Event

A Christmas Carol Times Two!

What happens when a "Victorian thespian" reading Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" meets a modern-day musician playing traditional English Christmas carols? Why, "A Christmas Carol Times Two!," of course.

Northwest pianist and composer Michael Allen Harrison teams up with actor Al LePage for the first time to tell a great story, play some great music and have lots of fun to usher in the holidays — all to benefit students, too.

LePage, in the guise of "Englishman Thomas Hutchinson," is stuck in time -- in 1857 to be exact -- the year the city of Vancouver was incorporated. Simply by using his voice, facial expressions, gestures and movement, LePage creates all 18 characters of Dickens' immortal "Carol," plus sound effects, too. From Scrooge to Tiny Tim, Marley's Ghost to Mrs. Cratchit, there are HOWLS & GROWLS, BANGS & BONGS, a Dance with a Song, lively laughter and heartfelt tears. LePage loves to improvise and interact with the audience, so be prepared for some surprises.

Harrison, being "himself" in the 21st century, will creatively dance his fingers across the keyboard to play traditional English carols throughout the performance. He'll set the tone for the dramatic reading portions — sometimes solemn, sometimes wild, sometimes in between — entertaining and surprising you with his many "variations on a theme" of these well-known tunes. Michael loves to improvise and have fun, too, so watch out, "Mr. Hutchinson!"

All proceeds will equally benefit the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics Parent Teacher Student Association and The Snowman Foundation, founded by Michael to help schools, organizations and individuals "give the gift of music to children."