THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996 TAG: 9611010195
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JO-ANN CLEGG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 61 lines
With a major new production of Dickens' ``Christmas Carol'' scheduled to hit the boards at the Pavilion this holiday season, the staff of Commonwealth Musical Stage is on the lookout for a few good angels.
That's angels in the theatrical sense of the word, as in people or businesses with a little extra cash and a commitment to using it for brightening the lives of others.
The theatrical company that has brought such favorites as ``My Fair Lady'' and ``Gypsy'' to the Pavilion Theater is planning to showcase its own newly commissioned adaptation of the Christmas classic Dec. 18 as a holiday treat for some very special people.
Commonwealth will underwrite 50 percent of the cost of the performance but is seeking help from the community for the rest.
Tickets sell for $20 each. Sponsors are asked to underwrite $10 of the cost of each ticket.
``We want to make this evening a holiday treat for people who might not otherwise be able to attend,'' said Jeff Meredith, the company's producing director.
Among those who will benefit from the community support are financially disadvantaged citizens - especially seniors, physically and emotionally challenged persons, and troubled youths.
What they'll get to see is a production about which Meredith and local cast members are particularly enthusiastic.
``This is the first original musical work the company has done and we think it's going to be spectacular,'' said Meredith.
The show will be performed in the ``sung-through'' manner reminiscent of contemporary Broadway shows, but the costumes will be authentic 19th century English.
Designed locally by the Costume Collective, they have already drawn rave reviews from those who have seen them on display in Pembroke Mall and at a recent Virginia Wesleyan College fashion show.
``There's a lot of interest in this show,'' said Meredith, who added that four performances for schools have already sold out.
In addition to those and the show scheduled for special populations, there will be six performances for the general public between Dec. 19 and 22. Tickets for the general public are available through Ticket Master, the Pavilion Theater Box Office, First Virginia Bank branches and Commonwealth Musical Stage. MEMO: Individuals and businesses willing to underwrite the cost of
tickets for special populations should call Commonwealth Musical Stage
at 340-5446.
Tickets for the general public are available through Ticket Master, the
Pavilion Theater Box Office, First Virginia Bank branches and
Commonwealth Musical Stage. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
Costumes from ``A Christmas Carol'' are displayed at Virginia
Wesleyan College to hlep[sic] raise funds for tickets to the show
for charitable groups. by CNB