“A PA Dutch Christmas Carol on The Trolley” returns
Back by popular demand the “Pennsylvania Dutch A Christmas Carol Trolley” rolls into West Reading again. The traveling Christmas classic aboard the old fashioned Rhoads Christmas Trolley, opens on Friday Nov. 25. Since its debut in 2014 the show has played to standing room only and has delighted audiences of all ages.
‘Tis the Season, and Berks County is being treated by the L.O.V.E Team of West Reading and Solve IT Solutions, to one of the most unique “Christmas Carol’s” ever presented. Take a ride back in time as this delightful interactive family entertainment, with a PA Dutch twist, unfolds around the Holiday Glow of charming West Reading and Ridgewood Winery. The audience boards the trolley at theWinery on Rt. 724 and is transported to the streets of Olde West Reading Towne. Scrooge himself plays the surly emcee of this delightfully fun and wonderfully homespun treatment of the Charles Dickens’ classic. With a heart locked up tighter than a cash box, Scrooge, encounters the visits of four spirits at various, West Reading businesses, for the chance to open up his heart and relish in the joys of his fellowman. Children and adults love it, giggling between the comedy and the dramatic twists, as they also get a mini-tour of West Reading.
The Trolley departs from the winery to West Reading, with Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit in tow, as they begin to spin the time-honored tale for the trolley audience. When the trolley gets to West Reading the entertainment will be in full swing and it will make several stops at various West Reading businesses to meet other characters and further the storyline. At each participating business, guests will be offered complimentary snacks or non-alcoholic drinks.
As old Scrooge begins to find some faith and trust in his fellow man and is reminded what a blessing each day of life is, the trolley wends its way back to Ridgewood Winery as the trolley audience, Scrooge and Cratchit, sing Christmas carols in the spirit of the very special holiday. When the audience returns to the winery, they are welcomed back into the farmstead to purchase wines to take home.
The Trolley Event is the brainchild of producer L J Fecho, owner and founder of Fecho Theatrical and Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre. Fecho adapted the script from the book by Charles Dickens. The interactive show has a cast of six actors, who play multiple roles and even audience members are called upon to portray various characters.
The Trolley starts the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25, and runs Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 23, (2 performances each evening 5:45 p.m. and & 7:30 p.m. – wine tasting 45 minutes before show times.) New this year are matinee shows on Dec., 3, 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 3:30 p.m. For tickets and information please visit FechoProductions.com or GenesiusDifference.org. - $43.50 for adults and $30 for children under 17 and under (plus credit card fees). Children ages 4 and younger can ride for free if they sit on a parents lap. The price Includes: A complimentary wine tasting at Ridgewood Winery, (nonalcoholic beverages available), the trolley ride, the full story of A Christmas Carol acted out by professional actors, and special treats, gifts, and discount coupons from participating West Reading Businesses. For group sales or private performance options please call Larry Fecho at Fecho Productions at 610-780-7627. All Major Credit Cards accepted.
The trolley only holds 30 people per performance and it’s highly suggested that tickets are purchased in advance, but there will be tickets available at the door. Free parking at the winery. The Trolley is climate controlled, for your comfort. The Trolley runs rain or shine and even most times if there is snow. We suggest everyone dress for the weather! This show is G-Rated.
The Trolley is not wheelchair accessible and if you have trouble walking or getting up and down steps this program may not be for you.
Ridgewood Winery is located at 2039 Philadelphia Avenue, Birdsboro, 19508, just off the 422 bypass and Morgantown Expressway at the intersection of E Pointe Drive and Route 724.