By Annette
Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine
Several
years ago, my family and I had the pleasure of seeing Gerald Charles Dickens, the
great-great grandson of literary master Charles Dickens perform A Christmas Carol. He bears a striking resemblance to the
author of this classic Christmas story. Dressed in a cravat, embroidered waistcoat, and frock coat he transported the audience to 1800’s London. In 1867, Charles Dickens originally toured the U.S. reading his literary
works before captivated audiences. Historians
report that A Christmas Carol
was his favorite piece to perform. Gerald Charles Dickens has embraced Dickens’
enthusiasm and it is indicated in his performance.
It was “the
best of times” to watch him leap, creep, laugh and cry performing his one-man
show. He embraced and characterized all 26 characters in this beloved Christmas
tale of his ancestor. His only props were a hat rack, wing chair and table. Our
children were familiar with the story but his version was mesmerizing holding
their attention for the entire performance. It was a wonderful family memory
for us. If you have the opportunity to see his performance, I highly recommend
it for you and your family.
Another Dickens ancestor, Cedric Charles Dickens, the great-grandson of
Charles Dickens authored the book, Christmas with Dickens. He also wrote The Sayings of Charles Dickens, Drinking with Dickens, The
"George and Vulture" in "Pickwick Papers", The Miracle of Pickwick or... the Goodness of Pickwickedness and Dining
with Dickens.
The
writings of Charles Dickens has certainly sustained his family for generations,
through various venues, including reissued books, new books themed after his characters, television shows, movies,
musicals, annual Christmas plays and Dicken’s descendants’ careers. We should
all strive to write a classic tale that has the potential of lasting for the
entertainment of the “ghosts” of the past, present and future.
We can
do this, so in the words of Tiny Tim, “God Bless Us, Everyone!”
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