For the second year in a row, the County Community Players are taking their holiday show on the road with multiple performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in various venues across The County.
Players board member Sara Harvey returns as director of the show, having used her past theater experience and love of Dickens’ writing to adapt the iconic holiday tale into a family-friendly, intimate, non-stage production.
“‘A Christmas Carol’ is a story, not a play,” Harvey explained. “We have turned it into a family show, making it quicker and shorter.”
After receiving a great deal of positive feedback from those who attended last year, the Players decided once again to share the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and the consequences of his lifetime of ill-gotten fortune and greed, hoping their pared-down, interactive version could have more impact than a larger, stationary stage production.
“It is a timeless tale,” said Harvey, “and we are using more intimate, cozy spaces to express the moral of the story, which remains relevant today.”
A traveling stage production can prove to be a challenge, but the Players have simplified the process by using a break-apart five-panel set that can be stacked for transportation and will fit through a standard doorway.
“It works really well,” Harvey stated. “I really like the simple design and costume changes.”
Harvey points out the most important thing is the story and language, which is enhanced by the addition of narrators, portrayed once again by parent-child duo Parker and Silver Smith.
“By adding narrators, you can hear a lot of Dickens’ writing,” said Harvey. “The wording still comes from Dickens, but we made it a little easier to digest for younger audience members.”
Also returning to the production is Player member Belen Dougherty, joined this year by real-life husband Griffin Goins and their children, Emma and Olivia, as members of the long-suffering Cratchit family.
Another child of Smith’s, Pip, is also joining the cast as Peter Cratchit, making the performances a true-life family affair.
In total, the show features 12 actors, including Harvey, alternating among the portrayal of 23 characters. Rob Hall Jr., who began his stint with the Players in the 2025 spring production of “Pride & Prejudice,” joins the cast as main character Ebeneezer Scrooge.
“I’m grateful to be working with the County Community Players again,” Hall stated. “Playing Scrooge is rewarding because of his journey from cold indifference to heartfelt remorse, and, finally, redemption.”
With the success of last year’s shows, Harvey is optimistic that the traveling production can remain a Players annual tradition and is encouraging audience feedback. The show runs about an hour long, and there will be free cookies and cocoa available for audience members to enjoy at each performance.
“It’s the Christmas season, so there is lots going on,” Harvey concluded, “but we hope that families can stop by, settle in, enjoy a treat and some cozy story time.”
There will be six performances of CCP’s “A Christmas Carol” over two weekends. Performances are:
Saturday, Dec. 6: 12 p.m. at St. Francis Community Center, and then 6 p.m. at the Van Buren Community Center.
Sunday, Dec. 7: 2 p.m. at the Fort Fairfield VFW Post.
Friday, Dec. 12: 6 p.m. at the Mars Hill Recreation Center.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. at the Sargent Family Community Center in Presque Isle.
The seating arrangements in the smaller venues are limited, so it is recommended to purchase tickets early online at thecountyplayers.org.
Tickets will also be available at the door, $10 for adults and $5 for children.
