Based on 'The Battle of Life” by Charles Dickens, “The Christmas Bride” (here presented as a concert) is a musical romance with a lively score, unforgettable characters, and a beautiful story of discovery and redemption perfect for all ages and in all seasons.

 

Snowlion Repertory Company will present a Christmas In July celebration by bringing “The Christmas Bride” in concert for three performances to three well-known performing venues in Maine. This two-hour concert version of the timeless classic musical romance (based on a Charles Dickens short story) will have three performances as follows: Saturday, July 8 at 7 p.m at Meetinghouse Arts, 40 Main St., Freeport; Sunday, July 9 at 3 p.m. at St. Lawrence Arts, 76 Congress St., Portland; Tuesday, July11 at 7 p.m. at the Opera House, 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor.

 

When Michael, a handsome, sophisticated stranger is thrown from his horse literally at the feet of country girl Marion, her world is turned upside down, and her engagement to her father's ward Alfred is in jeopardy. The action she ultimately decides to take, to the consternation of all, leads to her eventual dangerous abandonment in London; how she finds redemption, true love, and an understanding of her own desire for a home of her own is the core of the story of this lovely musical romance. The Christmas Bride is a joyous tale of love lost and found, home and family, faith and forgiveness.

 

From the bright English countryside to the dark underbelly of London town, The Christmas Bride follows our heroine as she journeys through a world filled with delightful Dickensian characters. For this Christmas in July celebration, the show will be performed as a two-hour concert, with the entire lively musical theater score sung and the songs bridged by condensed scenes and narration. The show is full of humor, vibrancy, quirky characters as only Dickens can create, and will feature some of the best voices and finest actors Maine has to offer.

 

The cast is as follows: Aaron Engebreth as Michael Warden, a handsome man of wealth who has gambled away most of his fortune. Emily Bartley as Marion Jeddler, a country girl engaged to her father's ward, who has her own ideas about how to live her life. Mary Johnston Letellier as Grace Jeddler, Marion's sister, beloved by all, who secretly loves the man engaged to her sister. Joel Crowley as Alfred Heathfield, Marion's fiancé who does not realize whom he truly loves. Kelly Caufield as Clemency Newcome, the comforting Jeddler family housekeeper who wants to be married more than anything. Chris Newcomb as Benjamin Britain, the acerbic Jeddler manservant, a confirmed bachelor who is at a loss to understand the 'vapors' of womankind. Alan McLucas as Dr. Jeddler, a hearty soul who finds the doings of his family and friends 'ridiculous' until faced with the seriousness that life's events can bring. Pat Scully as the twin brothers Thomas and Simon Craggs – one a kind though silent law partner, the other a vengeful police chief devoted to bringing down his nemesis, Michael Warden. David Arthur Bachrach as loquacious lawyer Jonathan Snitchey, partner to Craggs, as well as rougish turnkey of the debtor's prison, Malkey. Betsey deGroff as Sarah Snitchey, patient wife to Jonathan, as well as mischievous shop girl Clara. And Teresa Dyer as Julia Craggs, imperious wife to Thomas, as well as wicked shopgirl Gretchen.

The Christmas Bride in Concert was written by MK Wolfe (book) and Noel Katz (music & lyrics) based on a short story by Charles Dickens. The musical has been performed in New York (attended by Stephen Sondheim, who endorsed the production by giving a sizeable donation to the production company), Bethlehem PA, and went on to be the premiere production for Snowlion Rep in Portland. It will be directed by Al D'Andrea. The musical direction is by Betty McIntyre, who will lead a three-piece band.  The production stage manager is Andrew Shepard. Styling is by Brittney Cacace.