“A Christmas Carol” is one of my favorite holiday stories.
So you can imagine my excitement when I picked up my Omaha Community Playhouse tickets for the holiday production’s opening weekend.
The Charles Dickens holiday classic has been an Omaha holiday tradition for 37 years. It follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s life-changing journey. Complete with intricate costumes, music, sets and special effects, the production I decided was perfect for my 4-year-old daughter Alejandra.
Although Alejandra has attended children’s productions, I made sure to explain proper theater etiquette beforehand. Being respectful and considerate of the audience and actors was important. This wasn’t a television show or movie, the actors could be distracted by what they hear and see in the auditorium.
“Mommy, is it time?” Alejandra said. She was getting antsy; so was I.
When we arrived, the first stop was the restroom. “Do you have to go?”
She shook her head. “Go, anyway.”
After snagging a booster seat, we found our third row seats. We squeezed past a few people — only stepping on one foot — to get to them. I held Alejandra’s hand, my purse, our coats and the booster seat. We were almost there when it happened… That peculiar smile, odd expression of the eyes and then Alejandra moved in for the pounce. She was happy and wanted to give mommy the biggest bear hug ever.
Unfortunately, she caught me off guard, I jumped back and accidentally smacked a silver-haired woman in the face with the booster seat. My face felt warm. I profusely apologized. The woman averted her gaze to the stage. Her friend nodded and said “it’s OK. Don’t worry.”
Oh, it gets better. Alejandra refused the booster seat. So I tucked it underneath her seat.
I finally plopped down on the theater seat and the show began.
Alejandra launched into a giggle fit every time Scrooge said “Bah! Humbug!” She was tickled with joy to see children dancing on the stage and actors singing holiday melodies.
And then it struck me… The Jacob Marley scene was nearing. Oh, no. It might be too much for her. Surely, she’ll bury her head.
She grabbed my arm when Marley’s ghost visited Scrooge. I reminded her the actors are in costume and that it is pretend. Alejandra leaned in and said, “Bah! Humbug!” Silly girl.
After the show, we met Ebenezer Scrooge — a highlight for Alejandra. She spent the rest of the day Bah! Humbug-ing people.
A grocery store clerk said my total. “Bah! Humbug!” Alejandra said.
A young girl at the park waved. “Bah! Humbug!”
Grandpa asked for a kiss. “Bah! Humbug!”
“It’s a funny saying, mom,” she exclaimed. “Bah! Humbug! Bah! Humbug!”
“A Christmas Carol” will continue through Dec. 23 at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Tickets for shows before Dec. 15 are $35 for adults and $24 for students; and after that date are $39 for adults and $28 for students. To order tickets, call 402-553-0800 or visit www.omahaplayhouse.com.
The five things my 4-year-old took away from the show:
1. Scrooge loves to say ”Bah! Humbug!”
2. A majestic giant wearing green robes introduced Scrooge to Bob Cratchit’s family. (Alejandra says Bob Cricket instead of Cratchit. Smile.)
3. Tiny Tim needs a doctor. Someone get him a doctor.
4. Scrooge gave his money away to help others. “He learned how to share, mommy.”
5. You get gingerbread cookies during intermission. (They’re super cute, delicious and cost $4.)
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