The Carol History

In 1981 The Alliance Church of the Valley in St. Croix Falls, WI put on a Christmas program, which included a short play, adapted from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, by Donald R. Howard. The play, titled “A Christian Christmas Carol” was produced with minimal staging and less than 10 rehearsals. Although the play lasted only 30 minutes, it was well received by those in attendance.

Members of the congregation and cast enjoyed the experience so much that soon there were numerous requests that the play be done again and with multiple performances. In response to those requests, drama director Kevin Carlson took on the challenge to repeat the play. Carlson added more information from the original Dickens classic and included music from traditional and contemporary sources to allow the performance to stand on it’s own.

In December of 1983, the play was presented as a stand-alone production for the first time. ‘The Carol’ was performed four times over two weekends and drew over 1,000 people to the performances. ‘The Carol’ ran approximately one hour and included an intermission. A free will offering was taken to cover expenses.

After the success of the 1983 performances, Carlson began to reflect on the meaning of the original Dickens’ story and how the message of this classic still applied to the daily lives of people in our society.

Carlson was further inspired by conversations with his grandmother Ruth Carlson.

“Grandma Ruth was a retired missionary to the people of Vietnam. She never lost the sparkle in her eye and the desire to share with people the love of Christ. Grandma never lost an opportunity to tell me what an effective communication tool theatre was. She continually challenged and encouraged me to use my gifts in theatre to share Christ’s love.”

As a result of conversations with his Grandmother and others, and his examination of Dickens’ original text, an idea began to form in Carlson’s mind.

“It was during this time that I realized “The Carol” should be presented as a gift to the community with no strings attached. There could be no advanced ticket sales. There could be no “free will” offerings. There must be absolutely nothing that could deter people from coming and nothing that could detract from the analogy that just as the play was free to all who chose to come, the gift of Jesus Christ is free to all who choose to believe.”

Over the years many well-meaning people have questioned the decision to perform the play at no charge. Many attending the play have pointed out that ‘The Carol’ is comparable to other productions that people gladly pay to watch. Others have suggested that a free will offering would provide funds to upgrade lighting, sound or set.

To all of these suggestions Carlson has gently pointed out that if God’s hand is on the production, He will move the hearts of his people to provide every need. Carlson’s stand of faith has not gone unrewarded. Time after time people have come from nowhere to provide expertise in set design, music, choreography, costumes and funds.

Since 1983 and over the course of 49 performances, over 14,000 people have experienced the ‘gift’ of “The Carol.” During that time, many have grown with ‘The Carol’. Children who were once carolers or townschildren, now play the parts their parents played years ago. Others have held the same part for virtually every production.

When asked to what he attributes the popularity of ‘The Carol’ Carlson will smile and say,

“Thanks be unto God for His Unspeakable Gift!”

Carol Performances and attendance: