S. ABINGTON TWP. — “A Christmas Carol” is a well-known holiday classic and Nick Lazor, who is directing and choreographing Abington Heights High School’s musical production based on Charles Dickens’ novel, believes the audience will be moved by the school’s rendition.

Abington Heights students will perform “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at the high school auditorium.

“It tells a story that everybody is familiar with, but the musical version isn’t incredibly popular,” Lazor said. “Most people see the play without music and dancing. I’m looking forward to the audience’s reaction to seeing the story sung and seeing a little bit more festivities on stage than what they’re used to.

“This year we’re doing (our production) the week after Thanksgiving instead of the week before. Ideally, it will enhance everyone’s holiday spirit and put them in the mood for the season.”

The cost of the show is $7 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the high school main office during any school day before the show or at the box office on the nights of the show.

Senior Bryan Barlow, who will play Bob Cratchit, an employee of Ebenezer Scrooge, enjoys the camaraderie that goes along with being in a production and is looking forward to all the surprises the show will produce.

“I’m really excited to see it all come together,” he said.

Bryan Barlow also cherishes the sense of satisfaction that comes after the group puts on a quality show.

“It’s rewarding to know your hard work was able to accomplish something,” he said. “You see the people clap and smile, and you know you did the best you could.”

Sophomore Kylie Schultz, who will play the Ghost of Christmas Future, is looking forward to having a bigger role in the upcoming production.

“I love being able to perform … it’s my favorite thing to do,” she said. “I’m excited to get a bigger opportunity and expand my horizons. I’m able to have a whole dance number and and sing solos.

“It’s very fulfilling.”

Junior Zoe McGlynn, who will play The Ghost of Christmas Present, began performing as a freshman to improve her public speaking skills and developed a love for theater.

“I couldn’t sing, I couldn’t act, I couldn’t dance, but I found that I really admired all the people that were good at what they did and I wanted to be like them,” she said. “I started taking dance and voice (lessons) and I grew my acting skills.

“I’ve really enjoyed the passion of all the cast members. It’s so gratifying to see that everyone is so committed.”

Lazor, who is in his third year as director and choreographer at Abington Heights, also admires the dedication of the students.

“I really enjoy seeing them grow and seeing the play go from a story on paper to the end result where the kids are immersed in this world of the show they’re creating,” he said. “It’s always incredible to see that transformation happen.”

“It’s going to be wonderful. There are very pretty melodies and very touching lyrics.”

According to Lazor, students can learn many valuable lessons from being part of a theater production.

“Playing a character allows you to explore a part of yourself that you didn’t know was there or you don’t necessarily let out on a regular basis,” he said. “It also allows you to be part of a mishmash of characters who are all working toward the same goal very much like a team in sports. Everybody has the same goal in mind of putting the best product out there.”

Lazor added that everyone associated with the production forms a tight bond leading up to showtime.

“We spend so much time together, especially over the last couple weeks, that everyone becomes part of a new family,” he said. “It’s almost bittersweet sometimes because after the last show that family will never really come together again. It’s really a unique period of time that we have where we’re all together. It’s not spread out over the whole season like a sports team; it’s one weekend and you’re done.

“It’s really like 48 hours of intensity.”

Charlie Cornell, who will play Ebenezer Scrooge, kisses the hand of Kyler Epstein as Ben Schneider looks on during a dress rehearsal for ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ at Abington Heights High School Nov. 7.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_ABJ-AH-Play-1.jpg.optimal.jpgCharlie Cornell, who will play Ebenezer Scrooge, kisses the hand of Kyler Epstein as Ben Schneider looks on during a dress rehearsal for ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ at Abington Heights High School Nov. 7. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Abington Heights students practice a song during a dress rehearsal for ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ at Abington Heights High School Nov. 7. From left, Lucy Earl, Aiden Snyder, Chloe Conway, Zoe McGlynn and Kylie Schultz.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_ABJ-AH-Play-2.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights students practice a song during a dress rehearsal for ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ at Abington Heights High School Nov. 7. From left, Lucy Earl, Aiden Snyder, Chloe Conway, Zoe McGlynn and Kylie Schultz. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Jared Patten and Charlie Cornell, who will play Ebenezer Scrooge, practice lines from the script during a dress rehearsal for ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ at Abington Heights High School Nov. 7.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_ABJ-AH-Play-3.jpg.optimal.jpgJared Patten and Charlie Cornell, who will play Ebenezer Scrooge, practice lines from the script during a dress rehearsal for ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ at Abington Heights High School Nov. 7. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.