‘A Christmas Carol’ opens at Hedgerow Theatre
ROSE VALLEY » On the heels of a successful reopening with the continually sold-out run of Conor McPherson’s “The Weir,” Hedgerow Theatre Company continues its 99th season with live indoor performances in a delightful community-focused adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday favorite “A Christmas Carol” for all ages.
Running now until Friday, Dec. 24, Nagle Jackson’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ moving tale explores what Christmas can mean to each of us differently, and how it can inspire and speak to us throughout the years. Following two preview nights on Nov. 23-24, “A Christmas Carol” will officially open 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley.
“In a time of regathering, this beloved Delaware County tradition shines bright — featuring a whole-hearted and talented multi-generational cast of nearly three dozen performers as well as the artistry of collaborating community artists woven into the fun,” said Executive Artistic Director Marcie Bramucci.
First-time performers take up the mantle alongside veterans of all 28 years of Hedgerow “Christmas Carols” past, and performers of all stripes in between. In addition to Hedgerow artists, this production welcomes the involvement of many community partners — from live preshow performances, including the Swarthmore Presbyterian Church choir and other music groups outdoors, to an exhibit by the School in Rose Valley student artists, whose winterthemed work will be featured in the lobby during the run, as will the work of renown local artist, Bob Deane.
When spirits take sullen and solitary Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey through time, he is faced with the ultimate reflection of his life and choices. A holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol” features returning artist Brian McCann as Scrooge, under the direction of Penelope Reed, former longtime Executive Artistic Director of Hedgerow Theatre and recent recipient of the Barrymore Lifetime Achievement Award.
The production features scenic design by Zoran Kovcic, installation design by Alondra Castillo-Santos, sound design by Sammy Hurley, lighting design by Justin Baker, costume design by Elizabeth Hanson, props design by Grey Kelsey, scenic paint design by Brian McCann, and is stage managed by Kate Sparacio. The cast also includes A Christmas Carol veterans Grey Kelsey, Stacy Skinner and Zoran Kovcic; who are joined by Cassie Alexander, Rachel Dutton, David Hadley, John Harvey, Todd Hilsee, Wyatt Neff, Kelly Reeves, Emily Sampson, and Michael Stahler; plus a dynamic team of youth performers: Seamus Altman, Jude Andress, Anastasia Cavanaugh, Adelina Constable, Gabrielle Dove, Hailey Ecton, Guiliana Furia, Ella Green, Genevieve Johnson, Cari Long, Nicholas McPherson, Sophia Patriarch, Caedmon Rupert, Lucian Rupert, Emerson Simmons, Kateri Simmons, Mia Stanley, Hadiyah Swigett, Miranda Wells, and Samantha Woody.
On Opening Night, Friday, Nov. 26, patrons will be treated to a post-show Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar, courtesy of Scooped Ice Cream in Media. On Thursday evenings, patrons are welcome to enjoy live pre-show music outdoors on Hedgerow’s campus. On Friday evenings beginning Dec. 3, patrons may arrive early to enjoy apple cider or mulled wine. Sunday matinee performances will be followed by an informal Q&A with artists from the production.
The show on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m., will be an audio-described and relaxed performance. Audio description will be provided by Nicole Sardella for patrons who are blind or experience low vision. Relaxed Performances create a judgment-free and inclusive environment for patrons with a range of sensory and communication differences, including individuals on the autism spectrum and people of all abilities who would benefit from a relaxed theatre-going environment. A pre-performance sensory tour will be given at 1:15 p.m. on the afternoon of audio-described and Relaxed Performance.
“A Christmas Carol” preview performance tickets are $20; beginning opening night, adult tickets are $35, youth tickets (under 18) are $20. For tickets, or exact dates and times, call the Box Office at 610-565-4211 or visit http:// www.hedgerowtheatre.org.
Folsom Fire Co. holds Christmas Festival
Folsom Fire Co. Station 18, 411 Sutton Ave., Folsom, will hold a Christmas Festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. The event will feature local craft vendors, pictures with Santa, the Harvest Ridge Winery and more. For information and updates, visit “Folsom Fire Company Station 18” on Facebook.
$15G grant awarded to all-volunteer Broomall Fire Co.
Broomall Fire Co. was selected to receive a $15,000 grant to go toward water rescue equipment and training. Funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and will help the volunteer department purchase dry suits. Dry suits help firefighters respond to standing and swift water rescues, as their typical gear is not suitable for these situations. Funding will also help cover training from a certified water rescue training provider.
State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165 of Springfield, said. “I know this grant will be a huge help to Broomall Fire Company and strengthen their capabilities to respond to people impacted by flooding. This will be especially beneficial to residents who live along Darby Creek and need emergency services after a major storm.”
“Over the past several years Broomall Fire Co. has seen a significant rise in calls to rescue people stranded in their cars or homes as a result of rising water during significant weather events. We lack the proper protective equipment to safely execute this type of rescue,” Jim Capuzzi, president of Broomall Fire Co., said. “Oftentimes, our firefighters are forced to remove their firefighting gear and enter the water without any additional protection. We are now able to purchase dry-suits, floatation devices, rescue rope and specialized equipment needed for our firefighters to safely perform water rescues.”
Registration underway for safe boating class
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 4-3 will offer a United States Coast Guard approved Boating Safety Education Class, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 8, 15 and 22. A second class is scheduled on February 19, 26 and March 5 at the same times. The classes are being held at USCG Auxiliary Training Center, 7 West Delaware Ave., Marcus Hook.
When boating, whether on a power boat, sailboat, kayak or jet ski, the number one priority should be safety. This course will serve as an introduction to safe boating for beginner boaters, as well as give experienced boaters a better understanding of staying safe on the water. Pennsylvania requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born after January 1, 1982, who is operating a power boat with a motor greater than 25 HP.
The course is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth introduction to boating, boating law, safety equipment, navigation, handling boating emergencies, and trailering. After successful completion of the course, participants will receive a safe boating certificate, which will give the added benefit of obtaining insurance discounts on boat insurance with the certificate. There is a $30 registration fee for this course or $40 for two family members who share course materials. This fee covers all course materials and instruction. Pre-registration for this course is required. Space is limited. For more information or to register, email malafferty@verizon.net/. Those interested in joining the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and want more information, can go to:https:// join.cgaux.org.