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11/8/04

'CHRISTMAS CAROL' PERFORMED AT SLU BY DICKENS' DESCENDENT

CANTON – Gerald Charles Dickens, British actor and great-great grandson of 
author Charles Dickens, will give a performance of "A Christmas Carol" on 
Tuesday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Gulick Theatre at St. Lawrence University. 
The event is open to the public, free of charge; following the performance, 
Dickens will sign and personalize books, gifts, and collectibles offered for 
sale by Jackson Enterprises, Inc.
	Dickens, who performs all 26 characters in "A Christmas Carol," says, 
"My performance is based on voice, expression and atmosphere. Of course, the 
audiences know the story very well, so I don't have to worry too much about 
the plot; I can concentrate on the characters. Each character has a very 
definite voice, way of standing, way of moving and facial expression which 
means that even during a conversation, they can be very easily distinguished."
	Staging for the performance is very simple, consisting of only a chair, 
table and hatstand. The simplicity focuses the audience's attention on the 
words and performance, without distractions.
      "Although I had never planned to involve the audience in the show, I 
very soon discovered that we were all sharing the experience of 'A Christmas 
Carol,'" Dickens states, "and it was very natural to 'use' that closeness in 
the show. Hopefully the audience arrives at the venue to watch a show and 
leaves feeling that they have been part of it."
      Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol" in 1843. This classic tale 
portrays the miserly Scrooge, transformed by the three Spirits' visits, becoming 
exuberant on Christmas morning, eager to help the crippled Tiny Tim and his 
family. The author performed "Carol" in America in the 1800s.

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