NeverlandNEXT Chapter Revives "A Christmas Carol"

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year,” - Ebenezer Scrooge.

NeverlandNEXT Chapter is reviving “A Christmas Carol” after its successful run in December last year. Based on a classic Charles Dickens novel, “A Christmas Carol” centers around Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeon who despises the holidays. One night, he is visited by three spirits who show him his past, present, and future, in an attempt to change his ways.

'Tis the season of merriment, holiday cheer, and productions of “A Christmas Carol.” NeverlandNEXT Chapter has been underway in rehearsals with its own version of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by cast member Tony Bellerose. In what the cast describes as a moving tale, this production creates a new rendition about change, connection, and redemption.

Lynn resident Tony Bellerose returns to his role as Ebenezer Scrooge, his favorite literary character. Playing Scrooge has always been a dream role, and in last year’s performance, Bellerose said it felt like a life-changing experience.

NeverlandNEXT Chapter’s production is not your average Dickens tale. Bellerose also took creative liberties and put his own spin on “A Christmas Carol.” Since last year’s production, Bellerose has added more scenes of his own, involving conversation between Scrooge and other characters, Scrooge’s past, and a song titled “Remember Me.”

“I wanted to produce an idea and a story that created a possibility of WHY Scrooge is who he is,” Bellerose said. “Ultimately, I have tried to show that in this tale of 'redemption,' it is not a story where only Scrooge is saved, but all the people in Scrooge’s life who are saved.”

Bellerose directed last year’s production, but this year, Andy Diskes has directorial reins. Diskes is a Middleton resident and founded NeverlandNEXT Chapter in 1990. He is also the artistic director, and his theater bug started at age six when he played Joseph in a local Christmas pageant, where he said he inadvertently began directing a scene mid-performance.

The cast welcomes familiar faces and newcomers; Most auditioned because they said they loved the story. Rehearsals started in August, where Diskes said it’s been a collaborative experience where they all share ideas and take risks together.

“We’ve been intentional about building a cast that’s not only talented but also kind, collaborative, and deeply supportive of one another. That chemistry shows up onstage,” Diskes said.

They all have favorite scenes they cannot wait for audiences to see, like Fred’s party. Alex Bensley, who plays Nephew Fred, said that the first scene between Fred and Scrooge is his favorite.

Joshua Madruga reprises his role from last year as the ghostly Jacob Marley, and he is most excited for audiences to see the signature scene where Marley visits Scrooge.

“Tony and I really go for it in this scene; it’s been a challenge, but I think audiences will ‘feel’ something when they see this interaction for themselves,” he said.

The show also accommodates stunning special effects, Diskes notes, saying that the lighting design brings magic to the show. A couple of wireless body mics donated by the Maggie Martin Foundation also help enhance sound.

The Maggie Martin Foundation is a public charity established in memory of Maggie Martin, a 2017 graduate of Gordon College, who was known as a ray of sunshine. After their daughter’s untimely passing from pancreatic cancer, Kimberly and Peter Martin founded the organization to continue her story by supporting people who show resilience through adversity.

Maggie loved performing, but her pet peeve was sharing mics and wished for less chaos backstage. Her parents honored her wishes by donating two mics to Neverland Theater, where Maggie performed in shows.

“We proudly use the mics and assign them to cast members who have worked with Maggie,” Diskes said.

As described by everyone involved, “A Christmas Carol” is a show about redemption, change, and empathy. When thinking about how they wanted the show to impact audiences, Gabrielle Miele (Martha Cratchit) said, “I’d like to let people know that they can change, no matter who they are.”

Audiences are invited to attend NeverlandNEXT Chapter’s moving, poignant, and fun production of “A Christmas Carol,” performing Dec. 4 - Dec. 7 at the Peabody Black Box in Peabody. Tickets are available online: https://www.neverlandnextchapter.com/