Olivia Spiezio, Campus Carrier Asst. Online Editor
“A Crumby Christmas, Carol” is a collaborative project written by members of Berry College Theatre Company and Easy Baked Improv. The production was almost entirely student-run, with cast members providing their own costumes and props. The show debuts Thursday, and it’s quite the holiday spectacle.
The show follows Carol, a girl born on Christmas who feels resentment towards the holiday for taking up her birthday, and Chad, a boy who tries desperately and poorly to earn his place on the nice list.
They are being watched by good-natured buffoon Ditzen and the Elf on the Shelf. Ditzen wants to redeem himself after failing every job he has attempted, leading Mr. Shelf to send him to Vermont to watch after Chad, whose backwards, misunderstood and arguably sociopathic attempts at the nice list get him more coal than presents.
Meanwhile, Carol is the high-strung metropolitan twenty-something who enjoys organic groceries and anything not related to Christmas. Her disgruntled outlook on the holidays and her unending search for peace play out alongside the story of Chad. Their stories eventually connect in an amusing way when the Elf on the Shelf decides to “channel” Ebeneezer Scrooge.
The acting was over the top and exuberant, but that was exactly what the fantastical script called for. Being a collaborative project between the theatre company and the improv troupe, the acting requires a firm grasp on comedic timing and knowledge of improvisation, and that was something that the cast had in abundance.
The actors took advantage of the many entrances and exits from the sparse but expressive set. The furnishings on stage included a highly decorated Christmas tree and a large Oriental rug. The floor was snow dusted, with footprints traveling around the stage.
The set gives room for a wandering imagination as to the surroundings in the scene. It also leaves room for the actors to mime props.
References in the script range from pop culture references to acknowledging the growing consumer-based nature of Christmas, and all are handled appropriately.
The difficulties of the holidays play themselves out through the diverse personalities and views onstage and come together for a truly amusing and entertaining show.
Junior Sophia Brommet was the stage manager of the production. She said she really enjoyed being involved in the process of the show and getting to know the cast and crew.
“[The show is] cute and a lot of fun,” Brommet said. “I think it’ll really get people in the Christmas spirit.”
“A Crumby Christmas, Carol” opens Thursday and runs through Sunday. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is a monetary donation that will be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Berry College Theatre Company travel fund.
Those who donate over $10 will receive access to the Winter Wonderland Party in which they can meet Santa and eat delicious treats. Reservations can be made by calling 706-236-2263.