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Bill Leslie

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Ira David Wood's Magic

'A Christmas Carol'

Posted: December 10, 2007
Updated: October 12, 2011

How many of you have seen a "Christmas Carol" by Ira David Wood?  What were your favorite parts?  

I took the family to the opening night last week at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh and laughed my heart out as usual.  Wood tweaks the script every year to include current events.  This year he tapped into the popular Badger car commercials, his daughter's relationship with outrageous musician Marilyn Manson, the drought and even entertainer Randy Parton's troubles in Roanoke Rapids.

Surely, Charles Dickens would smile at Wood's fresh and funny interpretation of this holiday classic.  Stress abounds this time of year for many.  Ira David has a unique ability to defuse stress with his warmth and wit.  His production is in its 33rd year.  At age 60 Wood says he doesn't need to apply as much make-up for the role.

The show runs through this Wednesday at Memorial Auditorium. 

 

Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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13 Comments


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the show is awesome, the guy can go in & out of character with ease. our state is lucky to have him, i saw the show friday night. i loved his playful jab at the mayor of raleugh
Click to view my profile alx
December 12, 2007 9:44 a.m.
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This is my 15th year in seeing the play and we have always enjoyed it until this year.I DIDNOT like the Marlyn Mansion part. This is supposed to be a family show and I thought that was untasteful. His daughter needs alot of prayer seeing such a person as that. I hope that next year he will not have that in it. What gets me is that he (Marlyn Mansion) is a known devil worshiper and then he puts him in a play that has Christian songs and theme to it. What a shame.
Click to view my profile toocutefb
December 11, 2007 9:16 p.m.
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I've seen this rendition of A Christmas Carol several times, but the most memorable performance I saw was in 2001. In the wake of 9/11, the lessons learned from this musical seemed extra potent: giving selflessly and loving unconditionally.

Here's hoping Ira David Wood III continues playing Scrooge for as long as possible. Whoever replaces him (if that's possible) will have ENORMOUS shoes to fill.
olexik
December 11, 2007 12:17 p.m.
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I've seen this performance 3 times. This year's production is the best that I have attended. Ira is just GREAT! I love his interpretation of Scrooge! You'll laugh and cry. My favorite part I guess is "The Badger" from the insurance commercials.
Amused
December 10, 2007 10:42 p.m.
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If you have not seen Ira David Wood in "A Christmas Carol" you have missed a treat. I truly love him. He makes me laugh until my sides hurt!
Click to view my profile computer trainer
December 10, 2007 5:32 p.m.
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I haven't seen it yet, but I'd like to. I did see "The Little Prince" at the Paul Green Theater on the UNC campus this past Saturday - It was wonderful!
bornbredtarheel
December 10, 2007 3:18 p.m.
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Just bought my tickets for Wednesday night's show!
Click to view my profile TruthBKnown
December 10, 2007 2:27 p.m.
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Ira David Wood III is an absolute genius.

This year, my favorite part was, "Goodnight, Muhammad!"
Click to view my profile justbcauz
December 10, 2007 1:27 p.m.
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One of these years I will get up there to see it again. I saw it several years ago and loved it. Bill, I missed you and your blog last week. Hope all is well.
Riverracer
December 10, 2007 12:16 p.m.
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It is absolutely wonderful -- even better this year than in the past -- which is remarkable in itself! My family goes every year and loves it every year. My adult children say it can't be Christmas without it, so going is a family tradition to kick off the holiday season. My favorite part is the "dance" with a Young Scrooge and Laura, his lost love. It is so beautiful. And then there is all the laughter!

I wish everyone could see the show!
debbjo
December 10, 2007 12:07 p.m.
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