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Last Thursday, the Brewton Council of the Arts and Brewton Town and Gown Players presented ‘A Christmas Carol.’

A long anticipated event, the cast spent months preparing for the 4-day production.

With the opening performance held on Thursday night, many community leaders, students and teachers, family and friends filled the seats of the auditorium of the Coastal Alabama Community College.

Directed by Stephen Billy, the traditional play was written by Charles Dickens and adapted to the stage by Romulus Linney.

Special thanks was extended to the Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Brewton Area YMCA, Coastal Alabama Community College, Jim Peach Motors, and Pensacola Little Theatre.

‘A Christmas Carol’ depicts the story of a business man named Ebenezer Scrooge. The lively “Scrooge,” was played by Perry M. Jones.

Recalling the play from childhood, Director Stephen Billy shared, “I can remember playing the role of Peter Cratchit when I was young and reading ‘A Christmas Carol’ for the first time, becoming familiar with the story.”

“I was fascinated by the ghosts visiting Ebenezer Scrooge and revealing glimpses of his life that left a lasting impression,” continued Billy.

Following the plot of the story, Scrooge is an angry individual who possesses an uncanny hatred for the Christmas holiday. Ungracious to many he meets and especially his one employee, Bob Cratchit, played by Will Mayo, Scrooge is visited by three spirits one Christmas Eve.

His former business partner Jacob Marley, played by Steve Billy, visits Scrooge before the spirits come. Each ghost takes Scrooge somewhere in time.

“These ‘shadows’ serve as a reminder to all of us that no matter what we have been through in the past or struggles we are currently facing in the present, there is hope for the future,” stated Billy.

By the time Christmas morning comes for Scrooge, he is a new man-thankful for Christmas and those around him. Restoring many relationships, the performance ended on a cheerful note.

“It is my wish that this production brings each audience member an abundance of Christmas cheer and will lift spirits this holiday season,” added Billy.

Many hands contributed to the successful production, as 79 cast members and 17 creative team members worked  together to create the production.

Enjoyed by all the opening performance ended with a standing ovation from the crowd.