GRAVETTE — Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” will be presented by the Gravette High School drama department at the Performing Arts Center this weekend.

GHS drama instructor/ director Ian Galloway said the novel, adapted for the stage by Neil Bartlett, will feature a cast of characters who will bring Ebenezer Scrooge to life.

Supported by a great supporting cast and music by the Gravette High School choir, the production will set the tone for the Christmas season.

Performances will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and at a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Dec. 4.

Each production will be preceded by a 30-minute prelude featuring the high school band. Following each performance, the GHS jazz band will be featured at a reception.

Tickets, $8 for adults and $5 for students, are available at the Gravette High School, at the Highlands Arvest Bank branch in Bella Vista and at the door.

Director Galloway describes Ebenezer Scrooge as “a cold man with a colder heart. Late one Christmas Eve he is haunted by the ghost of his former business partner who warns him that he is on a path that leads only to death and damnation. Then he finds out that he will be haunted by three more ghosts. These ghosts find him on a journey to different Christmases (Past, Present and Future)in the hope of reconnecting him to humanity and finding redemption ... before it’s too late.”

The cast includes Michael Henderson as Scrooge, Ashley Brinkley, Aaron Eddy, Kayla Holliday, Connor Houtchens, Rebekah Morris, Christopher Northcott, Adriana Olvera, Jeffery Sayer Smith, Jordan White and Ashton Yarbrough.

“Join us for magic-filled performances by the Gravette High School drama department with the GHS choir, GHS band and GHS art departments,” Galloway said.

Community News, Pages 9 on 11/30/2011