Olney Community Theatre debuts “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play”

Olney Community Theatre is making its debut with “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and subsequent performances Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The play is occurring in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Olney—the event sponsor. Attendees may park in the rear parking lot for easy access to the Fellowship Hall.

The play’s director is the Olney ISD Library Administrator Lori Cox, who has more than 20 years of directing experience, serving as the director for many Olney ISD One Act Play productions. Cox explains the origin of her idea for Olney Community Theatre.

“As a director, you get lots of emails, and as I was reviewing my emails, the script for this radio play caught my eye. So, I called Chad to see about the possibility of performing the play at the church. He thought it was a good idea,” Cox said.

There are approximately 17 cast members who play 41 characters, and Cox said they have been practicing and perfecting their performances, including their British accents to improve authenticity.

The play depicts the classic story of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” but it is told from the perspective of various characters.

“The play is a lot of fun. It is set in a 1946 New York City radio station,” Cox said. “I don’t want people to think that they will be just listening to the radio, because the cast will also act onstage. Also, there are sound effects to add to the drama.”

What is Christmas without “A Christmas Carol?” Olney Community Theatre presents a new spin on a traditional story that many people have grown to love throughout the years.

“I hope people will be transported into a radio station and experience the play from a different perspective,” Cox added.

There is a strong possibility that Olney Community Theatre may continue with other plays after the premier production if there is any interest from the community.

“I’ve had fun doing this play outside of the UIL rules associated with the One Act Plays that I direct. “I have had lots of help from a team of people who helped with various tasks to ensure an excellent production,” Cox said.

Cast members (In alphabetical order):

Katelynn Bailey, Kendall Bailey, Summer Branum, Moriah Cavitt, Adelade Edgington, Chad Edgington, Emerald Edgington, Melissa Edgington, Sawyer Edgington, Spencer Key, Calli Simmons, Hunter Simmons, Jodee Wales and Kent Wright.