Kylie Rich

Kylie (orphan) is just one of those girls who shows up ready to work and to do all that she's asked, and her natural ability with younger kids makes her a great leader among the orphans.  She's someone I can count on to keep track of not only herself but to also look out for those around her.  Kylie has a great attitude and work ethic, and she's just fun to be around.

Celeste Reese

I could say a lot of nice things about Celeste (Bet, Ensemble), but one quality has stood out above all the others.  Celeste is directable, ready to deliver in whatever way she is asked.  Each rehearsal, she pours her heart into her roles, but I can always tell that she is conscious of the overall vision of the show, ready to be a team player.  Celeste thinks about filling in the spaces and looks for ways to contribute positively in each scene.  I've learned a lot from watching Celeste, and I hope I get the chance to keep learning.

Nielsen Family

When Katie (Lamplighter, Mrs. Cratchit) mentioned she was ready to get back into community theater, I encouraged her that the Dickens Festival was the place to be.  We strong-armed her husband Dustin (Buyer, Mr. Cratchit) a bit at the auditions, finally convincing him he really did want to be a part of this production.

Having a married couple in the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit has added a certain realistic dimension to the Cratchit family.  I can see Katie's years of experience in all the chorus numbers, and it brings back so many fond memories from our shared history.  It has been great to get a chance to know Dustin both on and off the stage, and I can't wait to see his characters come to life under the stage lights.

David Lewis

There are actors who want to show up, deliver their lines, and go home.  Then there are those who understand that there's a lot that has to be done to make a show happen and look for ways to fill in the spaces wherever they may be.  Thankfully, David (Buyer, Fred) belongs to that second group.

From bringing his hat trees from home to always making sure everything is cleaned up before he goes, David constantly impacts our show in a positive way.  He's not ashamed to ask for clarification, wanting to get every detail of his performance correct.

And man, can he polka!

Facebook Event

Please share this Facebook event with all your friends.

http://www.facebook.com/events/302171376471714/

An audience makes this experience successful!

Casdorph Family

I can't even begin to describe what a great experience it is to have three generations of any family participate in our show.  That it is three generations of my family makes it that much greater.  Missing from this photo is Jackie (Music Director / my mom) because she was busy rehearsing.

Charlie (Mr. Bumble, Marley / my dad) is back for his second year, increasing his involvement by joining in the chorus numbers and playing a ghost.  I cast him for his awesome tenor voice, but he also puts a lot of hard work into his characters.  We won't mention his dancing.  (Just kidding, Dad.)

Then, of course, there's my favorite aspect of doing a musical as a family: Adam (orphan), and Alex (orphan).  Both of these guys are back for round two, and I hope we are standing at the beginning of a family Christmas tradition.

Christensen Family

One of my favorite things about this years' shows has been the chance to get reacquainted with friends from my previous walks of life.  Juliet (Lamplighter, Mrs. Fezziwig) and I have known each other since high school, and her son Lincoln (orphan) joined us in last year's cast.  When Juliet said she'd like to perform in the show with Lincoln this year, I was elated.

She brings a unique energy to the stage which is positively infectious.  She's always ready to work, and Lincoln has been patient with me using him in creative ways since he's adorably small.  The Dickens Festival is all about family, and I'm so glad my family has gotten to work with the Christensens!

Whatcott Family

I'd hoped to have one Whatcott in this production.  Now I think I'll settle for no less than four!  Kiersten (Pickpocket, Urchin), David (Orphan), Cami (Pickpocket, Urchin), and Blake (Orphan) have become powerhouses in our cast, supporting every number they are in.

David and Blake have been patient as I've struggled to remember which is which (I'll get there by closing night... you'll see).  Cami has developed a great character as a Pickpocket, and I always look forward to watching her tell her story.  Kierstin just earned a microphone and a line as an Urchin, and I can't wait to see the energy she'll bring to the stage.

KSL Radio Interview

For anyone who might be interested, here is the link to the radio promotion that will be running on Sunday night and Monday morning.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  (And I hope you're all getting lots of rest!)

Reserve Tickets Available

*UPDATE: The Fairpark is working on a solution for those who wish to purchase entry to the Festival and a ticket for each show.  The total for this should be $12 but is currently not working that way.  I will let you all know when that is operational.

NEWS TO ME:

The Utah State Fairpark is selling the first 4 rows of seats at our shows as RESERVED seating.  There are some pros and cons to the way it will work, so here's the details.

Entrance to the Festival gets you into the shows for free.  However, if you want to pay an additional $3, you can purchase a reserved seat on one of the first 4 rows.  Reserved seats can be bought here.  The catch is that you must pay for your festival entry with the reserved ticket.  In other words, this won't benefit the immediate family of the cast, since they will be getting in on free wristbands.  But, it is perfect for grandparents, aunts, etc. who would love to come but would like the guarantee of a chair.

There are literally only 112 reserved seats available for each show, and I anticipate that they will sell fast.  Share this link with those who may benefit from it!

ALSO - a heads up:

A few of us had the opportunity today to head down to KSL and record a radio spot promoting the Dickens Festival.  If you'd like to hear it, you have a few options:

1. Tune your radio to FM 100.3 on Monday night at 11pm
2. Listen to The Arrow 103.5 on Sunday night (sorry, not sure an exact time)
3. Wait patiently until I get my hands on the mp3 from the interviews, and I'll post a link here.

Richard Olsen

Richard (Bobbie, Tom Jenkins) is truly the rock of our cast.  He's in every single group number, and I can always rely on him to know his lyrics, to sing with an accent, to perform to the best of his ability, to always be in character... and the list goes on.  I am thrilled to have him back this year to reprise his role as Tom Jenkins, and I'm glad we've expanded it a bit to better showcase Rick's great talent.  I've grown accustomed to the ease with which Richard moves around the stage, and I'd have a hard time seeing anyone else in this role. I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping I may never have to.

Costumes

Costume information is posted in a new tab above. The costuming schedule has also been added to the calendar (December 5th). If you need any additional information regarding costumes, please contact our costumer, Carie Lowry, at (801) 643-8355.

Nelson Family

There's a certain benefit to having a family member on stage, and I see that each week with these two sisters, Meg (orphan) and Paige (orphan).  They get to stand right next to each other in the "orphan line," and across from each other at the table, and I think that gives these two new performers and extra bit of confidence.

Even though she's only six years old, Meg is one of my go-to girls, and I know I can trust her with extra responsibilities.  And you'd never know that Paige is one of our youngest orphans, because she's always focused and ready to go.  Thanks to the Nelson family for choosing to spend their Saturday mornings with us.

Briella Hanny

Brielle (orphan) brings a great attitude with her to rehearsal each Saturday.  She's ready to work hard, and she never complains about how many times we have to practice the songs.  Each week she gains more confidence, and it has been fun to see her grow throughout the rehearsals.  I can't wait to see what she's going to be able to do on stage!

Travis Hymas

"Do I always play someone who is poor?" Travis (Oliver, urchin) asked me at rehearsal one day.  Travis came to us straight from playing Charlie in Willy Wonka, and so his track record seems to indicate that he's pretty good at that type of role.

Travis has been such an asset to our cast because he has such a great blend of qualities.  He has the responsibility and work ethic of an older cast member with a fun-loving attitude and willingness to try anything that shows he really still is a kid.  He's willing to let various cast members rough him up in many of the Oliver scenes as he his thrown, swung, pushed, lifted, and carried at varying points.  And of course I should mention his pure voice and adorable smile.

Someday I'll have to ask him which was worse: being thrown around the stage or being kissed on the cheek.  Today, though, I'll just be grateful to have Travis around for our shows.

Madsen Family

I don't know how to say enough good about these girls.  Lindsey (Dodger, Urchin) impressed me from the second I met her at auditions, and I was excited to cast her as Dodger.  When it seemed a knee injury might stop her from doing the show, I was reluctant to replace her.  Thankfully, Lindsey's knee is getting better without surgery, and the doctors gave her permission to stay.  This show would have been so different without her, and I'm glad I didn't have to go that route.

As for Bridgette (orphan), she has made me smile on so many cold Saturday mornings.  I've leaned in close to ask her name (again, because I am so bad with names), and each time she's smiled up at me and repeated, "Bridgette Rose Madsen."  Each time I've asked, "Is it okay if I just call you Bridgette," and she's nodded an emphatic yes.  I know her name now, and I hope that she'll keep coming back year after year so I can continue to think of her as Bridgette Rose Madsen.

Sage Bowden

One of my favorite things about doing a show is getting to meet new people.  I am so glad I've had the chance during this show to meet Sage (orphan).  Sage always knows where she is supposed to be on the stage and gets there.  It may seem like a small thing, but it is a huge contribution to our show.  She gets to stand right in the center of the stage, and she does such a great job of telling the orphan story.  I'm glad Sage is a part of our cast!

Hollie & Daniel

Hollie (Cook, Milkmaid, Rose Girl, Salesman, Female Ensemble) and Daniel (orphan) make up one of our only aunt/nephew duos this year, and we've been lucky to have them.  Daniel consistently knows his words and actions, getting them right even when I sometimes mess up.  He also patiently waits during the rest of the Saturday rehearsal while his aunt practices her songs and lines.

Hollie has been given the difficult job of performing as many different characters throughout the show.  I smile during each run through of Scrooge watching the delightful character she has created for the Salesman.  I especially love the way she says, "Marley."  Hollie works hard, is consistently prepared, and is willing to try everything I've asked of her (even if it is outside her comfort zone).

Soda Evans

Soda (orphan) proudly announced to me at a recent rehearsal, "I'm going to be Oliver when I grow up."  He's definitely got the accent down, and I can pick his voice out, even from among all the other orphans.  Soda has been a great example of hard work, and he does his best every time we are on the stage.  A few more years, Soda, and you may just achieve that goal!

Lowry Family

The Lowry family - all back for another year of fun - makes such an impact on both of our shows.  It starts with Carrie (costumer) who not only supports her girls in the show, but is also making her own contribution in a BIG way.

Danielle (orphan) is always ready to work, and always ready to smile (unless, of course, she's been asked to make a grouchy face).  Always the first to learn their words and lines last year, I knew I could trust Alix (Cratchit Child, Pickpocket) and Kelli (Pickpocket 1, Female Ensemble) with some bigger parts this year.  These girls have definitely not disappointed.  I appreciate Kelli's willingness to do everything I ask of her.  And Alix smiles as she puts up with my nickname for her, "Girl Alix."

This is definitely a powerhouse of ladies that I can't live without!

DVDs and Pictures

DVDs of both shows (both shows will be on one DVD) and 8 X 10 cast pictures will be available to purchase! DVDs are $15 each and pictures are $10 each. If you would like one or both, please have your money turned in by Saturday, November 19 to either Andrea or Skyler.

Graysen Hendrickson

Graysen (Pickpocket, Urchin) was originally going to be one of three Hendricksons in our cast.  Her mom and brother both sacrificed their involvement in the show to allow Graysen to be able to make the long commute to rehearsals.  Graysen has a positive attitude, and her creativity brings a wonderful dimension to each of the scenes she is in.

Costumes

On Saturday please come prepared to sign up for a costume fitting. Bring your schedule so that you get the time you need. Thanks

Bethany Barrett

Although she's kind of quiet in rehearsals (definitely not a bad thing), Bethany (Pickpocket, Urchin) is learning to be very dynamic on stage.  She's really good at playing a rough pickpocket, always ready to glare at anyone who crosses her.  Bethany always shows up to rehearsals ready to work hard, and she's always right where I've asked her to be.  Bethany is a rock in our cast, and I am grateful to have her!

Street Theater Update

Please plan to rehearse your street theater bits with Jacqueline on Saturday and Wednesday when you are not on stage.  Those who will perform street theater as a group (Charlie/Dodger/Fagin, Bert/Jane/Michael, Cratchit/Tiny Tim, Sufragettes) will need to rehearse with Jacqueline as a group.  The orphans and Widow Corney will not be required to rehearse with Jacqueline.  Everyone else needs to be sure to check in with Jacqueline on those days.

Davis Family

When we needed a few more pickpockets, we knew that Miki (Picketpocket, Urchin, Turkey Boy) would be a great asset to our cast.  It was a pleasant surprise when her mom, Kim (Lamplighter, Female Ensemble), said, "Well, I was thinking maybe I'd just do the show with Miki.  Do you have a place for me?"  Willing to try anything and play any part, they've both been a huge asset to our cast.  Kim has been such an example of dedication, even dancing on a hurt ankle after an injury before rehearsal.  I've had so much fun getting to know both Kim and Miki as a part of this process.

Jensen Family

When a family of boys comes back for a second year, you know you're a lucky director.  Mike Jensen and his boys, Colton and Kyle, have done just that, and they've been able to step into some bigger shoes this year. 

Mike is reprising his role as Brownlow but has added Mr. Fezziwig to his resume.  And Colton, the only male pickpocket besides Oliver, is playing the role of Charlie.  Kyle is doing his time in the ranks of orphans, but I'm crossing my fingers that they'll keep coming back, and he'll get to proudly move up to pickpocket soon.

I'm also crossing my fingers that maybe next year we'll get Dallin back?  But I will take any Jensen boy I can get.

Vuki Family

Our Producer, Assistant Director, and Street Theater Extraordinaire is sharing the Dickens Festival experience with her daughter, Kali, for the second year in a row.  While Jacqueline eats, breaths, and probably dreams the Dickens Festival, Kali gets to soak it up from her front-row Orphan bench.

Although we see JJ and Kali at rehearsals, it is really the entire Vuki family which makes this production possible, supporting JJ and allowing her to do all she does for the show.

Madi & Whitney

These two aren't family, but around the Dickens Festival, they seem to come as a pair.  I'm fairly certain I rarely say either's name alone but rather refer to them as the dynamic duo they are, Madi & Whitney. 

Carpooling up from Utah County for rehearsals, these girls have showed some great dedication to the cast.  And with their smiles light up the room, they are respectiful during rehearsals and are amazingly good at keeping their teenage chit-chat to appropriate times.  I am constantly impressed by their talent and hard work and their willingness to try new things.  And their versatility (playing pickpockets in one show and adult ensemble in the other) is a huge asset to our production.

Pierce Family

These four may be new to the Dickens stage, but they are making a huge impact, and their family is making a huge commitment.  With their roles ranging from adult ensemble to pickpocket to orphan in various combinations, I had no problem highlighting the rehearsal schedule for their very supportive mom.

These kids, Jenecee (urchin), Allyson (pickpocket, female ensemble), Maria (pickpocket, urchin), and Gabe (orphan, urchin), are my go-to kids in every song, exhibiting great attitudes and hard work each time they are on stage.  If my attention is called by something great happening, chances are there's a Pierce kid in the mix.

Arlee Heslop

Arlee is definitely no stranger to the stage, but this is her first year as a part of the Dickens Festival.  Although her roles may not have actual names (Cook 1, Rose Girl, Rose 1, Salesman 2, Woman), Arlee makes a huge contribution to the shows through her well-thought business and character development.

Arlee's storylines have a trickle-down effect which starts in her bright spot on the stage and extends outward, creating one of the best ensembles I've ever had the chance to work with.  In addition, I can count on her for the random little extras because I know if Arlee says she'll do it, it will be done.

Wrigley Family

One of our dynamic mother-daughter duos, Julie and Anna Wrigley are back this year for more adventures.  Julie is reprising her role as the Widow Corney, and Anna is taking a break from last year's Tiny Tim crutch as a pickpocket and an urchin.

Julie and Anna both ask great questions to clarify choreography when needed.  They are reliable, and I can count on them being exactly where they are supposed to be at the right time.  Having these two back this year has been like mixing up a special glue that holds the shows together.

Rick Mead

No stranger to the character of Scrooge (having played it last year as well), Rick Mead gladly came back for round two.  Castmates are amazed at the gruff character he's able to play since, in rehearsal, his lines often end in somethink akin to giggles. 

Irregardless of his work conflicts (that little joke was just for you, Rick), Rick has made the Dickens Festival a priority in his life and is an example of hard work and preparation.  I always look forward to nights when Rick is on the schedule.