A Behind the Scenes Look at A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol has been a beloved holiday tradition at the Omaha Community Playhouse for 37 years. Families across the country are drawn every year to this magical production of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story. Have you ever wondered how A Christmas Carol comes together every year? The process is long and complex and requires the help of an experienced and dedicated production staff. Last year NET filmed the entire process and is airing the special one-hour documentary “From Casting Call To Curtain Call” on Friday, November 16.

A Christmas Carol is a huge undertaking every year. Not only does OCP produce its Mainstage production but it also puts on touring versions through the professional touring arm, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. October and November are a few of the busiest months of the year, as the production staff works diligently to coordinate the precisely choreographed rehearsal schedules of multiple full scale productions. NET documented every aspect of the Mainstage process by filming auditions, rehearsals and performances up until closing night. The documentary features interviews and special commentary from Directors Carl Beck, Susie Collins and Amy Lane, Musical Director Jim Boggess and Stage Manager Jeanne Shelton. Cast members share their thoughts on the production process and how they work to provide the same level of authenticity to their characters as in past years. For some, it is their first year; for others, it is their 25th year. Nonetheless they must all work together to create the memorable characters and scenes that make A Christmas Carol a true holiday classic. Nearly one hundred people, mostly volunteers, make these shows come to life. While A Christmas Carol may be a complex production, experienced staff members and a dedicated team of volunteers make the process work like clockwork. After Jerry Longe takes the last bow as Ebenezer Scrooge on closing night, the sets get torn down, props get stored and costumes get put aways until next year.

See A Christmas Carol this holiday season, and watch as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly crafted sets and special effects second to none. Perfect for the whole family! Be sure to check out the NET documentary: “Casting Call to Curtain Call” on Friday November 16, to catch an in-depth look at the making of A Christmas Carol.

Tickets are on sale now, and the show runs Nov. 16-Dec. 23 in the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre. Tickets: Before Dec. 15, $35 (adults) $24 (students), Dec. 15-23, $39 (adults) $28 (students); Groups of 12 or more: $32 (adults) $18 (students). There are no Twilight tickets. Call (402) 553-0800, click here or come in.


Story by Ryan Murray