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Take in ‘A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play’ this week


Melissa Federspill

Staff writer

The Uvalde Grand Opera House is bringing back a holiday classic to the stage this year, with “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.” Performances are set at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. They can be purchased online at uvaldeoperhouse.org or in person at 104 W. North St. For more information, call 830-278-4184

The five-person cast is under the direction of director Karen Miller Barnes, a Uvalde native and opera house veteran with a degree in theater arts from Texas A&M University. Barnes’ last production at the opera house was “Oklahoma!” in 2008.

Caitlin Visel, opera house manager, says Barnes was not absent from productions at the opera house over the last 11 years, with recent roles in “The Importance of Being Earnest” in 2018 and “Baskerville” in 2016.

Cast members include Sterling Havelka, Greg Knapp, Wesley Casey, Darrell Zimmerman and Barbara Chase. They recently sat down for a question and answer session, sharing their histories and excitement about this program.

Darrell Zimmerman

Darrell Zimmerman, who is playing the role of Freddie Filmore, is the self-described lucky husband of Lory, father of Storey, and proud “DZ Pop” to Sawyer. He says he is blessed to be part of this cast and on the opera house stage.

Q: What has been your favorite role you’ve played at the opera house?

A: I’d probably have to answer “Annie,” as my favorite play where I played two roles – I played the very proper Drake (the butler to Daddy Warbucks) and also the flashy Bert Healy (the radio host). Also, being a musical, both characters had very different songs.

Wesley Casey

Uvalde native Wesley Casey is playing the part of Jake Laurents. Casey has returned to Uvalde with his wife, Eliza, after a few years away. This is his first production with the opera house.

Q: What is your favorite line, scene, or part of this play?

A: The scene with Marley always gives me chills. Something about Scrooge coming face to face with the consequences of his actions is so thought-provoking.

Barbara Chase

Barbara Chase, who is portraying Sally Applewhite, was born in Buffalo, New York, and this is her sixth play at the opera house. Her most recent performance was “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about performing in the opera house?

A: I love being able to perform in the historic opera house. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be different characters and bring entertainment to the Uvalde community. I am grateful I can perform and move the audience to tears, suspense, joy, and laughter.

Sterling Havelka

Sterling Havelka is playing the role of Lana Sherwood. Havelka is originally from Plano but has lived in Uvalde for the last 16 years. She is married with three children. This is her third production at the opera house, with past productions including “Our Town” and “Oklahoma!”

Q: Why did you want to be a part of this production?

A: When Karen Barnes asked if I would be able to be a part of the show, I jumped at the opportunity. I was lucky enough to work with her when she directed “Oklahoma!” 11 years ago, and it was such a wonderful experience. Simply put, I knew it would be fun.

Gregory Knapp

Gregory Knapp has the part of Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood in this year’s production. He is originally from Pittsburg and moved to Uvalde two years ago. He previously performed in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Q: What has been challenging about putting this show together? 

A: Because it’s a radio show, we aren’t acting out the scenes physically. It makes it more difficult to play off of the other actors. It’s challenging but fun.

Crew Members

The Wooten family makes up this year’s crew. Dudley, Marsha, and their 18 year-old daughter Autumn are the behind-the-scenes set builders and lighting board operators.

Autumn is this year’s foley artist, the person who creates sound for productions. She will be attending Wharton College in the spring, with plans of working in conception animation. This is her seventh production at the opera house. Her parents have been involved in six productions at the opera house, and say they love working behind the scenes on set design.

Uvalde Grand Opera HouseThe cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol, A Live Radio Play,” includes (front row, left to right) Sterling Havelka, Karen Miller Barnes, Barbara L. Chase, Autumn Wooten, (back) Dudley Wooten, Greg Knapp, Darrell Zimmerman, Wesley Casey, and Marsha Wooten.

Uvalde Grand Opera HouseThe cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol, A Live Radio Play,” includes (front row, left to right) Sterling Havelka, Karen Miller Barnes, Barbara L. Chase, Autumn Wooten, (back) Dudley Wooten, Greg Knapp, Darrell Zimmerman, Wesley Casey, and Marsha Wooten.

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