Dickens comes alive at Dover United Church of Christ

John Ferris brings Ebeneezer Scrooge to life in his dramatic portrayal of one of Charles Dickens' most famous characters on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Dover Congregational United Church of Christ. For over 50 years, Ferris has shared the immortal story with small groups in schools, auditoriums and basements. He plays the narrator and all the characters one at a time, using the gifts of his voice, face and body language to share this story of one unhappy, self-centered man.

Ferris learned the story from his grandfather, Delbert Lean, who was a professor of speech at the College of Wooster. Lean shared the story with the Wooster community for 50 years, and Ferris is continuing the tradition. Ferris uses the shorter version Dickens himself preferred when he read his famous ghost story in public.

A retired Methodist minister, Ferris has recited Dickens' tale from memory as part of his ministry to churches all over Ohio. It is the story of one man's last chance to make a change in his life that will improve the lives of the people who encounters each day. "Most people know the story, its plot and characters, even its happy ending, " Ferris said. "What is different is to see the progression of the events on people's faces."

The story is told without break or intermission. The performance begins at 7 p.m.

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Volume 10, Issue 23, Posted 10:23 AM, 12.04.2018