BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—One of the world’s greatest Christmas stories, “A Christmas Carol,” was brought to life by the uber-talented students at the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC. Two performances on both Dec. 15 and 16 delighted a full house of attendees at the bergenPAC Theater on Van Brunt Street.
The show had a cast of 25 actors ranging in age from 7 years to adults, and included special guest performer Mark Quiles, a professional actor and member of the Actors Equity Association.
Eight-year-old Robbie Crandall, who played Scrooge at age 8, said he loved honing his acting craft for this show.
To prepare, I did vocal warm ups using my phone,” Robbie said. “I also had to do some serious acting, such as crying, and that takes a lot of practice.”
Agustya Harsh, who played Scrooge at age 12, said, “It was fun working with the other actors, especially with professionals like Mark Quiles. Even though I didn’t know anyone when we started, we all got to be friends, and it was exciting to be part of a show in this gigantic theater.”
Young Tomer Ophir, who played Tiny Tim, had such a great time studying at the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC that he now wants to be a professional actor.
The music was directed by Ben Boecker and the choreography was a team effort by Alexander Diaz, creative director of education and outreach, and Sherri Eldin, the assistant director and choreographer.
Adding to the festivities, carolers and Santa Claus greeted attendees in the lobby of the bergenPAC Theater prior to each performance.
Diaz said that rehearsals were every Sunday beginning Sept. 30, and the students worked really hard.
“The challenge of ‘A Christmas Carol’ was molding the show to come across as original and not replicate what’s been done in past productions. This story and music resonates with all ages and we really wanted to capture that essence for everyone in attendance.”
Diaz thoroughly enjoyed working with the students in this production.
“It was wonderful to see their growth as performers and their dedication to their craft,” he said.
Commenting on the success of the production, bergenPAC President and CEO Dom Roncace said, “After years of booking outside theater groups to perform this holiday classic, I am very proud of how our first original production came together. The talent of our cast and crew, as well as the staff at the Performing Arts School and bergenPAC, was on full display.
“We also appreciate the incredible support we received from the community and look forward to being part of their holiday traditions for years to come,” said Roncace.
Past theatrical productions of the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC have included “West Side Story” and “Beauty and the Beast,” each one a tremendous hit with audiences.
Since 2004, the Performing Arts School has been the region’s premier arts venue for classes in theater, music and dance. Students of all ages, from tots to teens, have thrived under the tutelage of industry professionals.
According to Becky Serico, the school’s managing director, “The Performing Arts School’s unique and ‘hands-on’ arts training allows students to gain real world experience and enhance academic achievement through the arts as well as opportunities to perform on the theater’s main stage and throughout the county.”
The school also offers scholarships and outreach programs for numerous school districts and special needs groups of all ages.
If you would like to enroll your child in music, dance and theater classes, the Performing Arts School has openings year-round for ages three months to adult.
Stop in at One Depot Square in Englewood, call (201) 482-8194 or email education@bergenpac.org for more information.
PHOTOS BY HILLARY VIDERS