Classical Theatre Of Harlem Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN HARLEM

The Classical Theatre of Harlem (Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director) presents A Christmas Carol in Harlem, based on the timeless work by Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol in Harlem is adapted by Shawn René Graham, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III and choreographed by Tiffany Rea-Fisher. This re-imagining of the classic Christmas tale will include some original music and classic holiday carols tinged with gospel, hip-hop, pop and R&B influences, which celebrate the spirit of the season the Harlem way.

Set in present day Harlem, this holiday treasure is dramatized with CTH's signature style of infusing classic works with an uptown flair. A Christmas Carol in Harlem places Ebenezer Scrooge as a real estate mogul who has made his fortune at the expense of others. Scrooge foregoes using his wealth to affect positive change within his Harlem community and instead lives a life of miserly solitude. That is, until three unexpected visitors arrive on Christmas Eve to show him that the value of family and the impact of cooperation will lead to a healthy, thriving and prosperous community.

A Christmas Carol in Harlem touches on the issues that are affecting so many New Yorkers today such as gentrification and social inequality, but infuses it with humor and hope. CTH reinvigorates this timeless tale to remind us that taking the time to be sensitive and mindful is key to celebrating our shared humanity. CTH veteran, Anthony Vaughn Merchant, will lead the cast as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Recommended for all ages.

The company of "A Christmas Carol in Harlem" includes: Jason C. Brown (as The Spirit of Christmas Present; The Misanthrope, Duchess of Malfi ), Reed HarrisButts (as Bennie) Daniel Echevarria (as Fezz; In The Heights, Something like a Fairytale, The Open Gate), Paula Galloway (as Claudette; The Colored Museum, Ain't Misbehavin'), Brandon Gregory (as The Spirit of Christmas Past) Steve Hauck (as Jacob Marley, The Velocity of Autumn, Irena's Vow ), Emery Jones (as Tiny Timothia), Kaden Jones (as Child Scrooge) Alexandria Danielle King (as Sierra Jones; Antigone), Kahlil X Daniel (as The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come), Anthony Vaughn Merchant (as Scrooge), Sarita Amani Nash (as Fan and Belle), Angela Polite (as Clock Shop Lady; MARY SPEAKS, Flambeaux) Jeffrey Rashad (as Bob Cratchit and Young Scrooge), and Kenzie Ross (as Mrs. Cratchit; Blood at the Root, When We Left). The ensemble features dancers from Elisa Monte Dance.

Runtime: 90 minutes; no intermission

"We are on the precipice of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. What a remarkable opportunity to launch into the next century by complementing the existing holiday programming downtown, with a show that has a unique uptown, New York City aesthetic," said Ty Jones, Classical Theatre of Harlem's Producing Artistic Director. "I believe that A Christmas Carol in Harlem will become a classic, seasonal offering on par with other beloved, locally based holiday productions. Shawn René Graham has taken Dickens' classic to show how a community is healed, one family at a time and exemplifies how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love at Christmas time.