A Dickens Feast – December 13, 2008
Right out of the annals of Victorian literature and into the Grand Dining Room of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel comes Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol December 13th. This musical dinner theatre version is “the best of times.” A gourmet dinner Dickens himself would have approved, the musical performance by a lively acting company from Atlanta, and the Grand Dining Room itself join forces for an evening of delightful merrymaking.

Decorated in all its Christmas finery with the fragrance of live greenery in the air, the Hotel is never lovelier than during the holiday season. With its Victorian ambience, the dining room seems the perfect place for a tribute to Charles Dickens.

Guests gather in the Boar’s Head Lobby between 7:00 and 7:15 p.m. to meet each other and, just before seating at 7:30, drink a toast to “Christmas Present.” It’s a time of anticipation of the musical dinner theatre experience that lies ahead. Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig, Fan and other characters from the production may also pay a visit, sing some spirited carols, and “set the stage” with lively commentary.

Once everyone is seated, the feast begins with an appetizer of Smoked Quail Stuffed with Apricots and Roasted Chestnuts and then Shellfish Consommé with Poached Shrimp. The next course is Bibb and Red Oak Leaf Lettuce with Herb Brie Lemon-Parsley Creamy Vinaigrette. The evening’s entrée is Horseradish Crusted Petite Filet Mignon with Dijon Crème Glace, Young Vegetables and Herb Roasted Potatoes. The perfect ending to the feast is Caramel-Orange Rice Pudding with Chocolate and Spice Petite Cakes. A vegetarian menu preference may be requested at the time the Dickens Feast reservation is made.

Between the courses the story unfolds. The troupe of actors, which has performed here in the past several times to sell-out audiences, engages the audience in the performance. Early in the evening they surreptitiously assign “parts” to guests who’ve agreed to it ahead of time. The entire dining room is their “stage.” It’s an evening of delight in one of the most treasured yuletide stories in the English language.

Business attire or evening wear is appropriate. The cost of the event is $100.00 inclusive. For reservations, please call the Hotel at 912-635-2600. For more information visit this website: www.jekyllclub.com.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is located at 371 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.