"A Christmas Carol" is Coming to Town
By Amber Ward

John Culver plays Scrooge in a former production of "A Christmas Carol." Photo courtesy of Kinney Productions

The Kinney Production "A Christmas Carol" is coming to town! This classic Dickens' tale of a lonely, miserable old man who finds the true meaning of life during a haunted Christmas Eve is the perfect way to kick-off the holiday season. A Julian tradition, "A Christmas Carol" will be showing at the Julian Town Hall for three weekends in December. "A Christmas Carol" not only showcases local talent, but also complements Julian's holiday charm.

This is the fourth year that "A Christmas Carol" will be playing at the Town Hall. "The tradition was started by Don Winslow and he has encouraged it to continue," says director Scott Kinney. "A Christmas Carol" used to play at Pine Hills Lodge, and it was not until after the Cedar Fire of 2003 that a change in venue was made. The original intention was for Kinney Productions and the Pine Hills Players to show their plays at the Town Hall throughout the year, but because of scheduling this was unable to come to fruition. Currently, "A Christmas Carol" is the only play being produced by the Kinneys at the Julian Town Hall.

This year's play promises to be a little different with more emphasis being placed on the fact that "A Christmas Carol" is truly a ghost story. Winslow has aided Kinney in altering the script, making some new additions, and "playing more into the ghost story aspect of the play." This contrast between light and dark will be further highlighted by several musicians, including Mark Kinney on piano, Lani Stuart on guitar and Michele Philips on violin.

The show will run every Friday and Saturday starting Dec. 7 through Dec. 22, with one special matinee show on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday doors open at 6:30 p.m., with live pre-show music performed by local talent, and curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $6 for children 12 and under. Tickets will be sold at the door, or call ahead for reservations.

Sponsored by Kinney Productions and the Julian Chamber of Commerce, "A Christmas Carol" will be located in the Julian Town Hall at 2129 Main Street. For more information and reservations, contact Kinney Productions at 760-765-1688 or e-mail kinpro52@wildblue.net.