, including Joseph’s father, Jacob, in “Dreamer.”
Christmas Past, played by Kara Harville, embodies the beauty and strength of ballet and classical pointe. Past leads Scrooge through memories from childhood through his early adulthood.
Christmas Present, played by Kyle Gazak, opens Scrooge’s eyes to the goodness available to him in the present.
Christmas Future, played by Alexis Ziarkowski Burleson, forces Scrooge to face the ultimate consequence of the trajectory of the life he has chosen to live.
The Unity Troupe is welcoming several community guests as performers in this production.
Dr. Seth Ford will make his debut as Scrooge’s compassionate and patient nephew, Fred. Jonathan Cantrell will carry several roles including Belle’s husband.
Eric Boston will also play several roles in addition to leading the set design and construction for this Christmas classic. Chief executive officer of Boston Uncommon, he has created a town scene that includes building façades and moveable platforms to follow Scrooge’s journey through time.
Choreography, featuring the work of Alexis Ziarkowski Burleson and Grace Watkins, explores contemporary, tap, pointe, classical ballroom waltz, acrobatics, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop.
Costume design and construction is by Lauren Leggett. With the help of her team, she has designed and created an original wardrobe for over 240 dancers and actors. From elaborate ballroom dresses to the rags worn by Ignorance and Want, the variety of colors and materials bring the story to life through symbolism and imagery.
Whether you love everything about Christmas or you are a Scrooge, this show is sure to delight as you follow a man who learns to “honor Christmas and try to keep it all the year.”
Tickets are $15 or $30 for preferred seating in the first three rows. Purchase them online at https://www.unitydancetroupe.com/tickets.