April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Christmas Carol comes to Hope
This weekend the 40-year-old Hope Elementary School teacher will perform "A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show" by David Alberts at Willow Leaves of Hope, 326 Jackson St. Law will offer performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday.
"It's the first time I've ever done a one-man anything," says Law.
The hour and 10 minute adaptation of Charles Dickens' story of the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge and his transforming journey from bitterness to hope is presented as a 1940's style radio show.
When the actors become snowbound at home and are unable to make it to the studios of WXMS for their live performance on Christmas Eve, it is left to Bob Bennett, the station's manager and sound technician, to ensure the show will go on. As the snow continues to pile up outside, Bennett makes up his mind he will settle in to playing all 21 characters complete with sound effects.
As Bennett does in his performance, Law says he will use some pre-recorded sound effects, but he will also do some live. Although it's important for the audience to remember they are watching a radio show, they should also expect to participate because, after all, even radio shows had live studio audiences back in the day.
"There are parts where I have to hold up an 'applause' sign," Law says. "And at one point the audience has to say Tiny Tim's line, too."
The biggest challenge with a play like this is not only trying to find the right sound effects - despite guidelines in the script - but also easing into the flow of going from one sound effect to another, Law says.
"I'm going to be doing a lot of running around," he says. "And there will probably be mistakes, but that's what you expect with a one-man radio show."
After nearly a month of rehearsal, Law is anxious to perform this classic tale.
"I just hope people come and enjoy a night out listening to 'A Christmas Carol' being told in a little different way," he says.[[In-content Ad]]
