Something new has been added to the Winneshiek County Historical Society’s 3rd annual “Dickens on Mill Street” celebration slated for Saturday, Dec. 7.
An evening performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” by professional actor Ray Carver, will be held at the Weiser Carriage House, located just west of First Lutheran Church in Decorah, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ray Carver has been working for over 50 years in the theatre as an actor, director, designer, playwright, and producer for community, educational, and professional theatres. Working in the Midwest, he founded two small theatres, one of which was chosen by Iowa State Capitol Centennial Commission to represent Iowa’s theatres in the State Capitol Centennial Time Capsule. The acting classes he taught were featured on the statewide Iowa public television network. In Minnesota’s Twin Cities he worked as a director and designer for several theatres in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area.
Carver also is author of many plays. Three of the plays, based on works by Mark Twain, are part of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. A published series of his plays is used in schools across the country. Coupled with acting onstage and in film (he appeared in Steven Spielberg’s film, “Lincoln”), he has performed and directed books on tape. He revitalized the after-school theatre program at a high school in Richmond, Va., and founded 3 Penny Theatre, where, for 14 years, seasoned professionals performed with and mentored young actors to create well-received productions.
Under Carver’s direction, 3 Penny Theatre mounted productions for Richmond’s Act of Faith Theatre Festival.
On the evening of Dec. 7 at the Weiser Carriage House, Carver will be performing as Scrooge’s creator Charles Dickens. He will tell the tale of the old miser, playing all the characters himself—from Scrooge to the three ghosts to the whole Cratchit family, including Tiny Tim—portraying over 40 different characters in all. Chicago’s Writer to Writer magazine editor Barbra Croft says Carver presents this classic story as “a ripping good yarn,” and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune says Carver’s work “catches the essence” of the classic tale.
Tickets for this Dec. 7 “one-performance-only event” are $15 per person and are available in advance at Kanpai Soda Shop, 404 W. Water Street; Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce, 507 W. Water Street; and at the Winneshiek Co. Historical Society, 302 S. Mill Street, during regular business hours.
Seating is limited so the public is encouraged to buy your tickets soon before they sell out. Parking at the Weiser Carriage House is on the street only but attendees may be dropped off at the door of the carriage house before vehicles are parked. Please enter from Grove Street and the west alley to drop off passengers and exit via S. Mill Street. Doors will be open at 6 p.m., with seating on a first come, first served basis.
‘Dickens on Mill Street’
The 3rd annual “Dickens on Mill Street” celebration will be held earlier in the afternoon, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Winneshiek Co. Heritage Center at 302 S. Mill Street. With something to interest all ages, the Historical Society will celebrate the legacy of Winneshiek County’s early English settlers and those descended from the English. Lemon curd tarts and other English delicacies served by a local Englishman and his wife may be sampled, brass bands and carolers will entertain, visits with Mother Christmas (the English Mrs. Claus), a children’s activity with live Dickens characters, and displays of early English settlers in Winneshiek County will be available
to enjoy for a free will donation. Horse-drawn vis-à-vis carriage rides at $5 per person and photo opportunities with a vintage sleigh will also be available.
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