Unhinged Productions – a newly formed all-volunteer theater troupe in Pennsylvania – is tackling Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of A Christmas Carol this weekend.
This staged reading is directed by Mark Franceschini and includes Jeb Beard as the Announcer/Narrator; Josh Rikas as Bob Cratchit; Michael Baker as Scrooge; Vanessa Baker as Kid/Belle/Martha/Niece/Mrs. Dilbert/Boy ; Lindsey Ringquist as Collins/Fanny/Mrs. Cratchit/Victoria/Chairwoman; Art Rathell as Young Ebenezer/Ghost of Christmas Present/2nd Man; Jessy Ringquist as Fred/Marley/Fezziwig/Topper/Joe/1st Man; and Sara Myers-Finnegan as Ghost of Christmas Past/Belinda/Tiny Tim.
The production runs Friday, December 12, through Sunday, December 14, at the Hanover Little Theatre in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Critic Andrea Stephenson of Broadway World wrote, “The costumes, vintage-style microphones, and booth with an ‘On Air’ sign transport the audience to a 1930s radio station. The booth is equipped with all the period-appropriate accoutrements a foley artist (in this case, director Franceschini) needs to create sound effects just like in radio shows of the time. It is fascinating to watch the ways in which the foley artist creates such a variety of sound effects.”
“This multi-talented cast presents an engaging and delightful performance. These actors use their voices to paint a picture, altering tone, pitch, and accent as needed to switch from one character to another. They are so adept at these changes that the audience could close their eyes and know exactly which character was speaking at any given time. However, if you did close your eyes, you’d miss some of what makes this performance truly special. Not only do these actors take on various characters from A Christmas Carol, but they also portray the actors of The Campbell Playhouse series.”
Tickets, affordably priced at $15, may be obtained online at hanoverlittletheatre.com/2025/11/16/inaugural-performance-for-unhinged-productions/
__________
Post your comments on the Wellesnet Message Board.