The Pasadena Village. A community of seniors supporting each other as they age in their own homes

A CHRISTMAS CAROL –

Each holiday season (except last year), the classic acting troupe known as Parson’s Nose, performs a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol”. With a cast of 16 actors playing multiple roles, the 90 minute performance, adapted by Parson’s Nose co-founder, Lance Davis, captures the drama, pathos, and humor that we all associate with this classic tale.

On Sunday, December 12, 30 Village members and volunteers, vaccinated and masked, gathered to enjoy the performance. The theater in the restored Turner-Stevens Mortuary, just a block from Pasadena City Hall, served as the venue for the presentation.

The performance featured narration by Mary Chalon and Barry Gordon, and starred Lance Davis as Mr. Scrooge. We followed along with Scrooge as he met the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. We laughed at the shenanigans of family members and citizens of old London. And, at the end, we took comfort and hope from Scrooge’s redemption.

In addition to the troupe's top notch performance, we enjoyed home baked cookies, wine and juice during a short intermission held outside in the courtyard.

No matter how often we have heard the story of Scrooge and his ghostly encounters, it never gets old. As Lance Davis, said, “The past year has been a test of fortitude and heart – two themes Dickens explores in the play. We come to the story anew each year, and each year return to our holidays with renewed strength. Change is possible. Redemption is possible.”

The Pasadena Village has had a long-standing partnership with the Parson’s Nose. In pre-pandemic days, Lance met with Village members to lead readings that ranged from old radio comedy hours to Hamlet. Village members took on different roles and shared their memories of prior experiences in the theater. We hope that we can renew this collaboration in the coming year.

To learn more about Parsons' Nose, click here.

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