Point Pleasant Borough High School Performing Arts Department Wraps Up A Christmas Carol
Saturday evening wrapped up the four-night run of the Point Pleasant Borough High School Performing Arts Department’s production 
of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.
Set in Victorian era England, A Christmas Carol tells the story of greedy miser Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption following supernatural visits by the ghost of former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
No stranger to Victorian England following his titular role in the district’s spring musical production of Sweeney Todd, senior John Caliendo made the apparently seamless transition into Ebenezer Scrooge.
A supporting cast including Andrew Moore as Fred, Emily Fitzgerald as Christmas Present, Spencer Blazak in the triple role of Fezziwig, Christmas Present and Solicitor, Jessica Johnson as Christmas Future, Dan Alfonse as Bob Cratchit and Joe Martin in the dual role of Henry and Dick Wilkins belied the complexity of using Old English Dialect in their pitch perfect performances.
“Although A Christmas Carol has been performed countless times on both stage and screen, each presentation has its own unique features,” said Director Ian Kearns. “The universal familiarity with the story helps the audience appreciate the subtle nuances in each of our students’ performances.”
Mr. Kearns said that while some productions have portrayed A Christmas Carol in an interpretive way, Point Pleasant High School’s production stayed true to the original story.
“We thought it was important to preserve the integrity of Dickens’ beloved holiday tale,” said Mr. Kearns.
That integrity was reflected in the beautiful costumes and elaborate set design consistent with Victorian Era England.
“Although it was written nearly 170 years ago, the story’s concepts of redemption, forgiveness and tolerance are still relevant t
oday,” continued Mr. Kearns. “My hope is that the audience will be inspired and encouraged to make a positive difference in the lives of others this holiday season and beyond.”
“When it seems as though Point Pleasant Borough High School’s Performing Arts Department cannot possibly top previous performances, their extraordinary talent proves otherwise,” said Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith. “The production of A Christmas Carol is a testament to that fact.”
And as the play was performed for near sold-out audiences, the community seemed to agree.
“I would like to once again thank the community for their continued support,” continued Superintendent Smith. “Our district’s professional caliber productions would not be possible without the support of the many staff members, students and their parents that are involved with the Performing Arts Department.”
