The Brick Monkey Theatre Ensemble will relocate a Christmas classic from the streets of London to the hills of a Southeast Ohio mining town with An Appalachian Christmas Carol.
Stuart’s Opera House will host a sneak peek of the performance to fund a full-length production next year as well as match an Ohio Arts Council Arts Access grant. Merri Biechler, the managing director of the ensemble, said she hopes the preview will heighten demand to see the play performed to its full potential for many years to come.
"We want our neighbors to be a part of this," Biechler said. "It's a teaser, but it's an hour of awesome theater and music."
After a staged reading of the first act, audience members will be able to express their opinions on the production. According to the company's policy, the casual critiques often lead to rewrites in the script, giving area residents a voice and ownership in their local theater.
Biechler, who wrote the adaptation of the production, spent more than a year researching and developing the story.
"I did tons of research on labor unions and coal mining in the area as well as speaking with local historians," Biechler said.
The storyline will remain mostly unchanged from the Dickens classic, but Biechler said some changes have been made to celebrate the Appalachian region.
Ebenezer Scrooge will now be known simply as Eb Scrooge, a name Biechler deemed more relevant to the area. In addition, rather than a frugal money lender, Eb Scrooge is now the owner of a coal mine in Ohio.
Though seemingly different culturally, Biechler said coal miners in 19th century Ohio and England endured many similar trials and hardships.
"It’s shocking how much hasn’t changed," Biechler said. "A lot of what happened in the original fits into the adaptation."
An Appalachian Christmas Carol will feature live regional, traditional music from members of the Rattletrap String Band to make the experience even more authentic.
“It’s what you would feel like if you were going to a pro-labor meeting in that time period,” Biechler said.
Though the story portrays the plight of the underpaid working man, Biechler said she believes this night will pay homage to the area’s history.
“I want people to celebrate our community and be proud of our coal-mining heritage,” she said.
What: An Appalachian Christmas Carol, a staged reading of act one.
When: 8 tonight
Where: Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville
Admission: $10-$20
