Paradise Players put new twist on Christmas classic

Just when you thought you have already seen every rendition of the play “A Christmas Carol,” the Paradise Players put their own spin to the old classic.

The Paradise Players version of “A Christmas Carol Like Never Before” came about from six months of thought from Kathleen Hubka.  

Hubka said, “I was never not thinking about the play.”   

Hubka’s comment that her choice for Scrooge was easy, “Butch Murdock is the existential Scrooge.”   

Murdock was the central character of the play and was the center of the stage.  

“Practice started last week,” commented Murdock. 

The most time-consuming part of the production was designing, finding material and making the costumes. Costume designer Bonnie Firestone took about 2 1/2 months to build the costumes and puppets that were 12 feet in height.  

John Thorson, playing Charles Dickens said, “Bonnie is a genius behind the costumes and puppets.”  

Bonne Firestone said, “I think of myself as a female MacGyver using lots of duct tape, hot glue and recycled curtains.” 

The storyline follows the main theme of other versions of “A Christmas Carol.” Charles Dickens, played by John Thorson, is on the sideline authoring and narrating the book as the play proceeds. The central figure is the grumpy, tightwad boss named Scrooge, played by Murdock, who hates Christmas.  

As each of the ghosts appear showing Scrooge his past, his present and his future. Scrooge slowly softens his stance on Christmas. 

Three performances of the play were made last week. Sixty-eight people attended the performances. Cast members on stage were Butch Murdock, John Thorson and Hailee Steinback.  

Voices behind the curtain were Heather Allen, Robert Reese, Diana Stacy and Bonnie Firestone. Sound and Lights were operated by Wendy Artz. The director was Kathleen Hubka. 

Saturday play attendee Ashley Jelich said, “It was wonderful. I always love to see this group. They always do an exceptional job.”

    Butch Murdock as Scrooge with Ghost of Christmas Present played by Rashell Jones. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)