Confusing Christmas a great stage show

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Seven on-stage actors, a back-stage crew and over 60 characters to make the stage. “It’s confusing as all get out - I’m even lost!” says Lisa Newcombe, “the star” - “it’s in the script!,” she says - of Berwick Community Theatre’s latest production, “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol.” “With all the different characters playing all the different characters, it’s definitely fun - we’re having as much fun on-stage as backstage.”

Melissa Reeves says the play’s costumes “are incredible. “Judith Wells has been working really hard,” Reeves says. While she herself is in charge of hair - there are countless wigs, each actor requires a quick change to get back on stage as one of 60 characters. “There are a lot of costume changes - a lot of velcro and layers!”

The play’s sub-title, “A Travelling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts,” says it all. A company of actors, played by Berwick Community Theatre actors, is set to stage the classic Christmas Carol, only Bettina, the star, fakes illness opening night, thinking the play will be cancelled without her. Instead, the understudy is called upon, “and I come in and fight the girl who’s taking my place,” Newcombe says.

There are many laughs, lots of confusion and the chance for Berwick Community Theatre to perform in front of supporters who enjoy their spring and Christmas productions.

The show runs Nov. 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m.; and again Nov. 29, 8 p.m. at the Christ Church Anglican Hall, Commercial Street, Berwick. Admission is just $5, and foodbank donations will also be accepted.