County Seat Theater will take to the internet

While last week's shutdown order put an end to any live theater performances until Dec. 19, Cloquet's County Seat Theater was ready for it.

Kind of.

They had selected a show that they could livestream or offer as an on-demand video performance, just in case. They had paid the extra royalties to do that. They chose a version of the show that required fewer actors, and provided for social distancing.

But they still rehearsed and planned to perform in person, in front of an audience, with opening night set for Dec. 3.

"It wasn't as exhausting as the first time (the state shut down all theaters last spring), but this is also different because we can't just push it back a month or two," Soukkala said. "It's a Christmas show."

It is THE Christmas show: "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, but with a twist.

Instead of Victorian England, this holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials for fruitcake (extra fancy), and the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring. A handful of actors bring dozens of characters to the stage, as the familiar story unfolds: Three ghosts take Ebenezer Scrooge on a thrilling journey to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.

Each person plays multiple characters, just like they would on the radio. There's no changing costumes, and not a lot of moving around. A list of character names follows each cast member's name: Tyler Anderson has only two because he plays both Ebenezer Scrooge and Freddie Filmore. At the other end of the spectrum are Ken Peter and Joshua Effinger, who play a total of nine characters. Ruthie Breuer has four roles, but also does sound effects.

"Doing it as a radio show is good because we can do better social distancing, with everyone at their own microphones," Soukkala said. "It also meant if someone got sick, we could get away with a replacement using a script, because that happens all the time on radio."

Now, instead of opening in person on Dec. 3, the County Seat will present "A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play" on demand Dec. 9-13 and Dec. 23-25. The "ticket" price is $9.99 for single view, $14.99 for family view, and the link is good for 24 hours.

The show will be pre-recorded. Soukkala said they aren't quite technologically ready for live streaming, but he hopes that will be an option with future shows.

They recorded the dress rehearsal last Friday - just in case there's a new stricter order from the state - but Soukkala said he has some technical elements he'd like to work on before they do their final recording. They also invited family members to watch the show. "It is nice to have an actual audience reaction," he said, adding that - like radio - they have canned clapping if needed.

There are some bright spots. Doing the show virtually means there's no cap on the number of "audience members." It also means they could offer an actual Christmas Day performance.

"Being that everyone's on lockdown and has nothing to do, it's a great opportunity to take in some live theater," Soukkala said. "And support the County Seat."

To book an on-demand viewing, go to countyseattheater.com and click on the "on demand tickets" box at the bottom of the home page. Season pass holders can do the same. Call County Seat at 218-878-0071 with any questions. There's also a link to donate to the community theater on the website and the Facebook page. There is also a Facebook auction fundraiser.

"We were on track with grants and donations to break even with the Christmas show, but we may end up in the negative now," Soukkala said. "What a year it's been."

Director Greg Anderson drew a parallel between "A Christmas Carol" and 2020 in his director's notes: "Certainly, this year has taught us all to adjust to 'new normals' and make the most of the opportunities we're given," he wrote. "In the end, don't we all want to make a positive contribution to the world regardless of how difficult the times have been?"