Nebraska Theatre Caravan production of 'A Christmas Carol' returning to River campus

A group of players who have been performing the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" for 40 years is coming to the River Campus next month.

"A Christmas Carol" will be performed Dec. 3 at the River Campus. (Submitted photo)

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, which travels the country each Christmas season, will perform the musical at the Bedell Performance Hall.

"This is the best production of 'A Christmas Carol' out there," said Bob Cerchio, assistant director of the Holland School of Performing Arts at Southeast Missouri State University. "They have brought it to near perfection. They have polished it and polished it until it's just as shiny as can be."

Cerchio is responsible for booking the touring shows at the River Campus and said this play is returning for a second year.

"It was so successful, we brought it back," he said. "After the show last year, everybody who walked out had a smile on their face."

With a cast of about 30 -- and even more parts, as some cast members have more than one role -- the production is a grand affair, Cerchio said. Every aspect of the production is artfully done, and the entire show, from the sets to the music, is outstanding.

"A Christmas Carol" will be performed Dec. 3 at the River Campus. (Submitted photo)

What makes the music special in this play is instead of creating an original score for the production, the songs are all traditional Christmas carols, which have been woven into the storyline.

So, in addition to seeing a classic Christmas play, the audience will be treated to hearing some of their favorite Christmas tunes.

The play is family friendly, but Cerchio said when the Ghost of Christmas Future makes his entrance, some of the children were a little scared.

"Last year there were two little girls, who were in separate seats and after the Ghost of Christmas Future appeared, they were sitting in the same seat with their arms around each other," Cerchio said.

Considering the subject matter, that's to be expected from younger audience members.

"After all, it does deal with ghosts," he said. "The future is a scary thing."

"A Christmas Carol" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. It runs for an hour and 45 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.

Ticket prices range from $38 to $44. Tickets are available now and may be purchased by calling the River Campus box office at (573) 651-2265 or by visiting rivercampusevents.com. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be open from 9 a.m. until show time Dec. 3.

Pertinent address:

518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.