The community musical production, based on the original story of the plight of the poor at Christmas in Victorian London by Charles Dickens, has been a holiday favorite in Winnetka for 25 years.
This year’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” is something extra-special organizers say, because it marks the final production of their beloved director, Toby Nicholson, who just turned 83-years-old.
As director and choreographer, Nicholson, has designed the original sets, and assembled a cast of professional actors each year, joined by local amateurs from across the North Shore, to create one large theatrical family.
“Many of the actors were my students at New Trier High School, and now have returned to the Community House as adults to lend their talents to our more recent productions,” Nicholson said.
One of these former students turned actor, Peter Leondedis, has a long history with Nicholson, who he first studied with at New Trier, and who was cast this year in the starring role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
“Toby is the reason I’m here,” Leondedis said. “It’s a privilege to work with this caring, passionate director, he has a gentleness about him that brings out the best in all of us.”
Nicholson was educated at Northwestern University where he studied theater and dance education. HIs professional history includes ballet, commercial acting and film, with over 30-years as a drama instructor, director, and choreographer. Nicholson has also served as director, choreographer, and designer for the Children’s Theatre of Winnetka since 2000.
Tickets to experience the magic of Toby Nicholson and Robert Bowker’s original production of “A Christmas Carol,” are available for both evening and matinee performances on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Community House Winnetka, at www.winnetkacommunityhouse.org.
In a Community House Winnetka news release, “A Christmas Carol” is described as Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption which comes to life with the arrival of ghosts, delightful musical numbers, plenty of “Bah! Humbugs!” and Scrooge’s joyful discovery of love, making this entertainment filled with the spirit of the season.
Underwritten by the Hirschmann Family foundation, ticket proceeds will benefit the Community House, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of North Shore residents by providing educational, cultural, social and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
“A Christmas Carol” producer and Children’s Theatre of Winnetka board member, Connie Yonan says, the multigenerational cast of 65 actors range from five to 70 years old, and many are from North Shore.
“Many people on the production team — such as the props manager, producers, and the stage manager — are all parents of children Toby taught in Children’s Theatre of Winnetka,” Yonan said. “Toby is like the Pied Piper, we all faithfully follow him because we think so highly of him.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
Anderson Kirby (Scrooge as a Boy).
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