About the Show

With a fresh perspective on the timeless tale, this adaptation remains true to the enchanting essence of Dickens. Set on a Christmas Eve in 1843, friends and family assemble at Dickens’ residence, eagerly beseeching him to share a story. Yet, he staunchly declines to work on such a hallowed evening. Instead, he proposes a collaborative endeavor, wherein each person shall contribute to the narrative’s unfolding. And thus, the magic commences, as the ensemble of 10 individuals takes on an impressive array of more than 40 roles, bringing the story to life in an extraordinary performance.

Credits

Written by Michael Paller
Original Story by Charles Dickens

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Thank you to our Sponsors

Auditions

Auditions for this show are past.

Volunteers

Cast

Darian Pearson

Charles Dickens

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Darian Pearson

Charles Dickens

This will be Darian’s first production with Dakota Stage. Born and Raised in Linton, Darian moved to Bismarck when he was 19. For work, he oversees the computer network at the University of Mary (Go Marauders!). He enjoys spending time with his loved ones, cooking, playing guitar, playing DND, and enjoys a good story in any medium.

Eden Selle

Katherine Dickens

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Eden Selle

Katherine Dickens

19-year-old Eden Selle is excited to play Catherine, as well as a number of other characters, in A Christmas Carol. Outside of theater, Eden works as a manager at a family entertainment center and is currently working towards getting a degree in mortuary science. She would like to thank her mother, Katrina, high school director, Laura, and boyfriend, Wilbur, for supporting her and encouraging her to continue acting.

Kevin Tengesdal

Clarkson Stanfield

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Kevin Tengesdal

Clarkson Stanfield

Forty years ago, in his high school play “The Egg & I,” Kevin R. Tengesdal discovered his enthusiasm for acting, and then honed his skills with Campus Players at Minot State. Fifteen years later, he was a member of Mouse River Players of Minot for three years, starting with “The Hobbit” as Gandalf. In 2004, Kevin entered Dakota Stage, performing in numerous productions for Mainstage, Late Night Alternative, and Living Masterpieces. His DSL Brady Awards include Best Supporting Actor in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Outstanding Ensemble Role for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and nominations for “A Christmas Carol” and “I Hate Hamlet.” Kevin has acted with Ft. Lincoln Haunted Fort, Bismarck State College, Fort Abraham Lincoln Dramatic Association, Northern Plains Dance, and Capital Shakespeare. His screen-time includes commercials, video projects, and the movie “Dust of War.” Kevin returns to the stage after a five-year intermission in which he achieved a UND MSW degree. He continues his 25-year graphic design discipline, now as the Public Information Specialist promoting the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library and its programs. Thank you Julius the Grey for your patience and much emotional support! Thanks Tom, cast and crew! “A merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us.”

Amanda Allen

Rebecca Stanfield

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Amanda Allen

Rebecca Stanfield

Amanda is thrilled to be back onstage with DSL working on the retelling of this holiday classic. She has been a part of the Dakota Stage family for over 20 years, starting out with the Shade Tree Players organization. She was last seen in the DSL productions of “Crimes of the Heart” and “5 Woman Wearing the Same Dress”. She has also been involved in productions with Capitol Shakespeare and Bismarck State College, as well as acting in local TV commercials and short films. She would like to extend a thank you to the cast for their hard work bringing this tale to life, and her husband for always leaving the light on for her after rehearsal. Also, a sincere thank you to all of you for supporting local theatre. Please enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!

Patrick Engelhart

Mark Lemon

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Patrick Engelhart

Mark Lemon

This is Patrick’s fourth production with DSL. “Thank you, as always, to my wife and son for always supporting me in my adventures at Dakota Stage! Thank you to Tom for being desperate enough to cast me. Thank you to the cast and crew for making this production such a fun experience! Happy holidays to our wonderful audience! ‘Totus mundus agit histrionem!’”

Mark Hasbargen

John Forster

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Mark Hasbargen

John Forster

"A Christmas Carol" marks the 27th show I have done in this community in the last thirteen years - seventeen of them at DSL. I'm very pleased to be working with this group, many of whom are veterans of our theatrical community that I have known for years, while a few are new-comers who I hope to work with again in future shows. Creating good shows never gets old, and I am always pleased to be able to present something special for your enjoyment. Thank you all for your support throughout the years.

Max Wild

Frederick Dickens

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Max Wild

Frederick Dickens

This is Max's second show at Dakota Stage, and he is a sophomore in college studying for his Theater degree. You may recognize him from Sweeney Todd, where he played Toby, or from his roles as Frog in 'A Year with Frog and Toad' and Creature in 'Frankenstein.' He would like to express his gratitude to his friends and family for their support in his artistic endeavors.

Audrey Bashus

Helen Hogart

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Audrey Bashus

Helen Hogart

Audry Bashus has been involved in theater for three years. Her interest began with the Shade Tree productions Big Bad Musical, Robin Hood, and How I Became a Pirate. She then participated in her middle school musical, and is now making her Dakota Stage debut. Outside of theater, she enjoys lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, fishing, and anything that involves Bob Ross and sour candy. She would like to thank the director and cast for being incredibly supportive and welcoming, as well as her family and friends, and especially her puppy/best friend, Murphy.

Mason Nicholes

Charley Dickens

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Mason Nicholes

Charley Dickens

A Dakota stage member for 3 years, Mason Nicholes has a love for theatre and entertainment as a whole. Mason is a Junior at Century high school and plans to go into graphic design as a career. He enjoys painting in his free time, spending time with his family and friends, and playing with his cat, Marceline.

Jack Willis

The Child

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Jack Willis

The Child

Jack Willis is thrilled to be returning to the stage for his fourth community theater production. Jack's first role with Dakota Stage was as "Boy Scrooge" in the 2022 "A Christmas Carol", even being featured as a soloist. Off-stage, Jack enjoys any sports field or court, though his passion lies with soccer. Off-field, he's an avid YouTuber and gamer. His family appreciates Dakota Stage and Shade Tree Players for their providing spaces and events for actors to perform and for audiences to enjoy.

Ally Baker

Caroler

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Ally Baker

Caroler

This is Ally’s first attempt at being a music director, and she couldn’t be happier with the effect that her carolers have on the show! Ally would like to thank Tom for pulling her into this production of A Christmas Carol, and the adventures that have come with it. She would also like to thank her family, without them none of this would have been possible.

ErinJean Gannon-Litton

Caroler

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ErinJean Gannon-Litton

Caroler

This is ErinJean's second Dakota Stage appearance this season, having been a part of the Sweeney Todd cast in October. She has been a part of the Capitol Shakespeare family and BSC Theater as well. She thanks her husband Chad for being so supportive of her doing back-to-back productions, as well as his love and encouragement in returning to acting. She also wants to thank her sons, Pat and Phil, for encouraging her to really go out of her comfort zone and do the musicals. And an extra special thank you her nieces Millie and Rosee who came to see their first plays with Auntie.

Mike Ulmen

Caroler

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Mike Ulmen

Caroler

Introducing Mike Ulmen, a music enthusiast making his stage debut at The Dakota Stage Theatre. With a passion for music, A elementary teacher of 15 years, Mike brings a fresh perspective to the spotlight, embracing the thrill of his premiere performance with enthusiasm and dedication.

Charles Ward

Caroler

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Charles Ward

Caroler

Charles just wants you to enjoy the show.

Production Team

Director
Tom Chase

Music Director
Ally Baker

Stage Manager
Maya Archuleta

Costume Designer
Amanda Perry

Scenic Designer
Brian Nelson

Master Carpenter
Jeremy Lindemann

Lighting Designer
Drew Pengilly

Sound Designer
Frank Vondra

Properties
Nancy Gordon

Technical Coordinator
Chris Roemmich

Photographer
Tom Chase

Additional Photography
Layn Mudder