Original Musical Based on A Christmas Carol debuts in Somers Point, NJ in December

[emanon100]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 12:35am

Somers Point, NJ, (September 21, 2023) – The Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point, NJ, in conjunction with the Shaken Not Stirred Players, will be presenting A New London Christmas Carol, an original musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale about Ebenezer Scrooge.

A New London Christmas Carol is conceived and written by local educator, director and actor Charles “Chip” Garrison, with music and lyrics by local educator, actor and musician Brian Conover.  Both Garrison and Conover are well-known theater presenters in the South Jersey area.

Chip Garrison has been the Drama Teacher/Director of Absegami High School’s award-winning drama program, the Emanon Players, for the past 34 years.  He has also appeared in the musicals “The Sound of Music”, “The Music Man”, and “Annie Get Your Gun” with Sojourn productions, and had directed many non-musicals at Dante Hall and at the Smithville Show Barn.

Brian Conover is the lead singer and keyboard player for Hawkins Road, a South Jersey band that has been playing at the shore and regionally for more than 30 years.  Brian has also written and sung many local jingles that can be heard on South Jersey radio everyday.  He has been a theater and music teacher at Galloway Township Middle School for 28 years.

“Brian and I have partnered to direct and music direct high school musicals for 25+ years,” said Mr. Garrison, “and have always joked about writing our own.  Well, we finally sat down to write together in the summer of 2022.  And, I must say, this musical is no joke.”

“After its very well-received debut with the Emanon Players drama club of Absegami High School in December 2022,” continued Mr. Conover, “we’ve spent 2023 editing, rewriting, and making this version of our musical even better.”

A New London Christmas Carol sets the classic story of Scrooge in modern-day New London, Connecticut, with the Scrooge character replaced by a female protagonist, Belle Anderson.

Debby Jenkins and Jim Dalfonso of the Shaken Not Stirred Players, who have produced, directed and performed in many wonderful theater works locally, are producing A New London Christmas Carol as part of their initiative to present new, original and locally written works at the historic Gateway Playhouse on Bay Avenue.

“The Shaken Not Stirred Players are thrilled to produce this stunning new work by local artists,” stated Ms. Jenkins. “It's the perfect combination of traditional holiday fare and exciting new material that every December show needs.  Audiences will laugh, cry, and surely leave the theater humming their new favorite songs.”

The cast includes two dozen talented actors from the local community, many making their Gateway debuts.  “I actually performed here at the Gateway MANY years ago,” remarked Mr. Conover.  “In December of 1979, as The Artful Dodger in ‘Oliver!’, and later as Hero in ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ in December of 1984.  I’m tickled to be returning 39 years later to this wonderful little theater by the bay.”

Also involved with the project are: choreographer Julie Moore;  set and lighting designer Peter Avagliano; orchestrator Jim Glenn; sound designer Ed Johnson; and production stage manager Stephanie Paton.

Performances of A New London Christmas Carol will be on December 7th at 7pm, December 8th at 7pm, and on December 9th at 2 and 7pm.  Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children.

Sponsorships are available to help defray the cost of producing live theater here in South Jersey.  To find out more information about how to be a Show Sponsor, or to purchase tickets, contact the Gateway Playhouse at 609-653-0553, or visit www.gatewaybythebay.org.

Updated On: 10/6/23 at 12:35 AM

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 8:45am

Finally, a stage version of A Christmas Carol!