Theatergoers will need to engage their imaginations when they arrive at St. Andrews Center for the Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga’s original production of “Silent Christmas.”
They won’t see three ghosts tormenting Scrooge, a screaming family of misfits trying to fit into the church’s annual Christmas pageant or a boy with a desperate wish for a BB gun.
They won’t even hear any conventional dialogue.
Instead, the production, according to founding producer Garry Lee Posey, features sacred and secular popular and traditional Christmas carols and other music around a theme that tells a story.
IF YOU GO* What: “Silent Christmas.”* When: 7:30 p.m. today and Dec. 17, 2 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 18, 3 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 19.* Where: St. Andrews Center, 1918 Union Ave.* Admission: $10.* Phone: 987-5141.* Website: www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com.
The songs, he said, help convey literally or metaphorically what each of the characters is trying to say.
“It’s very different,” said Posey, who conceived the idea and directs the show. “I’m not sure where it’s going to fall with the audience. It’s risky for us, but I’m excited.”
The story finds six stranded guests — each with his or her own struggle — at a truck-stop diner outside Bethlehem, Pa. When a wounded child arrives and the six guests work to heal the child, they too find healing.
Among the 20-plus songs are “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” “White Christmas,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Longfellow’s Carol,” “Light One Candle” and “Shalom Rav.”
The production engages the audience “more than most mainstream performances,” Posey said. “It allows you to reflect and make up your own story. … The engagement keeps them focused on the show, and that’s the goal.”
John Thomas Cecil is musical director of the show.
Contact Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6497.