While Halloween is rapidly approaching, we’re already getting into the holiday spirit here at Encore as we rehearse A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol, which will cheer audiences at Gunston Arts Center December 2-4, 2016. Classic fairy tale characters meld with the (literal) Christmas spirits of Dickens’ timeless holiday tale in this wacky retelling that is quickly becoming a staple of Encore’s season.
We were lucky enough to meet with the fearless and fabulous leader of this kooky crew, director Kelsey Meiklejohn, to learn a bit more about the show and the rehearsal process.
Encore: Who is your current favorite fairy tale character? Who was it growing up?
Kelsey: It is so difficult to choose a favorite, but I would have to say the Little Mermaid. Not just because of her red hair, but because she had this never-ending desire to learn and experience life beyond what she already knew.
I always thought the Little Mermaid was my favorite fairy tale character growing up, but my mother swears I wouldn’t stop playing Alice in Wonderland unless they hid the VHS tape. I’m pretty sure I enjoyed the adventures and different perspectives Alice has to look at things through. Literally, because she goes from being normal-sized to very tall to very small throughout her journey.
Encore: What’s been the best part of the rehearsal process?
Kelsey: It has been really exciting watching the kids make the connections between the traditional Dickens’ story and how their fairy tale characters fit into that world. There are lots of light bulb moments where the jokes suddenly make sense, or an Easter egg is there for the audience to pick up on. It’s inspiring to see those moments of discovery.
Encore: Which parts of the classic Christmas Carol will audiences recognize?
Kelsey: The core story remains the same, with Scrooge and the ghosts that visit to help him find the heart of Christmas. The only change is who represents the characters and fun opportunities the fairy tale characters offer to actors and audiences. And don’t worry there are plenty of “Humbugs!” too!
Encore: What do you enjoy most about working with young theatre-makers?
Kelsey: Their excitement and ideas! Really, there is never an “I don’t know” moment in rehearsals with this cast. We come upon something a little tricky or magical and, instead of scratching our heads waiting for theatre-magic to offer a solution, these kids have thirty different exciting ways to play a moment, make a transition, or drive their character forward. The process is really just about helping them focus the spectacular insight they bring to the table.
Encore: Describe A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol in five words or short phrases.
Kelsey: Fun, packed with Christmas spirit, imaginative, not your average Scrooge, and magical.
Encore: Any advice for first-time theatre-goers?
Kelsey: Join us in the moment and let the rest of the world fall away for a brief journey with us. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy yourself!
Thanks to Kelsey for taking the time to share with us! We can’t wait to see the show!
Click here to buy your tickets to A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol today! Tickets can be purchased online, by calling (703) 548-1154, or by contacting boxoffice@encorestage.org. If you plan on bringing half the village (or least ten people), be sure to take advantage of our group sales tickets, which are only $8!
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol runs December 2-4 at Gunston Arts Center (2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22206).
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016 Arts Apprentice