QUARRYVILLE, PA — Solanco High School Drama Troupe #1004 will present a new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday novella, A Christmas Carol, November 19–21 at Solanco High School.

Adapted for the stage by Solanco High School English teacher, John Allen Biles, this new production brings Dickens’ timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the spirits of Christmas, and the power of redemption to life. Audiences will follow Scrooge through one unforgettable Christmas Eve as he is forced to confront his past, present, and future—and ultimately discover that it is never too late to change.

Mr. Biles, who also directs Solanco High School’s musicals, has spent over 25 years involved in theater as an actor, director, and producer. His one-act Running With Scissors was produced at The American Theatre of Actors in New York City in 2003. Prior to joining the Solanco High School faculty, he was the artistic director of The Company of Pittsburgh theater company and performed on stage regionally at professional theater companies such as North Shore Music Theater, The Pittsburgh Public Theater (now Confluence Theater of Pittsburgh), the Montgomery Theater, and Pittsburgh Musical Theater.

The production features an ensemble of Solanco High School students led by senior Jedidiah King as Ebenezer Scrooge. Joining King in the principal roles are seniors Ben Ginter as Marley, Grace West as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tony Koch as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Cooper Fuller as Fred, Scrooge’s nephew.

Sophomore Weston Young portrays Bob Cratchit, with freshman Anthony Pizzulli making his debut as Tiny Tim.

The supporting cast includes seniors Eli Remsberg and Morgan Krauss as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, as well as sophomores Emma Gilman as Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge’s housemaid; Ella McGrath as Fan Cratchit, Bob’s wife; and Ruby Wagner as Belle, Scrooge’s former fiancée.

The rest of the ensemble cast includes seniors Tom King, Jangel Ortiz, Reed Morehouse, and Brianna Null; juniors Emmett Bonilla, Brianna Eller, Jaedyn Fairfield, and Travis Gatta; sophomores, Hunter Alexander, Clara Belmont, Nina Brown, Ellie Clark, Kinley Clark, Adelyn Hetrick, Kayden Johnson, Aoife McAndrews, Gia Mencer, Addie Morgan, Connor Phelan, Adriana Pugh and Aurora Remaley; and freshmen Cooper Boros, Brette Dawley, Kian McCauley, and Harper Ryan. The student stage managers are senior Braelyn Zander and junior Alexis Foley.

The production is directed by Mr. Dillon Maurer, with Mr. John Allen Biles serving as Production Stage Manager. Ms. Anna Rineer is the Costume Designer. Set construction is being completed by Mr. Todd Brown and his construction class, whose work will help transform the Solanco stage into Victorian London.

From acting and costumes to lighting, sound, stage management, and set construction, Solanco students are involved in virtually every aspect of bringing the production to life.

While A Christmas Carol is a familiar story to many, this new adaptation offers audiences an opportunity to experience Dickens’ classic tale in a dark and spooky theatrical setting while retaining the humor, heart, and spirit of the original.

Performance Information

WHAT: A Christmas Carol
Adapted by: John Allen Biles
Based on the novella by: Charles Dickens
Produced by: Solanco High School Drama Troupe #1004
Directed by: Dillon Maurer
Production Stage Manager: John Allen Biles
Costume Designer: Anna Rineer
Set Construction: Todd Brown and the Solanco Construction Class

PERFORMANCES:
Thursday, November 19 — 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 20 — 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 21 — 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 21 — 7:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF A SOLANCO HS FOOTBALL PLAYOFF GAME ON 11/20, THE FRIDAY PERFORMANCE WOULD BE CANCELLED.

LOCATION: Solanco High School

About Solanco High School Drama Troupe #1004

Solanco High School Drama Troupe #1004 is the school’s chapter of the International Thespian Society and provides students with opportunities to develop their skills in acting, technical theater, design, stage management, and other areas of theatrical production. The troupe’s productions are made possible through the dedication of students, faculty, families, and community members who work together to bring live theater to the Solanco community.