“Scrooge” found his way to Colchester last weekend but that only helped efforts to preserve the village’s historic schoolhouse.
The University of Windsor’s Inspired Acting Lab once again partnered with Heritage Colchester to present “Scrooge” in Christ Church in Colchester.
Proceeds from the production went towards preserving the school house, which is directly across Bagot St. from the church.
“Scrooge” was presented in conjunction with LaSalle Theatre Productions. The one-man show featured the talents of Michael Rawley, who is the managing artistic director with the LaSalle Theatre in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
Rawley is a friend of Lionel Walsh, the director of the Inspired Acting Lab, and Rawley came to the area to help with Heritage Colchester’s fundraising.
Rawley is no stranger to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, having played the part over a dozen times in theatres across Canada.
Walsh said he met Rawley in 1975 when they went to school at the University of Windsor together. He said the lab was happy to return to assist Heritage Colchester.
“Scrooge” has been done by Rawley as a large production with over 40 actors, like what happened last Christmas in Kirkland Lake, but he also has done it in small venues like Colchester and it was the first time he acted it as a one-man show.
Rawley even recalled performing it in his theatre’s lobby with a cast of 19.
“If I’m acting, I’m having fun,” he said. “I’m thrilled and blessed I’m still able to do this.”
Rawley wanted to know if he could do it alone in a small theatre or even get hired out to perform in someone’s home and he believed it worked. He believes he has done as much as he can with the role.
“I know the story like the back of my hand,” he said.
Stating he comes back to this area often, Rawley was excited to take the stage in what he called his “Colchester debut” Friday night. He had more shows throughout last weekend including two on Saturday and the closing performance Sunday afternoon.
Rawley has performed in theatres of about 3,000 people but loves spaces like Christ Church as well.
“I love small venues. They’re great,” he said.
For more information on Heritage Colchester and the group’s fundraising efforts, please visit www.heritagecolchester.ca.
Theatre production of “Scrooge” comes to historic Colchester church
By Ron Giofu
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