ONLINE PROGRAM
One Christmas Carol
play by DOUGLAS H. BAKER
based on the book by CHARLES DICKENS
performed by NATASCHA GIRGIS
ONE CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. www.dramatists.com
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production or distributing recordings on any medium, including the Internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author’s rights and actionable under copyright law.
All production photography by TIM NGUYEN.
December 8th to 23rd, 2024
Sun, Dec 8 at 7pm
Mon, Dec 9 at 7 pm
Wed, Dec 11 at 7pm
Sun, Dec 15 at 7pm
Mon, Dec 16 at 7 pm
Wed, Dec 18 at 2pm
Sun, Dec 22 at 7pm
Mon, Dec 23 at 7 pm
running time:
85 minute show
SHOW SUMMARY
With one actor and over 35 distinct characters, this one-man tour de force is an intimate and spirited evening of theatre that everyone in the family will love! Utilizing only three unmatched chairs, Dickens’ famous story about selfishness and selflessness is stripped down to its bare essence, forgoing the usual opulence of the holidays and focusing on what is of utmost importance during the season. Dickens’ colorful characters are all present— Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchitt, Tiny Tim, Fezziwig, Belle, the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future— springing to new life with a treasure trove of moral lessons for one and all. God bless us,
every one!
Summary courtesy of Stage Rights
"The experience of the pandemic has taught us all the necessity of living in the past, the present, and the future. This production is... the perfect encapsulation of theatre's healing and catharsis. How can anyone leave this show and not feel merry and light? Live theatre is back, and in the words of Tiny Tim, god bless
us everyone."
– Entertainment Weekly
RATING: PG | 10+
Read more about show ratings and recommendations >
Video courtesy of StoryBook Theatre, starring Natascha Girgis, directed by JP Thibodeau.
Production Inclusion Statistics
50% FEMALE/NON-BINARY
REPRESENTATION
25% MARGINALIZED REPRESENTATION
12.5% BIPOC
REPRESENTATION
37.5% LGBTQIA2S+
REPRESENTATION
ABOUT THE CREATORS
CHARLES DICKENS
Charles Dickens was a nineteenth-century British author and editor who wrote novels, short stories, comics, and novellas. He produced some of the most famous books of his time, including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, and A Christmas Carol. Dickens started his career writing humorous sketches and comics for periodicals, some of which he published himself. He is known for his stark portraits of the underclass in Victorian-era London, highlighting the wealth gap and making his readers more socially aware. His work continues to influence literature and pop culture, with many of his works taught to young readers.
Courtesy of Charles Dickens Info
DOUGLAS H. BAKER
Douglas H. Baker has an extensive background in professional and educational theatre. He was a member of Actors Equity Association for 23 years, he performed for a wide variety of regional, stock and touring companies, as well as having made numerous appearances in film and television. Baker has written two Las Vegas productions: Winds of the Gods for the Luxor Hotel and Tournament of Kings for the Excalibur Hotel, where he performed the leading role of Merlin the Master for over 10 years. His solo adaptation ONE CHRISTMAS CAROL had its premiere in 1995 at the Lady Luck Casino in Las Vegas. Mr. Baker performed ONE CHRISTMAS CAROL in and around Las Vegas and nationally before passing the play down to his son Kellan to perform and later to his youngest son J. Max.
Courtesy of Broadway World
FROM THE DIRECTOR
For years, I’ve dreamed of bringing a particular show to the StoryBook stage, but I always struggled to find the right moment. In 2023, I decided it was time—there was a deep belief that this production, led by an extraordinary talent, would be something truly special. It was a venture I was certain deserved to be fully explored.
Now, after the resounding success of the 2023 production, I am absolutely thrilled to bring it back in 2024. The experience we created together last year was nothing short of magical, and I am incredibly excited to share this incredible show with our audiences once more.
From the very beginning, I knew that Natascha, one of Calgary’s most gifted actors, would bring something remarkable to this production. Her commitment, her passion, and her talent have elevated this show in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Watching Natascha bring her vision to life has been an absolute joy. Her meticulous planning, bold choices, and deep understanding of the material have transformed this production into a masterclass in storytelling.
As the director, I have had the privilege of working alongside Natascha, and it has been nothing short of inspiring. She has poured herself into every moment of this performance, and the result is something truly extraordinary. Natascha’s ability to connect with the audience, to make the story feel fresh and deeply personal, is a gift to witness. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that this show will continue to captivate and inspire.
I am equally grateful to Em Noonan, our exceptional stage manager, whose leadership of the technical aspects of this production has been nothing short of outstanding. Em’s dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment have ensured that every element of this show runs smoothly, and the technical execution has been flawless. Their contribution has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
This production is also dedicated to the incredible Roberta Mauer Phillips, whose support and guidance in directing last year’s show were invaluable. While she could not join us this year, her influence remains a vital part of this production. We dedicate this show to her, and we are deeply thankful for everything she brought to the project.
The 2024 revival promises to be even more powerful than before. I am beyond excited to see it come to life once again and to share it with those who have supported local theatre throughout this journey. This is a production that has left an indelible mark on all of us, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure with us. On behalf of Natascha, Em, Roberta, our talented cast, and the entire team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes for the happiest of holidays. We can’t wait to welcome you back for this unforgettable production!
Sincerely,
JP Thibodeau
Director
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THE COMPANY
THE CAST
Narrator Natascha Girgis
THE CREW
Director JP Thibodeau
Assistant Director Roberta Mauer Phillips
Stage Manager Emmett Noonan
Wardrobe Designer Darcie Howe
Lighting Designer JP Thibodeau
Sound Designer & Programming Ross Wilson
Sound Operator Paul Davies
Sound Operator Aretha Smith
Spotlight Operator Keith Thomson
SBT Artistic Producer JP Thibodeau
Operations Administrator Cale Thompson
Front of House & Volunteer Coordinator Nicholas Bishop
Office Administrator Eva Stieber
Director of Marketing & Graphic Design Jennifer Merio
Marketing Coordinator Mackenzie Devlin
Show Photography Tim Nguyen
MEET THE CAST
Natascha Girgis - Narrator
One Christmas Carol is Natascha's debut at StoryBook Theatre.
Selected: Dark Lady, Complete History Abridged, Blues in the Night (LBT); Mousetrap, Humble Boy, Counsellor-At-Law (TC); Drowning Girls (Cross Canada Tour); In Wonderland, Around the World in 80 Days, Blue Light (ATP); Dracula: Bloody Truth, Sherlock Holmes, Ends of the Earth, Mystery of Edwin Drood (Vertigo); Nine Dragons (Gateway); Becoming Dr. Ruth (TNW); The Gig (Aquarius); Coyotes, Abundance, Beggar's Opera (Caravan); Thousand Splendid Suns (Grand); Titus Andronicus, Richard III (Shakespeare Co.); What You're Missing (Chutzpah Festival); Communion, Palace of the End, Life Skills (Network); Heroine, Love (Northern Light); Speaking in Tongues (Shadow); Trespassers (Belfry, Vancouver Playhouse); Lion in the Streets (Sage); Suite Surrender, Unnecessary Farce, Fiddler on the Roof, 39 Steps (Stage West); Amadeus, Macbeth, Constant Wife (ATF); Speak (Globe); Becoming Dr. Ruth (Theatre North West).
MEET THE TEAM
SUPPORTERS, DONORS & CONTRIBUTORS
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTERS
PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORTERS
MEDIA SUPPORTERS
DONORS, SUPPORTERS & CONTRIBUTORS
Occasional Notes Productions
Calgary Arts Development
Paul Davies
Teresa O’Regan
Gregory Smith
Clarice Siebens
Lane Olafson
Nickle Family
Patrice Barnes
Mitchell Stephen Bauer
Hesson Persaud
Corinne Spence
Janine Labossiere
Frank Fowler
The Wawanesa Mutual Life Insurance Co.
M.E.G Energy/Kenneth Wilson
Paul Davies
Elayne Fischer
Kathryn & Hal Kerbes
Maria Shaw
Blue Spruce Investments Ltd.
Ann Farebrother
Maureen Morris
Ella Quinn
Kirk Schmidt
Melissa Smith
Maureen Morris
Kelly Novak
Bruce Andrew Spies
Nickle Family
Patrice Barnes
Mitchell Stephen Bauer
Paul Davies
Elayne Fischer
Kathryn & Hal Kerbes
Maureen Morris
Kelly Novak
Bruce Andrew Spies
THANK YOU TO...
Theatre Calgary
Costume Collective
Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre
Morpheus Theatre
New West Theatre
John DeDominicis
Clareshome Arts Society
Aileen Smith
Tammy Vanderbeek
Darcie Howe