A national tour of “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol” will begin its season at East Tennessee State University on Nov. 13. The production is adapted from a book by David H. Bell and features original songs by Parton.
The musical reimagines Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” moving the story to the Smoky Mountains and drawing inspiration from Parton’s Appalachian upbringing.
In this adaptation, Ebenezer Scrooge is the greedy owner of a mining company who cannot understand the joy of Christmas. During a snowstorm, he is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who ultimately teach him about love, compassion and generosity.
While the story is based on Dickens’ 1843 novella, the adaptation changes its setting and Scrooge’s background. The story explores themes of corporate greed and Appalachian poverty while emphasizing love and kindness.
Throughout her career, Parton has also been known for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has provided more than 330 million free books to children, according to the article’s source material. She has also supported programs designed to encourage high school students to graduate.
Although Parton did not write the musical’s book, her music and connection to the Smoky Mountains are central to the production.
Parton described the production as her “love letter to the Smoky Mountains, to Christmas, and to the timeless reminder that love, compassion, and generosity are gifts that we can all share.”
The production premiered in 2019. Johnson City’s location in Appalachia also gives the ETSU performance a regional connection to the setting and themes of the musical.
Tickets and additional information are available through the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.
https://www.etsu.edu/martin-center/events-tickets/infopages/dollypartonsmcc.php
