Haverhill High actors (from left) Luis Castillo, Hope Shellene, David Politis and Elizabeth George rehearse for ‘A Christmas Carol.’ (Photos courtesy of Kam Brooksmore)
Members of Haverhill High School’s drama club are gearing up their retelling of the Charles Dickens holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” starting Thursday and running through the weekend.
Thursday, Dec. 14’s opening night performance takes place at 7 p.m., with additional shows happening Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m. All shows are staged in the HHS auditorium at 137 Monument St. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
This year, the role of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Kam Brooksmore and Aaron Povenmire.
Kameron Brooksmore (left) practices a scene with Xzayvier Pizzaro and Shannon Kaiser.
Brooksmore previewed his role for WHAV.
“I’m the crotchety old man in the beginning who hates Christmas and everything about Christmas because he’s had bad experiences in the past,” senior Brooksmore said. “The story is his journey from becoming an awful person to someone who can help others. It really brings out the spirit of Christmas.”
As Brooksmore tells WHAV, more than 40 Haverhill High students will have their chance to shine during the holiday show. The group of auditioned actors has been rehearsing since September under the direction of Joseph Gori.
Longtime chorus director Gori is retiring this year and will be sorely missed by actors including Brooksmore.
“Working with Mr. Gori is a great experience. He is pretty much a genius,” enthused Brooksmore. “He knows exactly what he wants and exactly how to tell all of us what to do. He builds up a relationship with all of the cast members and we know what he’s thinking. It pays off in the end and he gets really proud of us.”
Also this month, the Haverhill High chorus will put on a Christmas Cabaret show. Auditions for the school’s spring performance of “Mary Poppins” take place in January.