Carols and Classics
Educational Show Curriculum Packet
2016
WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE ENJOYING
CAROLS AND CLASSICS
The performance will begin with an Opening in the Courtyard.
The cast will welcome you and introduce themselves.
You will then see all three of the shows offered in three different rooms.
To conclude, we will all gather in the Courtyard for a Closing where the
cast will say farewell.
Interactive Theater:
 interactive: a mutual or reciprocal action
 theater: dramatic literature or its performance
Interactive Theater is very different than most types of entertainment. In
interactive theater the characters talk to you and you have the opportunity
to interact with the characters. You are not separate from the performance;
you are in the environment of the characters. In fact, you may be asked to
be a part of the performance, but, please wait to be asked for your
participation.
Fourth Wall Theater is what most of us are accustomed to when we go to
see live performance. The actors are on the stage; you are in the audience
and there is no interaction taking place between the audience and the
performers.
Carols and Classics is a combination of these two styles of theater.
Between shows you will have the opportunity to interact with the actors
portraying characters. During the Opening, Closing and individual
WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE ENJOYING
CAROLS AND CLASSICS
performances, we ask that you focus on the actors’ performances with
respectful attention. If they would like your participation, they will ask.
Q & A: After each of the three individual performances, you will have the
opportunity to ask the professional actors/characters questions about their
historical characters, their performance, acting, or anything you like.
Theatre Etiquette
Going to the theatre to attend a live
performance is an exceptional experience.
Each performance is unique and will never be repeated exactly.
You see, theatre is different from television or movies.
The actors are live on stage.
You can see and hear them; they can see and hear you.
Unlike television there are no commercial breaks,
so live theatre does require more focus and attention.
Here are some guidelines for proper theatre etiquette:
 Please dress appropriately for the theatrical experience.
 Please read your program before the performance, not during.
 Keep in mind that you will be moving from room to room in the Crosley
Estate during the performances. We ask that you keep a respectful
volume in case other performances are still taking place.
 Please be courteous to the actors and those around you- we ask that you
refrain from talking, using cell phones, moving, eating, taking pictures, or
propping your feet on chairs around you.
 Of course we encourage you to laugh when you find something funny
and cry if a story moves you to do so. You are a part of this experience
too!
We offer these suggestions not to limit you, but to enhance the theatrical
experience for you and your fellow students.
We hope you enjoy the Powel Crosley Theatre’s production of
Carols and Classics.
Holiday Stories
Brought to you by Carols and Classics
“A Christmas Carol”
by Charles Dickens
This popular holiday tale of greed and redemption was first published on December 19, 1843 in
London. A Christmas Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his
transformation into a kinder man after he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas past, present,
and yet to come.
“The Boy who Laughed at Santa Claus”
by Ogden Nash
The Boy who Laughed at Santa Claus is one of the few short stories that the brilliant playwright,
Ogden Nash, penned. The Boy who Laughed at Santa Claus is a lovely tale taking place in
Baltimore, where a young boy didn’t believe in Santa Claus and the boy made the people
around him fearful of the Christmas spirit.
”A Visit From St. Nicholas”
by Clement C. Moore
Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, also recognized as The Night Before Christmas, has been a
Holiday favorite since it was first published anonymously in 1823. Clement Clark Moore first
acknowledged authorship in 1837. This cute tale is about the encounter a father has with old St.
Nicholas on the night before Christmas.
“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”
by Eric A. Kimmel
Eric A. Kimmel was an elementary school teacher and college professor prior to becoming a full
time writer. Kimmel published Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins in 1989. Hershel and the
Hanukkah Goblins is a story about a group of goblins that set up residency at the local
synagogue and every year the goblins blow out the candles on the menorah, but this year
Hershel has a set plan that will keep the goblins from ruining Hanukkah and bravely saves the
Hanukkah celebration.
CAROLS AND CLASSICS GLOSSARY
These are some people and terms you heard during the performance or while studying the
Victorian era and Charles Dickens.
Advent Wreath: The advent wreath is of Lutheran origin symbolizing joyous anticipation. It is
an evergreen wreath to which four candles symbolizing faith, joy, love and peace have been
securely attached. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, and the next three Sundays before
Christmas, a candle is lit as a symbol of the light that will come into the world with Christ’s
birth.
Bitter: adjective; resentful or cynical; hard to admit or accept
Burglary: noun; the felony of breaking into and entering the house of another at night with the
intent to steal, extended by statute to cover the breaking into and entering of any of various
buildings, by night or day.
Charles Dickens: English novelist from 1812-1870, wrote classics like “A Christmas Carol
Ebenezer: noun; a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “stone of help”
Fourth Wall: noun; the imaginary wall of a box set, separating the actors from the audience
Generosity: noun; 1. readiness or liberality in giving.2. Freedom from meanness or smallness of
mind or character.3. a generous act: We thanked him for his many generosities. 4. Largeness or
fullness; amplitude.
Goblins: noun; a grotesque sprite or elf that is mischievous or malicious toward people.
Hanukkah: noun; a Jewish festival lasting eight days, celebrated from the 25th day of the month
of Kislev to the 2nd of Tevet in commemoration of the rededication of the Temple by the
Maccabees following their victory over the Syrians under Antiochus IV, characterized chiefly by
the lighting of the menorah on each night of the festival.
Humbug: noun; 1. Something intended to delude or deceive 2. The quality of falseness or
deception 3. A person who is not what he or she claims or pretends to be; imposter
Jack-in-the-box: a toy that is a small box containing a clown or other figure which jumps up
when the box is opened
CAROLS AND CLASSICS GLOSSARY
Menorah: noun: a sacred candelabrum with seven branches used in the Temple in Jerusalem,
originally that made by the craftsman Bezalel and placed in the sanctuary of the Tabernacle
Play: noun; 1. A dramatic composition or piece; drama. 2. A dramatic performance, as on a
stage.
Queen Victoria: queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901; the
last Hanoverian ruler of England (1819-1901)
Redemption: noun; an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being
redeemed.
Selfish: adjective: devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s own
interests, benefits, welfare, ect. regardless of others
Selfless: adjective; having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame,
position, money, etc.; unselfish.
Shilling: noun; a cupronickel coin and former monetary unit of the United Kingdom, the 20th
part of a pound, equal to 12 pence: retained in circulation equal to 5 new pence after
decimalization in 1971.
Tannenbaum: noun; a Christmas tree
Tradition: noun; 1. the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc.,
from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice: a story that has come
down to us by popular tradition. 2. Something that is handed down: the traditions of the
Eskimos. 3. A long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting: The rebellious students
wanted to break with tradition. 4. a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.5. a
customary or characteristic method or manner: The winner took a victory lap in the usual track
tradition.
Victorian Era: the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22
January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national selfconfidence.
The Life of Charles Dickens Timeline
War of 1812 begins, Napoleon invades Russia
Greek War of Independence
Shelley’s Adonais published
th
Beethoven’s 9 Symphony first performed
Death of Lord Byron
1st Toy Balloon
First passenger railway in England opened
Beethoven dies
Charles Wheatsone invents the microphone
Louis Braille invents Braille printing
1812
1821
Slavery abolished throughout British Empire
Fall of the Alamo
Edgar Allan Poe marries Virginia Clem
English Schoolmaster Rowland Hill invents
the postage stamp
Cherokee “Trail of Tears”
Fredrick Bailey (Douglas) escapes from slavery
Victoria marries Albert
Jesse James born
Abolitionist Isabella Van Wagenen
renames herself Sojourner Truth
Potato famine of Ireland, 1st Christmas card
1st commercial chewing gum made & sold
Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Harriet Tubman guides members of her family
to freedom via the Underground Railroad
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin
American Civil War
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
Stonewall Jackson’s arm amputated & buried
1833
1836
1824
1825
1827
1829
1837
1838
1840
1842
1843
1846
1848
1849
1850
1852
1859
1861
1863
Charles Dickens Born February 2nd
Charles Dickens begins his education at
William Giles’s school.
John Dickens arrested for debt and imprisoned
for four months. Charles sent to work at
Warren’s Blacking Factory.
Charles sent to Wellington House Academy
Family evicted for non-payment of rent.
Charles leaves school and becomes a clerk.
Charles, having learned shorthand, works as a
freelance reporter.
Produces private theatricals
Marries Catherine Hogarth
Pickwick Papers begins serialization
Oliver Twist serialized
First Dickens child (Charles) born
Nicholas Nickleby begins serialization in 20
monthly installments
The Old Curiosity Shop published
Visits America with wife Catherine
A Christmas Carol published, 6000 copies sold
Becomes editor of The Daily News
Directs & acts in London
David Copperfield begins serialization
Founds Guild of Literature and Art
to help needy writers and artists
Tenth Dickens child (Edward) born
A Tale of Two Cities in serialization
Great Expectations published in 2 volumes
Charity readings at the British Embassy in
Paris, Readings in London
Home for destitute children opens in London
1st motorcycle invented
Susan B Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton
form National Women’s Suffrage Association
15th Constitutional Amendment gives former
slaves the right to vote
1866
1867
1869
Reading tour in London and the provinces
American Reading Tour
Reading tours broken off due to illness
1870
Charles Dickens received by Queen Victoria
Dickens dies of a cerebral hemorrhage
Dickens is buried at Westminster Abbey
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS-TRADITIONS AND
LEGENDS
Many of the Christmas and Holiday traditions celebrated in England today
originated during the Victorian era.
The Advent Wreath: The advent wreath is of Lutheran origin symbolizing joyous anticipation.
It is an evergreen wreath to which four candles symbolizing faith, joy, love and peace have been
securely attached. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, and the next three Sundays before
Christmas, a candle is lit as a symbol of the light that will come into the world with Christ’s
birth.
Bells: The ringing of bells originated in the pagan mid-winter festivities. It was believed that the
cold, sunless, winters made evil spirits more powerful; and one way to drive them away was to
make a lot of noise. The bells were a good for this purpose as one could ring the bells and still be
able to sing or shout above it.
Boxing Day: “Boxing day” originated in England; on December 26th, all of the churches open
their alms boxes and distribute the money in them to the poor so that they too can share in some
Christmas cheer. The custom was later adapted by apprentices and assistants who go around to
all their employer’s customers asking for tips in return for their services.
Candles: The Christmas candle is another tradition which evolved from the pagan mid-winter
festivities. It was believed that light was also a way to keep evil spirits away. In Victorian
England, it was customary for to place lighted candles in their windows during the twelve days
of Christmas as a sign to weary travelers that food and shelter could be found within. Candles are
also given by tradesmen to their loyal customers as gifts.
Caroling: The custom of caroling is a purely English tradition. Usually a group of three
individuals would stroll the streets, one playing violin, one singing, and one selling sheet music.
Shoppers would stop to listen to the group as well as purchase their sheet music.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS-TRADITIONS AND
LEGENDS
Many of the Christmas and Holiday traditions celebrated in England today
originated during the Victorian era.
Christmas Cards: The sending of Christmas cards began in England. John C. Horsley is
credited with this; however, it was actually at the suggestion of his friend, Sir Henry Cole in
1843, that the first Christmas card was published. One thousand cards were printed and sold for a
shilling a piece. This initial venture failed. It wasn’t until much later that this began to be
popular.
Christmas Crackers: Inspired by the snap and cracks coming from the flames in his hearth, a
London confectioner by the name of Tom Smith designed a “tube shaped” object and filled it
with sweets and toys and tied it at both ends. To open it, you pull on both ends which breaks the
cylinder and creates a “popping” sound. A “Christmas Cracker” as it is called is most often
found at each place setting on the Christmas dinner table and usually contains a party hat and a
toy or sweet treat.
CAROLS AND CLASSICS
Discussion Questions
Charles Dickens was one of the first authors of his time who wrote for the lower classes, and
who wrote about the plight of the poor, many of his publications were released in periodicals,
one chapter at a time, which made them affordable to almost anyone. Do you think this changed
the literary world in Dickens’ time? If so, how? What advantages besides price, could
serialization of literature have? How is this similar to the ways in which we experience
entertainment now?
Charles Dickens’ father was imprisoned due to debt and Charles was sent to work in a factory at
the age of twelve, how did this influence his characterization not only of children but of the
poor? What examples can you find of this influence?
Compare and contrast the three spirits who visit Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
What are their main similarities? What are their main differences? Do their differences have any
thematic significance? (Why, for instance, do they look and dress so differently?)
How is the holiday of Christmas portrayed in the story, A Christmas Carol? (Think of the moral,
social, aesthetic, and religious aspects of the holiday.) In what way does A Christmas Carol help
to define the modern idea of Christmas?
In The Boy who laughed at Santa Clause, what did you think about the boy who got turned into a
jack-in-the-box? Did he deserve to be turned into a toy for trying to ruin Christmas for everyone
else? Were the people right for not looking harder to find the boy that was in their care?
How would you react if you found Santa landing on your roof in the middle of the night? Would
you talk to him or stay to the side like the father in The Visit from St. Nicolas?
CAROLS AND CLASSICS
Discussion Questions
A Visit from St. Nicholas, is arguably one of the most well-known holiday verses; it is largely
responsible for some of the conceptions of Santa Clause and also had a massive impact on the
history of Christmas gift giving, think of other stories that have shaped our culture. What made
them popular? How did they effect society?
In Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, why do you think no one stood up to the Goblins before
Hershel? Do you think that Hershel was brave for taking on the Goblins on his own? What
would you have done in this situation? Explain the approach you would take to solve the
problem with the Goblins.
Perform or design a performance of one of the stories you saw at Carols and Classics, how would
you stage it? What sort of set, costumes and props would you use?
Write a review of one of the performances you saw at Carols and Classics.
CAROLS AND CLASSICS WORD SEARCH
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MENORAH
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QUEENVICTORIA
REDEMPTION
SELFISH
SELFLESS
SHILLING
TANNENBAUM
TRADITION
VICTORIANERA