Radio play of Dickens classic to raise funds for food pantry

WILMINGTON — Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol will be presented live as a 1930s-style radio play to help support the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m., at Historic Memorial Hall, 14 West Main Street. The inclement weather date is Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.

Six actors portray 41 characters, from Ebenezer Scrooge to Tiny Tim. Live sound effects will accompany this staged version.

Actors Thom Griffin, Joan Haley, Michael Haley, John Reese, Ann Steinhauser, and Brooke Steinhauser, will each play several characters in this 90-minute ⁽¹⁾adaptation of an original play by Michael Haley and John Reese, who is also the director. John Iverson serves as technical director.

All proceeds benefit the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry (DVFP), the mission of which is to see that no one in the area goes needlessly hungry, or lacks the basics for personal care.

It provides, as well as its resources permit, food and other items to all those who ask for assistance. It does not turn anyone away. DVFP serves Wilmington, Whitingham, ⁽²⁾Jacksonville, Dover, Readsboro, Marlboro, Halifax and Searsburg. It relies on donations of food items, the financial support of local churches, towns, organizations, and individuals, plus an annual membership drive to make sure the shelves are never empty. DVFP is a 501(c)(3) organization and a member of the Vermont Foodbank.

The play is appropriate for all ages. Requested admission is by⁽³⁾ cash donation of $5 or more, or nonperishable food item. For additional information, contact Friends of Historic Memorial Hall Executive Director Joe Levy at whirlygigmusic@gmail.com.