Entertainment

Rantoul is set to be the stage for a Dickensian classic this December. Rod Sickler's decision to bring "A Christmas Carol" to the town holds a special significance. It not only offers local residents the joy of a beloved play but also breathes new life into the Rantoul Theatre Group.

Bringing Back the Magic

Sickler's enthusiasm for the classic is palpable. "We're real excited," he says. This isn't his first time performing the play; it's the fifth time between Coles County and Champaign County. And they even did a movie that was featured on WCIA.Jessica Holmes, a veteran of the Rantoul Theatre Group, is directing and narrating. Her late brother, Michael Gilson, was a passionate fan of "A Christmas Carol." He had 17 different versions on tape and books. The play holds a special meaning for her as a tribute to her brother.The production will benefit the theater group in two ways. It will provide a couple months' rent for their downtown venue and attract new members. "Since the pandemic, the theater group had been 'sort of a one-man show,'" Holmes says. "I can't do it all alone."The play will be presented in eight performances at the former Presbyterian Church building that also houses the Rantoul Historical Society. Sickler, who plays Scrooge, leads a large cast with some members playing multiple roles. He last worked with Holmes nine years ago, and his director from five years ago in Mattoon is serving as assistant director.Kenny Chumbley is helping with the production. Sickler hopes that if the play meets budget, any profit will go to the theater group.In the future, Holmes plans to hold a camp to teach dance, choreography, and acting. She is excited about the production: "There are so many awesome characters in the play. It's been such a joy to direct it. This story is a good story to remember there is redemption."The performances of "A Christmas Carol" will run at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays from Dec. 5-8 and 12-15. The cast includes Blake Kingsriter, S. Walker, David Gonzales, Casey Long, Shauna Boatright, Abigail Dossey, Whitmore, Craig Smith, Ella Luna, Andrea Cox, Tyshawn Cunningham, Quinn Cox, Everly Carpenter, Catherine Dossey, Hali Carpenter, Kelly Barber, and Isabella Gonzales.This Christmas Carol production is more than just a play; it's a story of redemption and revival for the Rantoul Theatre Group. It shows that even in difficult times, there is hope for a comeback. The town is eagerly awaiting the performances, and it's sure to be a holiday season to remember.