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Kaelei Whitlatch

Hi, I'm Kaelei and I'm a senior at Southmoreland. I'm a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Concert Band, Show Choir, Highlander Choir, Musical Arts, Music Theatre club, The Future is Mine, Random Acts of Kindness, and Journalism. I love to play clarinet, write, and perform on stage. I plan to attend Robert Morris University with a major in Communications.

Latest posts by Kaelei Whitlatch (see all)

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Almost everyone knows of Charles Dickens’s classic tale, A Christmas Carol. The Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale is bringing his story to life through music, just in time for the holiday season.

The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted civilian who is mourning the death of his co-worker, Jacob Marley. Little does he know, Marley’s ghost would stop for a visit and bring him news; three ghosts would visit him, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. When Scrooge learns of his fateful, inevitable future, he must learn to change his old ways.

The musical is directed by Tina Lepidi-Stewart, who has directed over 75 shows at Apple Hill Playhouse, Norwin High School, and more.

“I love (Charles) Dickens. I love Christmas,” Lepidi-Stewart said. “This show has a strong message people need to hear.”

Zach Gilkey, Greensburg Central Catholic sophomore, takes the stage as Young Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as some ensemble roles. This is his first show at the Geyer, although he has been a performer since he was in elementary school.

“My favorite part of the show is all of the amazing people involved,” Gilkey said. “The show is full of great songs, dances, and special effects.”

Southmoreland freshman Galatea Zeglin will take the stage in her second show at the theatre as an ensemble member.

“I love meeting new people and being in the Christmas spirit,” Zeglin said. “It’s a great classic, and it’s going to be an enjoyable show to wrap in the holiday.”

Terry Westwood has played many roles throughout his over 40 years of theatre experience, and this is his first show at the Geyer theater.

His favorite role he has ever played is Reverend Hale from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. He took his experience playing Hale to play Ebenezer Scrooge in A Musical Christmas Carol. 

“I really like these roles where the character I play has a total transformation,” Westwood said. “Like Reverend Hale, it is a challenge for the actor to transform both sides of Scrooge.”

Westwood is very passionate about playing Scrooge, and A Musical Christmas Carol is one of his all-time favorite Christmas shows.

“Well, A Christmas Carol is the ultimate ghost story, and who wouldn’t like to be shown the past, present, and future of their lives and have the chance to change it?” Westwood said. “When Dickens wrote (the show), Christmas wasn’t the top of the holiday chain as it is today. Easter ruled the holidays. So some might credit Dickens for giving Christmas that nudge.”

Westwood also hopes audiences will enjoy the holiday musical.

“The show is a lot of fun. It has great costumes and wonderful music with a 7-piece band. It is great family fun and would make a great date night,” Westwood said. “You will have anger, tears, fear, and laughter as you watch Scrooge go through his metamorphosis. It’s something you can take home with you.”

A Musical Christmas Carol runs December 15-17 at 7:30 and December 18 at 2:30. For tickets and more information, visit http://geyerpac.com/ or call 724-887-0887. Tickets are also available before the show at the door.