Dickens Events
About our Entertainment…
“A Christmas Carol”
Join us for this hilarious audience-participation version of Charles
Dickens’ classic holiday story where one of you will become Big
Ben, the clock and everyone will help Jacob Marley haunt Ebenezer Scrooge!
The Festival Singers
Delightful 5-part a cappella harmony will fill the streets of Holly
as this talented singing group joins voices to bring you music of the
holiday season.
A Tale of Charles Dickens
New this year, this presentation shows us how “A Christmas Carol” came
to be as told by its author, the namesake of our Festival, Charles Dickens.
That Fire-Eating Show with Johnny Blaze
Once again, Johnny Blaze returns to the Dickens Festival with his
amazing show of fire-eating and humor.
“The Night Before Christmas”
Here’s your chance to be one of St. Nick’s reindeer in this
rendition of the well-known poem where the audience members become the characters
in the tale.
Giant Bubble Making in Battle Alley
Every Saturday, be amazed by some incredibly giant and beautiful
bubbles on Battle Alley.
Do You Remember? Game Show
Come see if you remember the rest of the lyrics to popular holiday
songs after our singers stop mid-song in this brand new quiz show!
The Children’s Parade
Children of all ages can join our Children’s Parades and carry colorful
toys and play clashing cymbals along Battle Alley.
Holly Squares Game Show
Returning to the Festival this year, come “agree” or “disagree” with
our Street Characters as they answer fun holiday trivia.
Simply Dickens
Come hear this talented group of young people who will delight
you with tunes of the holidays!
MisTleToe Storytelling Time
Our Storyteller will enchant children of all ages with her animated
seasonal tales so grab a bench, a blanket and listen and learn.
Queen Victoria’s Scavenger Hunt
Join the Queen on her journey through the streets of Historic Downtown
Holly to find the missing “Royal Jewels”.
The Chimney Sweeps
This duo of dusty and sooty gents will share tricks of the trade
and warm your heart as well.
Cookie-Eating and Bah! Humbug! Contests
Be the fastest cookie-eater at the Festival and win prizes for
your efforts! And be the loudest, crabbiest, meanest Bah! Humbugger! and
you will be rewarded.
Caroling with the Queen
Be a part of the fun as Queen Victoria leads us in well-known carols
that will warm your hearts during the holiday season.
Sugar Plum Fairy Face Painting
Bring your little one and choose a festive and colorful original
design to wear on a happy face. Don’t be surprised if you see her
spreading holiday cheer throughout the village!
Father Christmas
Or as we know him here in the United States, Santa, accompanied
by the lovely Mrs. Claus, will be here from 1pm to 4pm daily to listen
to your Christmas wishes and make dreams come true.
Tree Lighting and Lantern Light Stroll
On the evening of the first day of the Festival, November 23, join
us at 6pm for Santa’s arrival and the official lighting of the Holly
Village Christmas Tree which will be followed by a Lantern Light Stroll
and Caroling on Battle Alley.
The Google Girls Ghoir
Karen Heighes, coordinator
From Google’s Ann Arbor offices comes this newly formed singing group
who will share favorite holiday tunes with you at 2pm on December 1.
The Forever His Children’s Choir
This delightfully costumed Children’s Vocal Ensemble returns once
again to share their talents with our Festival on December 1.
The Star Struck Dance Studio Dancers
Robin Ennis-Walters and Angie Broegham-Stinde, Co-directors
Always a Festival favorite, come be entertained by these local
high-energy dancers as they present holiday favorites right on the streets
of Holly on December 2 and 8.
Christmas Parade and Best-Dressed Dog Contest
On December 8, enter your pampered pooch and win prizes in our
Best-Dressed Dog Contest after the Holly Parade. The contest will
take place at the Christmas Tree at 1pm.
The Holly High School Choirs
Ranee Proper, director
We are delighted to welcome back these talented singers from our
local high school to the Dickens Festival. We are sure your holidays
will be brighter after hearing The Women’s Varsity Choir, The Chamber
Choir, Main Street Show Choir and Take Two Show Choir each perform on December
9.
Grand Blanc East Middle School Show Choir
Rachel Barton, director
We welcome this ensemble for the first time to our Festival. We are
sure you will be delighted with their singing and dancing performance on
December 15.
Grand Blanc High School Choirs
Sarah Stockton, director
Also appearing on December 15 and new to our Festival, we are pleased
to host both Bass Clef, Grand Blanc High’s male vocal ensemble and
Treble Tones, the school’s female vocal ensemble, to the streets of
Holly and we know you will enjoy their presentation.
The Big Chief Barbershop Chorus
A perennial favorite of the Dickens Festival, this Men’s singing group
lend their own special enthusiasm as they share songs of the season on December
15.
Renewal of Vows
At 1pm and 4pm on December 15 and 2:30pm on December 16, Ebenezer
Scrooge will officiate at a Renewal of Vows Ceremony for any couples who
wish to participate. But beware! He may try to talk you into
joining him in the single life!
The Clarkston United Methodist Youth Chime Ensemble
Angie Scheu, director
Come hear songs of the holiday season ring through the streets
of Holly on December 16.
Clarkston United Methodist Chancel Choir
Come listen as this adult choir shares songs of the Christmas season
on December 23.
The Cast of the Holly Dickens Festival:
Ebenezer Scrooge – John Mattiello
Bob Cratchit – Michael Brody
Ethel Cratchit – Laurie Renny
Jacob Marley – Chris Lynch
The Ghost of Christmas Past – Amy Seaman
The Spirit of Christmas Present – Chuck Storey
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come – Jack Daniels
Isabel, Scrooge’s Fiancee – Michelle Bieniek
Fred Scrooge – Phil Turkington
Fred’s Wife – Marlaina Jurco
The Widow Marley – Sharon Thomas
Charles Dickens – Ken Giorlando
Delia Lots – Carol Mitchell
Nigel, the Chimney Sweep – C.J. Lambert
Sooty, the Chimney Sweep – Chris Brody
The Town Crier – Dave Harris
MisTleToe, the Storyteller – Andrea Willis
Johnny Blaze – Tom Ray
Queen Victoria – Suzanne Cheney
Stephen P. Fezziweg – Steven Cunningham
Resident Put Pocket – Jonathan Lauinger
The Festival Singers
Sharon Thomas, director
Lori Bailey, Michelle Bieniek, Michael Brody, Steven Cunningham,
Tom Giorlando, Marlaina Jurco, Sarah Lasky, Chris Lynch, John Mattiello,
Carol Mitchell, Laurie Renny, Amy Seaman, Chuck Storey, Stephen
Thomas, Phil Turkington, Susan Wentworth-Hoben, Andrea Willis
Simply Dickens
Tom Giorlando, Lee Nilsson, Kim Parr, Ashley Weakland, Kourtney
Weishaupt
Sharon Thomas, Entertainment Director
