Classic reading by CBC
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 15/00) - They're coming out from the production booth and spilling onto NACC's stage, bringing to life Dickens' ghosts.
CBC North Radio personalities Randy Henderson, Julie Green, Peter Hope and Peter Skinner will be joined on stage by network news announcer Bernie MacNamee. The five will present a dramatic reading of the Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol.
"This year, there will be 70 performances taking place across the country," says program manager Peter Skinner.
It all began with one CBC employee, Judy Maddren, reading the classic tale to her children.
"She was impressed by how rapt they were," says Skinner.
Thinking others would derive as much enjoyment as her family, Maddren conceived of a public event that would bring the Dickens magic to life, while reviving his charitable inclinations.
"It's a version Dickens' adapted himself. It's considerably shorter (than the original)," Skinner says.
In fact, Dickens first read his favourite tale publicly for charity in 1867 -- education and hospitals benefitted.
His first performance, which took three hours, was lauded by The London Leader.
"At the close there was an outburst, not so much of applause as of downright hurrahing from every part of the hall," wrote the Leader.
Dickens subsequently shortened the performance version to one hour and 20 minutes.
The readings will be linked together by traditional carols, performed by Yellowknife favourites Ceilidh Friends and the Sir John Franklin Choral Group, led by the amazing Bill Gilday.
The Yellowknife version of the Christmas evening will benefit the local Salvation Army.
"People can also make food donations," Skinner notes.
Yellowknifers last had the opportunity to participate in the nation-wide event in 1994.
A Christmas Carol begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets are available at Birchwood Gallery, Home Hardware and at the door.
