The Redhound Theatre is preparing to open its winter production of Humbug! A Christmas Carol and this year audiences can expect a familiar story told with a new and unexpectedly darker tone.
Director Nick Hibbard, now in his second year leading both the Corbin High School choir and the theatre program, said this year’s seniors had a special request when choosing the show.
“A lot of our juniors and seniors did A Christmas Carol as their first show,” said Hibbard. “They wanted to do this show this year as their last Christmas show, so that’s why we picked it. Their last show was their first show.”
Hibbard noted that while most audiences are used to the cheerful holiday message, the students are exploring the darker sides a bit more.
“We get really comfortable with the Christmas side of the story,” Hibbard said. “We forget that it does have a darker side, that these are ghosts appearing to Scrooge. We’re leaning into that more than what I’ve seen most people do.”
The production also includes small but meaningful additions, including a moment in the Ghost of Christmas Future scene where a Cratchit child reads Matthew 25: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”
Hibbard says it brings out the story’s spiritual and moral weight.
“It’s not just a high school production,” Hibbard said. “There are layers to this show that I really feel like people haven’t quite gotten yet.”
Junior Brayden Lowe, who plays Scrooge, said he has enjoyed acting as this character because some of his time on stage involves acting without delivering lines.
“I have a lot of stage time just observing and just acting without really saying anything, which I really like,” said Lowe.
Hibbard said giving Lowe the role was a risk that paid off. “It’s a hefty role. Half the script is him,” Hibbard said. “We took a chance, and he has done excellent with it.”
Lowe, who has participated in every CHS production since entering high school, said the cast has become especially close this year, particularly with the involvement of younger students.
“I kind of view them as like little siblings,” said Lowe. “I think all of us have been really good to them.”
One of those younger cast members is Eleanor Roberts, daughter of Corbin Elementary principal Liberty Roberts, continuing a long tradition of involving the next generation of Redhound performers.
A senior’s last Christmas show Senior Macey Disney, who plays Belle, said the production holds special meaning for her.
“This was the first show I did when I joined in fifth grade,” she said. “It’s really special that it’s my last Christmas show too. It’s the nostalgia of it all.”
Disney, who has performed in Redhound Theatre for nine years and now serves as president of the CHS Thespian Society, said the program has been a constant throughout her school career.
“It’s been my home,” Disney said. “It’s the whole reason I come to school. It’s been a huge driving force in my life.”
She hopes audiences will enjoy the show’s musical numbers and choreography, and the darker side of the story.
“This one leans into the creepier side a little bit,” Disney said. “I’m excited for the audience to see the darker side of it. And it’s such a classic.”
This year’s production is also about honoring the program built by former directors Miss Jones and Miss Hibbard.
“The excellence people came to know under the previous directors is here to stay,” Hibbard said. “The Redhound Theatre’s not going anywhere.”
He added that the community’s support plays a major role in that legacy.
“The community has always rallied behind us,” he said. “We hope they continue to come support us and see that we’re still the same excellent program.”
If you would like to see the Christmas play, performance dates are Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for students and a Season Pass option for $25 for admission to both Humbug! and the spring production of The Wizard of Oz. Tickets are sold at the door and take cash or check.
