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'Christmas Carol' finds new vibe in LPO production

by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
Staff Writer | December 20, 2024 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — While it’s been a lot of work to get to opening day, the cast of "A Christmas Carol" is excited to unveil the Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theatre production. 

The classic Charles Dickens story has been given a new twist, updated from Victorian England to the United States in the 1970s. But the heart of the novella remains — redemption and transformation, generosity and social responsibility, and the spirit of Christmas. 

Staying in the classic novel's original era didn't appeal but director Tim Bangle found similarities between the mid-1840s and the post-Vietnam 1970s. The result is a modern spin on the timeless classic. 

"I want (people) to come to the show with an open mind. This is not 'A Christmas Carol' that they are ready for, but I hope that it's the 'Christmas Carol' that they needed," Bangle said. "I think that's what makes it so powerful for us involved, is that as a society, culture, and world that we're living in right now, it's pretty grim, right? So, the arc that we take Scrooge on at the end — I hope that it touches people's hearts and promotes them to walk out of the theater with a different perspective on how to treat people day to day." 

The three ghosts — Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future — have been transformed, with Christmas Future now portrayed via a puppet to symbolize the burdens that Ebenezer Scrooge carries and to remind him to not repeat past mistakes and what is truly important. 

To add further magic to Scrooge's interactions with the spirit world, Bangle incorporated a cadre of dancers — the brothers and sisters of Christmas Present — creating a more expansive world. Throughout the play, dance is used to expand the spirit world and its connection with the play's characters. 

"It adds such a beautiful element to the story," Bangle said. "We have three big dance numbers with just the dancers, but I also use them for scene changes, and they interact with the story multiple times throughout." 

The dance element is particularly powerful when Jacob Marley visits Scrooge to warn him of the three ghosts' imminent arrival. 

"It's really the most powerful interaction," Bangle said. "Michael Bigley, who plays Marley, has got three ropes binding him as he steps into the real world. The dancers, who are just behind him, do this choreography on stage to manipulate the ropes to constantly keep him in lockdown mode, and he can't get away. It's a pretty powerful scene." 

Christmas Past, set in the 1920s, 1930s and 1950s, is played by Kate Hill, taking Scrooge back to his childhood and beginning of his career as a young man. Christmas Present, played by Angel Rogers, is a carefree hippie. 

"It's a very laid-back, carefree, very-in-the-moment approach, and it's spectacular," Bangle said. 

Bangle took a completely different approach to Christmas Future, with the event taking place in the 2000s. At first, the play's director said he wasn't sure how to portray the final of the three ghosts who visit Scrooge. 

Then, inspiration struck. Instead of casting an actor to take on the role, the crew built an eight-and-a-half-foot puppet to fill the role. Cory Repass, who was cast as Scrooge, is able to maneuver the head around; the dancers control the arms. 

"Future is fun … The reason for that choice is that Scrooge goes through Past to remind him of what he kind of gave up in the pursuit of wealth and greed. And Present is there to remind him to open his eyes to what he has in front of him," Bangle said. 

The ability to make a positive difference in the world, and endless opportunities to live a better life. By transforming the often-silent character, Bangle said he is able to give a visual representation of Scrooge's choices. 

"It seemed fitting to have a puppet that he wears because it's kind of the burden of his choices if he doesn't change his ways," he added. "… It's Scrooge carrying his own burden of the choices that he's made throughout his life." 

Repass embodies what the former miser becomes — kind, compassionate and determined to help others. 

"That's something where we wanted to have Scrooge have, taking his natural state of being in real life and just forcing him to be angry in the beginning of the show seemed very logical," Bangle said of the lead actor. "He's done brilliant, beginning the show in one way and carrying it through to this completely different person." 

Bangle's storytelling is a mix of mediums and genres, blending film, dance, and stage. By incorporating the dancers and the puppet, as well as film and the mix of eras selected for the LPO production, the audience is brought into the play on several levels. 

It helps, the director said, to tell the story in a way that connects on a deeper level with the audience. 

"The biggest message in the script is within the past, present and the future: Remember where you came from, live for today, and remember the choices you make today are going to affect who you are tomorrow," Bangle said. "Be grateful for the people that are in your life." 

Assisting with the production were Valarie Moore, props designer; Kristin Smith, stage manager; Steven Hammond, assistant director; Vicki Turnbull, costume designer; Laurie Buck of Studio 1, choreographer; and Suzann McLamb, movement/choreographer. 

Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21; 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21; 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22; and 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22. Donations are being accepted at all performances for the Bonner Community Food Bank. 

Information: lporep.com

    "A Christmas Carol" cast photo of Cory Repass as Ebenezer Scrooge.
 
 
    "A Christmas Carol" cast photo of Michael Bigley as the ghost of Jacob Marley.
 
 
    "A Christmas Carol" cast photo of Kate Hill as the Ghost of Christmas Past.
 
 
    "A Christmas Carol" cast photo of Angel Rogers as the Ghost of Christmas Present.
 
 


    Belle, Ebenezer Scrooge's former fiancée, is pictured with her family in a postcard created for Lake Pend Oreille Repertory Theatre's adaptation of "A Christmas Carol". Directed by Tim Bangle, the play opens today, Dec. 20, and continues through the weekend.