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Entire families acting in ‘Dickens of Christmas’
BY DAN EAKIN, Staff Writer
It’s not unusual for entire families to go see a production like “A Dickens of a Christmas,” scheduled for Dec. 7-9, 14-16 at Studio B in Highland Village.
What is unusual is that three entire families are actors who will be on stage in the same production.
The three families together make up about one-third of the cast of 35 in the production, which is a shortened version of “A Christmas Carol,” and presents the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.
With each family, the children have sparked the parents’ interest in acting.
“The kids got our family involved at Studio B,” said DeAnna McDearmont. “We have been with Studio B for over three years and we started out because Ryan and Kaitlyn wanted to give it a try. A few of the productions needed some adults, so Scott stepped in to help.”
Dr. Scott McDearmont, who is a member of the Highland Village City Council, proves it is possible to be both a surgeon and an actor.
“Scott actually enjoys the stage more than I do,” said his wife. “He usually sticks to shows that the kids are in, but he was recently in ‘Talking Pictures,’ without the kids. The kids, of course, love the stage.”
Twelve-year-old Kelly Bach is the reason her family is involved in acting at Studio B.
“Kelly actually got us started in acting,” said her mother. “She has been in several at Studio B and loves every minute of her time there. She definitely got her acting/stage genes from her dad, as Roger fits right in on stage. Matthew is more like mom, and was a little hesitant. However, he has come out of shell and really enjoys Dickens rehearsals.”
Several of the actors in the production will play multiple roles.
Roger Bach will play Jacob Marley, Mr. Fezziwig and an old beggar; Lori will play a townsperson and be the production assistant; Kelly will be a narrator and caroler; and Matthew will play Tiny Tim and young Ebenezer.
The upcoming production will be the first stage appearances for three of the four members of the Bach family. Kelly has appeared in numerous productions, including “The Little Mermaid,” “Pocahontas,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Aladdin” (starring role) and “The Miracle Worker.”
But just because Matthew hasn’t acted before doesn’t mean he hasn’t been seen by the public. As an infant, Matthew modeled in New York, has been in a cable TV commercial and has appeared in print ads.
Kelly may be the member of the family most likely to pursue an acting career.
“Kelly wants to continue to act at Studio B and at school, and hopefully be chosen for further lead roles,” her mother said. “As she matures, she would like to learn more about stage crew and production and to be a fully-rounded actress.”
Bailey, 8, is the member of the Orman family most likely to pursue an acting career.
“Bailey has been taking acting lessons at Studio B for a year and a half,” her father said. “She is excited about being a part of the show. She wants to be an actress when she grows up. She’ll be taking many more classes and performing as much as she can handle. But now, there are friends to play with and bikes to ride.”
Both Bailey and her brother Jeremy will be playing as Cratchit kids in the production. Dad plays Bob Cratchit and mom is an extra, townsperson and party goer.
“This is our first show as a family,” Orman said. “In October, Tina and I performed in ‘Talking Pictures’ at Studio B. It was Tina’s first performance ever. I thought it was outstanding.”
“In fact,” he added, “I’ve been incredibly impressed with the talent level of everyone I’ve seen at Studio B.”
“I enjoyed my two roles … as Gerard Anderson and Delbert Ashenback,” Orman said. “I’m sure I won’t be afforded many other opportunities to play a drunk and a crazy person who shoots himself in the foot in the same show.”
DeAnna McDearmont, who is in charge of publicity for Studio B, thinks it is great that entire families can get involved in productions there.
“Studio B is truly a family place,” she said. “It is such a positive place for kids and families. We love it when we see other families getting active together, because it creates a real bond and common interest.”
Tickets for A Dickens of a Christmas are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and $8 for children age 10 and under. Seats may be reserved by calling 972-966-2787 or by e-mailing studiobtheater@aol.com.
Contact Dan Eakin at 972-628-4075 or at deakin@acnpapers.com.
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