Actor Ray Seams Talks About the Classic’s Different Take on ‘ A Christmas Carol’
It’s that time of year for Christmas productions at San Antonio theaters, as demonstrated by White Christmas at the Woodlawn and A Christmas Carol the Musical at the Public.
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is also offering a uniquely different version of A Christmas Carol. This is a solo show with one actor portraying Charles Dickens as well as all of the characters. It’s also being performed in a unique location — the Maverick Carter House in downtown San Antonio.
Written by Greg Bodine, this one-man play is based on the condensed version Dickens himself used on his historic 1867 reading tours of the United States. Ray Seams performs the piece Fridays and Sundays, and Kurt Wilkinson performs Thursdays and Saturdays.
Mr. Seams talked to ArtScene SA about this intriguing version of the classic tale.
ArtScene SA: What can audiences expect when they come to see this version?
Ray Seams: Audiences can expect a completely different take on the story. It’s just me (or Kurt) retelling the story in a condensed format playing over 20 characters. Everyone knows the story but you’ve never seen it this way.
The Maverick Carter House is an appropriately grandiose location for the show, isn’t it?
The Maverick Carter House is a stunning home and is almost a character in itself. As a performer, you’re always looking for a way to connect and this house helps tremendously. Not only is it gorgeous but it takes us back in time. It’s pure magic.
How do you manage to delineate the differences between the characters?
It came down to making specific physical and vocal distinctions between all the characters. The hardest part was and still can be making sure the characters have room to breathe so they don’t become tangled in one another. It’s difficult but extremely rewarding. I’m hoping audiences connect with each of them, and so far the feedback has been pretty swell.
A Christmas Carol plays Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 18 at the Maverick Carter House, 119 Taylor Street. Tickets are available online.
SPECIAL EVENTS
CLASSIC ALUMNI NIGHT
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022
FIRST RESPONDERS’ NIGHT
Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
ASL NIGHT – Interpreters Provided
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022
ASL interpreters will be located near the stage for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, seated in an area of the theater that gives the best sightlines to follow the interpretation and the action on stage. To access reserved seating in view of the interpreters for a signed performance, call the Box Office at (210) 589-8450.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL NIGHT WITH A COMMUNITY TALKBACK
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022
Additionally, The Marcsmen, San Antonio’s premiere a capello group, will be performing each Saturday to add to the festivities.
Feature photo (l-r): Ray Seams and Kurt Wilkinson (Courtesy Classic Theatre).
