Enjoy "A Christmas Carol" and protect Maine’s lakes

BRIDGTON - Every holiday season, we are reminded again of how Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" has the power to transcend time and place. In his original adaptation of this immortal classic, Will Rhys, a renowned actor and director, utilizes Dickens’ own third-person narrative and lots of authentic dialogue from the story to present the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from the darkness of hurt and anger into the light of redemption and joy.

His performance on Friday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the Bridgton Academy Chapel, will get you into the holiday spirit and the proceeds will benefit the Lakes Environmental Association and our lakes. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at LEA and at the door.

Using a bare stage and a minimum of props – a couple of chairs, a stool, a lectern – Mr. Rhys evokes a vivid 19th century London and environs, from Scrooge’s counting house to the Cratchit household, from Fezziwig’s party to the “farthest ship at sea,” and a host of other settings.

Peopling all this are the characters that Dickens so richly created in this most famous of Christmas stories: Marley’s Ghost, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, the entire Cratchit Family, nephew Fred, Mr. Fezziwig, Mrs. Dilbert (Scrooge’s housekeeper) and, of course, Scrooge himself.

It has been calculated that "A Christmas Carol" has been adapted across all media more than 400 times. Mr. Rhys is proud to add his new adaptation to that remarkable number.

Directions to Bridgton Academy Chapel: At the intersection of Routes 302 and 117 in Bridgton, take Route 117 North. Follow 117 North for three miles. Turn left onto Route 37; there will be a green and white North Bridgton-Waterford sign on the right. About one-half mile down on Route 37, take a left at the sign for Bridgton Academy. As you drive up the hill, the Academy Building will be directly in front of you. Park in the Visitor Parking between the Academy Building and the Chapel (on your right.)

For more information or ticket reservations, contact LEA at 647-8580 or roberta@leamaine.org.

Will Rhys Photo:

Will Rhys