By Spencer Hurbis | Opinion Editor

Superpowers, ghosts that send mind-rays, and rock ‘n’ roll guys are not typical things that spring to mind when one mentions the play, “A Christmas Carol,” but for the Marshfield Madrala Players, this is just the thing to kick off the holiday season. The advanced acting class is proud to present Peter Bloedel’s “A Seussified Christmas Carol.”

This play mixes Charles Dickens’ original novel with the many stories created by Dr. Seuss, such as “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The show will run Dec. 13 through Dec. 15. According to drama instructor Kelly Haut, the whole point of this play was to take a break from all the dark productions they have had and will have in the future, and just have some fun.

“I was looking for a Seuss play because we wanted to do something a little more heartwarming for Christmas, because it is Christmas,” Haut said. “Dark plays all year long would have been too much.”

The play sticks to the basic story line of “A Christmas Carol,” but has a few “seussy” twists to it. Sophomore Thomas Ledesma received the leading role of Ebenezer “The Scrooge” Scrooge. The Scrooge, a cold-hearted old man in the beginning, is changed from the inside out by the conclusion of the play when his heart grows two sizes after journeying through his past, present and future.

The whole play is told by the two narrators, Thing Three and Thing Four, played by senior Emily Jacobson and junior Mary Balken. Balken said she was ecstatic to receive such a big part for her first year in advanced acting.

“I was a director in the last play so I was thrilled when they gave me this part,” Balken said. “I love it.”

For all of the Drama Lab’s productions, each member of the class must audition for the part, or parts they desire.

Most actors are asked to double up on roles. Junior Zaq Carroll plays the parts of Bead-headed Fred, who is The Scrooge’s nephew, and Young Scrooge.

“We go through the auditioning process and based on our performance the teacher chooses what parts would fit us best,” Carroll said. “It’s fun having so many parts but it’s a lot of costume changes.”

Most plays tend to focus more on the dramatization of the story, but Haut said this play is going to be more costume and set heavy. Because of the silliness of it, they are focusing more on the display where in the previous production, “Beyond Tolerance,” the mood it portrayed was more unsettling.

Although the transition went smoothly, Haut said the time between plays has been stressful for her actors, but they have been pulling it together nicely and efficiently.

“They are doing a really good job with it and are all working really hard to make this a fantastic production,” Haut said. “It’s going to be really entertaining to watch.”

Balken said with the time she and all the other actors have dedicated to making this play happen, it will result in a fun-filled play for the whole family.

“It’s really lighthearted and fun to come and watch. The actors barely need to act because we are just having so much fun,” Balken said. “So if people want to have a good time with all the Christmas spirit, they should come.”