DTC’s Christmas Carol: A Fresh Take on Dickens’ Timeless Classic

A Christmas Carol - Dallas Theater Center

Review of A Christmas Carol Presented by Dallas Theater Center

by Mina Frannea

We saw Dallas Theater Center’s production of A Christmas Carol at the Kalita Humphreys Theater recently.

This adaptation of Dickens’ classic by Richard Hellesen is in its eight and final season at the Kalita Humphreys. Although we were expecting the usual story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, we were blown away by the quality of the production. The diverse cast and their stellar performances were a treat. We also enjoyed the dramatic special effects and sounds that underscored scenes such as booming clock chimes, rattling chains, eerie fog and lightning strikes. All of this combined created a gripping backdrop for the performance.

Encouraging Children to Participate in Community Service

Community Service Ideas for Kids

by Mina Frannea

The holidays are a time of the year when people are often inspired to volunteer their time to those in need. As parents, my husband and I hope to instill in our children the importance of community service and the concept of “giving back”. Children learn a lot by watching so we try to set examples by giving of our time to school activities and various community organizations. This has helped our children accept service related activities as a normal part of our lives.

If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities that your child can participate in with you, look for tasks that aren’t too complicated, are age appropriate and relevant to interests or skills that your child enjoys.

Depending on a child’s age (minimum age requirements may apply), he or she may be able to:

‘Ho, Ho…Uh Oh!’ Get Ready to Jingle with Junie B at DCT

Junie B Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Dallas Children's Theater

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

 

by Mina Frannea

We caught a recent performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at the Dallas Children’s Theater. It’s a light-hearted show that the whole family can enjoy and will make you laugh out loud!

The Performance

As the performance opens, it’s the last week before winter break and Junie B’s class in Room One is about to participate in a Holiday sing-along. The class has also been chosen to lead the entire auditorium in a chorus of “Jingle Bells.”  Nervous about the upcoming show, Junie B has a flashback to last year’s disastrous performance of a Columbus Day play when her arch rival May tries to take over and chaos ensues. The Columbus Day skit, a show within a show, is FUN and wonderfully portrayed by the cast. I especially liked the creative use of silk-like fabric to represent roiling ocean waves.