On November 26, a beloved Rochester tradition returns to the GeVa Theatre Center Mainstage in a sparkling new production. A Christmas Carol, Dickens' classic tale of redemption for the most despised man in London, will awaken your heart and rekindle your spirit this holiday season. A Christmas Carol has not been seen on the Geva Mainstage since 2007 and this new production features a script adapted by Mark Cuddy from Charles Dickens' novella with music and lyrics by Gregg Coffin, composer of Geva favorites, Five Course Love and Convenience.
In discussing his new incarnation of this 167 year-old classic, director and adaptor
Mark Cuddy commented, "I was interested in why Scrooge turned out the way he did: what were the moments where he felt abandoned, unloved, or missed an opportunity to grow emotionally. Film and stage adaptations generally show us what it takes to change his behavior and let love back into his life. What I wanted to explore were the causes of his misanthropic adulthood. Perhaps we could see these moments in our own lives and decide not to close down our own hearts." He added, "With this Cuddy/Coffin creation, I hope that we have illuminated Mr. Dickens in a way that brings joy to you this holiday season. It's certainly been a great privilege to return to such a beloved story and once again feel a bit redeemed ourselves."
Geva's production of A Christmas Carol is not only a return of a Rochester tradition; it is also a homecoming to the Mainstage for many members of the cast.
Guy Paul (Ebenezer Scrooge) was last seen in Geva's production of Pride and Prejudice.
Jim Poulos (Bob Crachit) returns to Geva following his performance as Mozart in Amadeus earlier this season and
Melissa Rain Anderson, seen last season in the anniversary concert of Convenience and in Mainstage productions of Convenience, Urinetown and Inherit the Wind, returns to Geva as Mrs. Cratchit.
Kevin Ligon (Fezziwig) was seen in last season's Five Course Love, and
Ned Noyes (Fred), was last in the Geva Mainstage as one of the Venticelli in Amadeus. Remi Sandri (The Ghost of Jacob Marley), "The Old Man" in last season's production of A Christmas Story, has appeared in Geva's productions of Pride and Prejudice, Tuesday's With Morrie, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure and 1776. Rochester native
Kara Lindsay makes her Geva debut as Scrooge's lost love, Belle. Ms. Lindsay recently appeared as Laura Ingalls in the National Tour of Little House on the Prairie opposite
Melissa Gilbert. Local actors Royce Bleier,
Vincent Carbone, Kate Dylan, Tim Ellison, Stephanie McKee, Kara Minute,
Michael Sheehan and Ricky Thomas and local, young actors Ethan Beckwith-Cohen, Tali Beckwith Cohen, Lucas Brown, Kasey Dickinson, Emelia Duserick, Gavin Flood, Mina Konuksever, Erin McManus,
Sage Melcher, Michael Motkowski, Megan Mueller, Julie Sandler, Carina Scalice, Taylor Tydings and siblings Alizabeth and Annaleigh York complete the cast.
A Christmas Carol is adapted and directed by
Mark Cuddy and features music and lyrics composed by
Gregg Coffin with choreography by Meggins Kelley. The design team includes
Adam Koch (scenic designer),
Devon Painter (costume designer),
Paul Hackenmueller (lighting designer),
Lindsay Jones (sound designer) and
Dan Scully (Projection Designer).
A Christmas Carol is co-produced by St.
John Fisher College, Time Warner Cable, WROC-TV and Zimmer Sales & Services Corp.
