A talented group of readers and musicians will share a timeless classic for the holidays.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol A Dramatic Reading will include passages from Stratford Festival actors Sarah Dodd and Austin Eckhart, United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director Ryan Erb, musician Dayna Manning and CJCS morning show host Jamie Cottle.
The event is Dec. 8 at Avondale United Church, beginning at 7 p.m.
Founder and producer Judy Maddren will also read a passage from the Christmas classic.
Maddren said it’s the 35th anniversary of the first reading she organized in the city.
“The thing is Dickens didn’t write a movie or a play, he wrote a story. And the beauty of his writing is his words evoke our own images.”
Maddren said Dickens originally toured around, reading the story aloud to crowds and the original written words remain magical.
“He would have a thousand people come out. And it was of course lit with candles in those days. He would be larger than life, which is what the readers will try to do as well.”
Former CBC news anchor Peter Mansbridge will host and get the evening rolling.
Local fiddler and musician Dan Stacey and Kinnaris, a women’s chamber ensemble, are musical guests.
The event is a fundraiser for Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.
Tickets are available here.
