Back by popular demand, the Pennsylvania Dutch A Christmas Carol Trolley is rolling into West Reading once again! Join us for our second big year!
Our lead sponsor, The West Reading L.O.V.E. Team, and Solve IT Solutions, Fecho Theatrical, Genesius Theatre, Ridgewood Winery, Tina’s Salon and Day Spa, David’s Cleaning, United Artists Salon and Spa, Justin Bortz Jewelers, Go2997.com and Derek Sheldon, are set to present, once again, the Pennsylvania Dutch A Christmas Carol aboard the old fashioned Rhoads Christmas Trolley, opening on Friday, Nov. 27. This wondrous traveling show made its debut last year and was so successful that 10 additional performances were added just to keep up with the demand. This year, 10 additional performances have been added for a total of 30 performances!
‘Tis the Season, and Berks County is being treated by the L.O.V.E Team of West Reading and Solve IT Solutions, to one of the most unique Christmas Carol’s ever presented. Take a ride back in time as this delightful interactive family entertainment, with a PA Dutch twist, unfolds around the holiday glow of charming West Reading and the Ridgewood Winery. The audience boards the trolley at the Winery on Route 724 and is transported back in time to the streets of Olde West Reading Towne. Scrooge himself plays the surly emcee of this delightfully fun and wonderfully homespun treatment of the Charles Dickens classic. With a heart locked up tighter than a cash box, Scrooge encounters four spirits at various West Reading businesses, for the chance to open up his heart and relish in the joys of his fellow man. Children and adults love it, giggling between the comedy and the dramatic twists, as they also get a mini-tour of West Reading.
The trolley departs from the winery to West Reading, with Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit in tow, as they begin to spin the time-honored tale for the trolley audience. When the trolley gets to West Reading, the entertainment will be in full swing, and it will make several stops at various West Reading businesses to meet other characters and further the storyline. At each participating business, guests will be offered complimentary snacks or non-alcoholic drinks.
As old Scrooge begins to find some faith and trust in his fellow man and is reminded what a blessing each day of life is, the trolley winds its way back to the Ridgewood Winery as the trolley audience, Scrooge and Cratchit sing Christmas carols in the spirit of the very special holiday. When the audience returns to the winery, they are welcomed back into the farmstead to purchase wines to take home.
The trolley event is the brainchild of producer L.J. Fecho, owner and founder of Fecho Theatrical and Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre. Fecho adapted the script from the book by Charles Dickens. The interactive show has a cast of six actors who play multiple roles, and even audience members are called upon to portray various characters.
Vicki Nunis, local and professional actress, we are happy to say, is back this year playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. She will be playing the role as man, and she is most convincing. Ms. Nunis played the role before to great acclaim at Smagers’ Supper Club in Mt. Penn in their version of “Scrooge” the musical, and then later in a version with Entourage Entertainment, A Christmas Carol in the Mansion. Ms. Nunis, over her long and distinguished career, has had the good fortune to work all over the United States in tours, regional theatre and film and television.
In addition to being in the original National Tours of the Broadway Musical “Hair” and “Your Own Thing,” she also played the role of Evie in a regional presentation of Anthony Newley’s “Stop The World I Want To Get Off,” to which she played opposite an up and coming John Lithgow. Ms. Nunis will be playing the role of Scrooge at most performances, and Christine Cieplinski and Taylor Clark will take on the Scrooge role for the other performances.
The other professional actors in the troupe, who play a few different roles each are: Diane Smith, Dara Himes, Briana Christie, Mamie Coveli, Nick Freer, Mamie Covell, Derek Sheldon, Cal Anthony, Drew Boardman, Kelly Schmehl and Joe Swaggerty.
The trolley starts the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, and runs Nov. 28-29, as well as Dec. 5-6, 10, 12 and each day from Dec.. 16-23, with two performances each evening at 5:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wine tasting will take place 45 minutes before show times.
For tickets and information, please visit GenesiusDifference.org or call 610-373-9500. Children ages four and younger can ride for free if they sit on a parent’s lap. The trolley only holds 28 people per performance, and Fecho Productions highly suggests you purchase tickets in advance, but tickets will be available at the door. The price includes: A complimentary wine tasting at the Ridgewood Winery (non-alcoholic beverages & popcorn available), the trolley ride, the full story of A Christmas Carol acted out by professional actors and special treats, gifts, and discount coupons from participating West Reading Businesses. For group sales or private performance options, please call Larry Fecho at Fecho Productions, 610-780-7627.
To purchase tickets with all major credit cards, please visit GenesiusDifference.org or call 610-373-9500. Credit Card fees apply. There will be free parking at the winery. The trolley is NOT wheelchair accessible, but is climate controlled, for your comfort. The trolley runs rain or shine and even most times if there is snow. We suggest everyone dress for the weather! This show is Rated G.
The Ridgewood Winery is located at 2039 Philadelphia Avenue, Birdsboro, just off the 422 bypass and Morgantown Expressway at the intersection of E. Pointe Drive and Route 724.
Directions:From the PA Turnpike: Take Route 176 North to Route 724 East, Winery 1/4 mile on the left, just past the railroad tracks.
From Reading: Take 422 East to Route 176 South to Route 724 East, Winery 1/4 mile on the left, just past the railroad tracks.
From Pottstown: take 422 West to Route 176 South to Route 724 East, Winery 1/4 mile on the left, just past the railroad tracks. If you get lost, you can call 610-404-2727.
