Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

November 22, 2002

Dickens classic comes to ISU Theatre stage

ISU retired theater professor Patrick Gouran (right) plays Scrooge in the ISU Theatre production of A Christmas Carol. Submitted photo.

by Debra Gibson
Directing A Christmas Carol conjures up years of happy family memories for Jane Cox, associate professor of theater. And when ISU Theatre debuts the production next month, she hopes area families will include it in their own holiday traditions.

"Our family saw the play every year, traveling to the Guthrie in Minneapolis and the Goodman in Chicago for it," Cox recalled in a recent interview. "I've always thought it was a wonderful novel and script. I think it's important to show a story of a human being's redemption."

There's not much to like about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in 19th-century London. But as he's visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, and shown compassion and support by his nephew and a loyal employee, even Scrooge can cast aside his "Bah, humbug!" attitude and open his heart.

Cast in the lead role of Scrooge is Patrick Gouran, a well-known retired ISU theater professor. Unlike most ISU Theatre productions, this cast of 35 also includes 11 area children.

"This has been a very interesting experience for university students to work with children," Cox said. "We rarely even get to see children here on campus. It's been a great treat to have them around."

Cox's adaptation of A Christmas Carol includes four narrators, "so Dickens' language can be heard," she explained. "The way he describes things is so fun and interesting -- he says it so well in just a few words.

"There probably aren't many out there who have never seen or heard of some version of this play," Cox continued. "I hope this will bring back wonderful memories for our audiences, like returning to an old friend."

A Christmas Carol will be performed at Fisher Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 15. Tickets ($11 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5.50 for students) are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office or by calling 4-3347.