A beloved tale with a local twist is the perfect way to celebrate the season this December.
The and Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 New Vintage Theatre present A Kelowna Christmas Carol Dec. 14 to 21.
Set during the Depression and presented with music, Bonnie Gratz91裸聊视频檚 brand new reimagining of Charles Dickens91裸聊视频� A Christmas Carol weaves local characters based on real people with familiar characters like Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and of course, and Tiny Tim.
91裸聊视频淚 thought about our city and how generous people are and what would happen if we put some of those people into a Dickensian story?91裸聊视频� says Gratz, noting the play91裸聊视频檚 places and scenarios are all based on historical fact. 91裸聊视频淚t makes it so unique and special because you know these people have lived.91裸聊视频�
A historical road well-researched
Visiting the Kelowna museum to research the city91裸聊视频檚 people, places and events, 91裸聊视频淚 found the best time period to set this kind of tale is the early 1930s,91裸聊视频� Gratz says.
Despite challenges of the Depression, for example, 91裸聊视频減eople were demonstrating what sharing and kindness and caring for community could be.91裸聊视频�
Local notables
Among the many notable people met through her research, Gratz recalls Dr. Benjamin Boyce and his wife Mary, the community91裸聊视频檚 first doctor and pharmacist, who figure prominently in her play. Covering a massive area from Vernon to the U.S. border, they treated everyone from all socio-economic backgrounds, often receiving little to no compensation for their work.
91裸聊视频淲hat they did was superhuman,91裸聊视频� Gratz suggests. Because they couldn91裸聊视频檛 have their own children, 91裸聊视频淚 think they really looked at the task of caring for the community as caring for their own family. These kinds of things work well within a Dickensian story.91裸聊视频�
A family message
With actors of all ages represented on stage, that family dynamic has grown throughout the rehearsal process, says Gratz, who welcomed historians and characters91裸聊视频� descendants to provide the actors with additional perspective.
Each performance will be hosted by one of those descendants, complementing that timelessness of the story and its message.
91裸聊视频淒uring a really busy time of year when the focus can be on sales, it really puts into perspective what the holiday should be for,91裸聊视频� Gratz says. 91裸聊视频淎nd for many people, A Christmas Carol really highlights the importance of caring for your fellow man.91裸聊视频�
runs on select nights, Dec. 14 to 21, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25/adult, $20/senior/member and $15/student/child.
***
is a proud member of PACT 91裸聊视频� The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres founded in 2012 to create and produce new works and remount the classics in captivating ways.
