One hundred and eighty years ago, on 19 December 1843, the first edition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was published. To celebrate, I’m releasing a special version of the story. Produced in 2001, this is the shortest edition of the story that I ever recorded (see below for the longer and medium-length editions). It’s also very meaningful to me, because it’s a collaboration with William R. Mathews, who back in 1998 invited me to begin performing dramatic readings in Westfield, New Jersey, where we were both teaching high school. I loved the opportunity to make music with current and former students, singing with members of the Westfield Chorale. There’s less than 20 minutes of storytelling in this episode—just a few lines of each of the “staves” of Dickens’ “carol”—but there’s lots of great music! (Photo of Bill Mathews and me by Gretchen Meister Brand. At some point we discovered we owned the same tie, and made a point of wearing it for one at least one of the Chorale performances each December.)

Mr. Mathews in rehearsal with the Chorale at First Baptist Church (Westfield, NJ).

Full length. This 75-minute program was recorded live on 16 December 2017, the 20th annual dramatic reading at First Baptist Church in Westfield, New Jersey. The episode features Michael Rosin on organ, including his original remix of Shayfer James’ “Weight of the World” as intro and outro. The Westfield High School Concert Choir was prepared by its directors, John Brzozowski and Maureen Francis.

Medium length. A Graycliff Christmas Carol is shorter and stranger to behold than a standard live performance. It only takes 39 minutes to listen to or watch the spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright-set 2020 version produced as a benefit for the Graycliff Estate on the edge of Lake Erie. Although the total production is shorter than today’s episode, the narration is fuller, with comparatively less music. Carols are performed by singers from the Vocalis Chamber Choir. The (highly recommended) video features photography by Full Circle Studios and visual design by John Opera.

“I give you Mr. Scrooge!” Christmas Present (including Bob Cratchit’s toast) is set in the kitchen at Graycliff. The video showcases five other locations in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home. (Production photo by John Opera)

Many people support this podcast in one way or another. Sometimes they sing with me, take photos, offer suggestions, roll tape, or play a pipe organ like it’s the lungs of the place. Some are able to contribute financially, which sustains this passion project to share great ideas about what and how and why we learn—including from literature and music. Gifts of even a few dollars from folks like you help with everything from recording equipment batteries to Graycliff gas money. There are two easy ways to donate—a one-time gift of any amount, or a monthly continuing contribution.

Current donors include: Aaron Bartley, Gilberto Belaval, Mary Rappl Bellanti, Raj Bhandari, Melinda Bihn, Gretchen & David Brand, Jenni & Robbie Brand, Jake Brown, Heather Carson-Wake, Patty Cruice, Ryan Daly, David Davis, James Duggan, Dave Eisenberg, Phillip Ellis, Anna Falicov, Errick L. Greene, Jonathan Hiam, Gregory Horn, Janice & John & Ava & Brooke Horn, Robyn Lee Horn, Greg Jackson, Kevin Johnson, Zack Kramer, Tim Lear, Janet & Robert Lee, Kristen Lee, Tom Loughlin, Susan Lytle, Carol MacVey, Linda B. Matt, Ellen McLaughlin, J. W. Gregg Meister, Miriam Meister, Sarah & Peter Meister, Dwight Nolt, Julia Olff, John Opera, Monica & Rowland Richards, Gail & Frank Richeson, Friends of Diana Rochford, Stacy Rodgers, Elizabeth & Terry Rowlands, Paula A. Roy, Emily Style, Marue Walizer, John B. Webb, Keith Zemsky, Vana Zervanos

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