NYC's Largest 'A Christmas Carol' Opens 12/8 at TBG Arts

The unique sights and sounds of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol return to New York after sold-out runs in both 2004 and 2005.  Personal Space Theatrics continues its fifth Season with the largest Carol to be presented in New York City this Holiday Season.  The production runs December 8 - 22 at TBG Arts Center (312 West 36th Street, 3rd Floor).

Adapted and directed by Stephen Wargo with musical arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell this "A Christmas Carol is more than just a holiday standard.  Stripped of the flying machines and hoop skirts associated with other stage versions, this piece focuses on ensemble storytelling of Dickens' words coupled with an expansive score of traditional carols and hymns.  This year's production promises new surprises as adapter/director Stephen Wargo has incorporated two new songs to the score and will be staging the piece in-the-round, making for the most intimate Christmas Carol experience available to New York audiences this Holiday season.  This one-of-a-kind take on Dickens' story has had audiences cheering since PST first presented it in concert form in 2002," explain press notes.

The show's score, which consists of new choral arrangements of both traditional and rarely-heard carols and hymns, has been assembled and arranged by ASCAP, BMI, Helen Hayes and Barrymore-award-winning composer and orchestrator Dianne Adams McDowell. Rounding out the creative team are musical director/conductor Jamie Reed, choreographer Kate Vallee, scenic designer Taline Alexander, lighting designer Timothy Swiss, costume designer Kathleen Leary, sound designer Chris Rummel and properties master Casey Smith.

Reprising his tour de force, fierce and terrifying turn as Ebenezer Scrooge is New York and West End veteran Robert Ian Mackenzie, recently seen off-Broadway in India Awaiting at the Samuel Beckett and regionally in Stageworks Hudson's Underneath the Lintel.  Joining him are Paul Aguirre (Fezziwig), Frank Anderson (Marley's Ghost), Antonio Copeland (Ghost of Christmas Present), Stephanie Ferro (Fan), Kelly Francis (Elizabeth), Nathan Freeman (Young Scrooge), Justin Hall (Tiny Tim), Carol Hickey (Mrs. Cratchit), Kathleen Hinders (Mrs. Fezziwig), Andrea McCullough (Charwoman), Adair Moran (Belle), Nicholas Alexiy Moran (Bob Cratchit), John McCarthy Moriarty (Turkey Boy), Allyson Pace (Ensemble), Shelley Rae Phetteplace (Ensemble), Justin Randolph (Topper), Daniel Scott Richards (Ensemble), Steven Douglas Stewart (Peter Cratchit), Caitlin Thurnauer (Martha Cratchit), Michael Turay (Fred), Ryan Wagner (Ghost of Christmas Future), Emily Wright (Catherine), and Katie Zaffrann (Ghost of Christmas Past). 

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol opens on Saturday December 8 at 8PM and will perform on the following schedule at TBG Theatre (312 West 36th Street 3rd Floor): Thursday - Saturday at 8PM, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM, and Sunday the 16th at 7PM.

Tickets are $19 general admission, $17 seniors/students/children, $15 groups of ten or more, $10 - All Seats! Tuesdays December 6 and December 13. Tickets may be purchased by calling SmartTix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.smarttix.com. For more information, logon to www.personalspacetheatrics.org or call (212) 802-4537.