Young Players revisit holiday classic

“It’s been difficult. There’s a heck of a lot of running around and I couldn’t drive, so that was a challenge,” she said.

Langston’s been at the OYP Theatre School since 2002, and now holds the title artistic director. She’s gearing up for the school’s first winter show at its new home in the Shenkman Arts Centre, after students and staff made the move from the Cumberland Hub, a space that had previously been used as a daycare for special needs children, in June this year. She’s enjoying the classes, facilities, and extra breathing room, but most of all she said she’s enjoying putting the show together.

“This has been a massive undertaking but the students are just amazing. It’s so dynamic, there are great kids out here running around and choosing hats and props. We have seven families involved in the play, like parents with their children, which I absolutely love,” she said.

This term’s theme is classics, so it’s only natural Langston chose A Christmas Carol for the winter production. Langston and her students have been rehearsing the show and developing characters since September, and she said they’re more than ready to wow the audience.

“They’re so enthusiastic. We chose Madison (Bellini) for Tiny Tim because she’s the smallest, but she’s also remarkably good. She comes up with the best questions,” said Langston.

The play follows the classic Dickens tale of wealth, poverty and retribution, with the crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge (played by David Loveridge) receiving a Christmas comeuppance from a trio of ghostly spirits, but Langston and her cast decided to add a special local twist.

“It’s 1860 and the story takes place in Ottawa. The three oldest Cratchet children, Peter, Martha and Belinda tell the tale to the audience. It’s a unique take on a favourite show,” said Langston.

And about that broken foot: the cast came off a week ago and Langston is back in full force.

“One of our little six-year-olds said ‘If you’re not having fun, you’re probably not a very good actor.’ We are all definitely actors here,” she said.

The show runs at the Shenkman Black Box Theatre Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Audience members are invited to bring a new or gently used children’s snowsuit for the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund to the final show. Tickets are $20 each or $10 for children and students, and available at the door or by reservation at www.oyplayers.on.ca.

-- By Paige Aarhus