Salem Theater brings back familiar Christmas story

by Melody Gustafson
SALEM – If KSU students and their families are looking for some nearby holiday entertainment, the Salem Community Theatre is a fun place for all ages, whether folks are observing or participating.

Now in its 31st season, STC rings in the holiday season tonight with a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” starring Lee Iden as Ebeneezer Scrooge. This is the stage version of the story written by John Jakes, which is more family oriented and incorporates a little humor.

“We did it every year for ten years and then we put it away,” said Tammy Crissman, SCT executive director. Now Scrooge is back, and the plan is to produce the play every other year. A committed core of volunteers who maneuver the lights and props must also costume the cast of about 50 actors and actresses.

The show opens tonight at 8 p.m. and runs for two weekends, Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. On opening night the theater puts on a reception when people can mingle with the cast and crew over refreshments.

Crissman said she is the only full-time SCT employee and is hired by the board of trustees who own the building. They have recently hired John Simsic as a part-time youth director who leads the SCT Youth Chorus and works with children from ages 7 to 18. There are three youth plays or musicals each year—one for 7-9 year-olds, one for pre-teen to adult, and one blended production that brings them together.

Crissman stressed that the auditions are open to anyone in any community, regardless of age or experience. SCT is always lookingl for new faces and personalities, especially people in the 30-50 year-old range because those are the hardest roles to fill.

There will be a special performance of "A Christmas Carol" on Wednesday, Dec. 7 for those who miss the weekend shows. Tickets are $10 at the box office.