Mike Randall performing Dickens’ show on Dec. 19 to benefit MAAC, food pantries

Provided photo: Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall will perform his award-winning Charles Dickens show Dec. 19 at the Medina Theater to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.

MEDINA – Realizing the increased demand for food, a new Medina resident has teamed with a Medina native to offer an evening of entertainment to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.

Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall, who recently moved to Medina with his wife Kathy, has offered to perform his award-winning impersonation of Charles Dickens at the Medina Theater on Dec. 19.

“I think we got caught up in the spirit of the holidays, and definitely in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” Randall said. “Everyone is donating their time and Joe (Cardone) is donating the theater – which is the biggest part. I hope it puts everyone in the spirit of the holiday season, and as Tiny Tim observed, ‘God bless us, everyone.’”

Prior to the doors opening at 7 p.m., Cardone said there will be a brass quartet playing and Christmas carols sung under the marquee. The evening will also feature Medina High School’s Select A’Capella Choir.

Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will qualify to be entered in drawings for prizes. Food will be divided between MAAC and food pantries at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and The Vine.

Randall has performed a variety of roles around the country, including his critically acclaimed portrayal of Mark Twain Live. He has also performed as a magician and is a member of the Puppeteers of America.

He may be best-known, however, for his 40 years with WKBW-TV, where he was an award-winning meteorologist, morning show host and feature reporter until his retirement more than a year ago. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

In a review by Night and Day of Randall’s performance as Charles Dickens at Musical Fare Theater in 2007, they declare “The one-man show brings out all the talent of this multi-faceted local actor. Dressed in period costume with beard and hair style and voice to match, Randall transported theater-goers to March 1868 when Dickens visited Buffalo to sold-out crowds. In his show, Randall demonstrates his versatility by performing every person in a voice befitting that character.”

Since its premiere in 2007, Randall has given more than 200 performances across Western New York. He amazes audiences by memorizing his hour and a half show, word for word.

Tickets to the show are $10 and may be ordered online at www.themedinatheatrecompany.com.

“This is Mike’s gift to the village of Medina,” Cardone said. “It is an event for the entire community.”