I would like to extend my sincere and heart felt thanks to the entire staff of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre (all of them volunteers), radio station KPFZ, the sponsors, and the cast and crew who helped me put on a most wonderful dramatic reading of "A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 19. Their dedication to this project led to a fine production and great enjoyment for the entire audience both at the theatre and wherever people were listening on their radios.

I wish to thank the sponsors: Live Oak Grill, Ear Mite Music, Rosa D'Oro Winery, Disney Awards and Trophies, Kelsey Creek Coffee Co., Park Place Restaurant and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Because of their very generous donations, "A Christmas Carol" was presented free of charge for anyone who wanted to see a live radio production, with sound effects done from the stage. 

The superb cast was comprised of: Mary Howe, Hank Porter, Phil Mathewson, Eleanor Cook, Lourdes Thuesen, Xian Yeagen, Linda Gubert, Dennis Hall, Carrie Forno, Rod Rehe, Christine Hutt, Tim Williams, Susan Yeagen and William White. Their hard work and flexibility enabled them to cover several different voices during the broadcast.

The great sound crew was: Shawn Garrison, Mill Garrett, Matt Garrison, and Carole Cole Lewis. They stepped in at mostly the last minute and made the sound effects and music truly spectacular.

A special thanks goes out to Sandy Ciardelli of Sandy's Interiors and Vicki Deates for the excellent decorations to the stage and lobby.

And finally, a big thank you to the community who have supported all of our efforts at the Soper-Reese Theatre. Without your interest and attendance we could not have made this historic venue what it has come to be. We look forward to even bigger and better shows and events in the coming year. Stay tuned and visit our Web site, www.SoperReeseTheatre.com .

Thank you, Lake County!

Bert Hutt is producing director of “A Christmas Carol” and artistic director of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre.