Christmas in July: ‘The Best Gift’ musical debuts in staged reading at SKyPAC

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – It may be the middle of summer, but the holiday spirit made an early appearance in Bowling Green this weekend. 

On Saturday, SKyPAC hosted a staged reading of The Best Gift, a new musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The performance was presented by the Ramsey Theatre Company, SKyPAC’s professional resident theater company, and marked the very first public showing of the in-progress production. With no costumes, sets, or lighting, the staged reading offered audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, and a chance to shape the show itself.

“This musical will kick off our third season for the Ramsey Theater Company, and it’s going to be a wonderful, family-friendly show that we hope will become part of the SKyPAC’s and Bowling Green’s holiday tradition,” said Diane DiCroce, producing artistic director.

A 31-member cast performed the reading, accompanied by music from Tony, Dove, and Grammy Award-winning songwriters Dick and Mel Tunney of Nashville. Audience reactions and a feedback session were used to gather input as the team continues to refine the show.

The full production of The Best Gift: A Christmas Carol Musical is scheduled to premiere at SKyPAC on November 21st and 22nd. Organizers hope it becomes a beloved part of South Central Kentucky’s holiday season for years to come.