Holiday spirit on stage

Artists’ Exchange’s 12th annual production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ wraps up this weekend

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Paul and Kathleen Austin were part of a packed house at Cranston’s Theatre 82 on Rolfe Square Sunday afternoon.

They were there to watch their daughter, Erin Austin, play the role of Tiny Tim in the Artists’ Exchange’s 12th annual production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Erin, they said, “has always been very apprehensive about speaking in public.” That lifelong trait, however, was undetectable as the 38-year-old woman – who suffers from severe physical disabilities – captivated the audience with her stage presence.

There wasn’t an empty seat in the house. Adults and youngsters of all ages occupied the space – which was quickly ushered back in time to Christmas Eve in England in the year 1843 – yet not a sound could be heard as the actors delivered their performances.

Close to 40 actors of all ages, backgrounds and years of experience delivered the timeless tale by Charles Dickens. Whether it’s the famous lines like “God Bless us everyone,” renowned characters like the Ghost of Christmas Future, or the scene in which Ebenezer Scrooge is first startled by his former business partner Jacob Marley, the classic holiday play is a draw for one and all.

We are reminded to reflect upon our past, to live life knowing that the future is dependent on our present actions, and that there is no time like the present to make change. In this masterpiece of a theatrical performance, the audience was told the story of a miser’s change of heart, while also witnessing the ability of a first-time performer to speak and act in front of a large crowd and the power of love.

“We were nervous for her, but we were also excited, too,” Paul said. “Erin has come a long way, and we are very proud of her.”

The Artists’ Exchange’s version of the play has been adapted and directed by Jessica Chace, with music direction by Tom Chace. Bob Colonna plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, a first for the veteran performer who serves as head of The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theater (TRIST).

Erin and the 36 other actors who make up the cast of “A Christmas Carol” will be performing the play for one more weekend, running Thursday, Dec. 17 to Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Park Theatre in Cranston, located at 848 Park Ave.

Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the door prior to the show, or by calling 490-9475 or visiting www.artists-exchange.org.

Artists’ Exchange is also hosting its annual Holiday Gala & Silent Auction from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Guests will enjoy Russell Morin catering, an open wine bar, craft beer provided by the Rapscallion Brewery, and live music before a VIP seating of the final performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

Local artisans, shops, and businesses are providing auction items, and proceeds will benefit Gateways to Change Inc. and Artists’ Exchange. Tickets are $75 per person, and can be reserved by calling 490-9475.

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