A Christmas Carol Plays Weinber Center

For over 16 years the Maryland Ensemble Theatre and The Fun Company (the MET's family theatre) have delighted audiences with Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol. The MET's annual production at the Weinberg Center for the Arts has become a holiday family tradition in downtown Frederick. This adaptation stays true to Dickens' novel with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future calling on the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol is running at the Weinberg Center for the Arts from December 15th through the 18th. Tickets can be bought online at weinbergcenter.org, over the phone at 301-600-2828, or in person at the Weinberg Box Office. The show will also be presented at the Carroll County Arts Center the weekend of December 9th and 10th (carrollcountyartscouncil.org).

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
adapted by Theatricks | directed by Julie Herber

with Hannah Ayoub, Jackie Brinkmann, Kameron Brown, Karli Cole, Cali Cammarata, Elissa Dallimore, Katie Dallimore, Jack Evans, Gene' Fouche', Ashley Hall, Dustin Harris, Jason Hoffman, Rahni Huff, Lena Janes, Tad Janes, Grant Morningstar, Sandy Murphy, Amelia Olsen, Jemma Przybocki, Evie Resnik, Rose Ruziska, Wilson Seltzer, Connor Skees, Noah Sommer, Siobhan Stewart, Alec Stitely, Bill Stitely, Karen Stitely, Noah Stitely, Eddie Stockman, Sophie Stratyner, and Kayte Williams

The Weinberg Center for the Arts, December 16-18

A Christmas Carol is a clever and heartwarming tale that continues to thrill audiences of all ages! Written in 1843 by Charles Dickens it is one of Dickens' most popular writings. In 1858, Dickens began to do public readings. He began with A Christmas Carol, which he chose because he believed the best way to teach people his "Carol Philosophy" would be a performed reading. He read the story 127 times until his death, proving even the original novella was just as captivating and theatrically entertaining to live audience.

MET's Artistic Director Tad Janes returns to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge for a ninth straight year, and Julie Herber, the Fun Company's Artistic Director, returns as A Christmas Carol's director. Herber helped adapt the show and has been involved with the production since its first staging, "What I love most about mounting this production of A Christmas Carol is the infectious joy it spreads to our audiences. The show is beautifully crafted, in the way it uses our talented ensemble to take the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through his journey of rediscovering the true meaning of kindness, goodwill and love. The adaptation stays true to the original novella and celebrates the tale with clever and inventive style. Although not a musical, the script is underscored by fantastic music by composer John Walker. The mixture of music and movement are very typical of my style of directing. Our veteran actors, who look forward to the show each year, give beautiful life to each and every character, moving in and out of roles like a dance. I also love that we are able to give the talented students of our Ensemble School an opportunity to tread the boards alongside MET professionals."

The show's director continued, "In the midst of our hectic lives, especially at this festive time of year, it's nice to be reminded what's most important in life. This little holiday ghost story is a treat that does just that. I never tire of watching it. To quote the words from Dickens' beloved story, "He (Scrooge) knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!" Being able to share this message with our audiences, young and old is truly magical. They leave the theatre just as renewed as Mr. Scrooge. And that makes me very happy and hopeful."

For audience looking for a current twist on Christmas the MET is offering a hilarious E! True Hollywood Story take on Christmas that you don't want to miss, The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, running at the same time as A Christmas Carol. The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, a hilarious and racey look into Santa's workshop told from the point of view from those eight famous reindeer. Also on the MET stage the Fun Company is offering a new take on a classic fairy tale, The Commedia Pinocchio, a retelling of this wonderful tale using the 16th century Italian comedy form, commedia dell'arte.

For over a decade, Maryland Ensemble Theatre has been producing thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools, challenging classes and the side-splitting Comedy Pigs.. The MET is an artistic leader in the region and at the forefront of the creation of Frederick's Theater District.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL INFORMATION

Starring: Tad Janes* (Ebenezer Scrooge), Gené Fouché* (Ghost of Christmas Past, Belle), Jason Hoffman (Bob Cratchit), Bill Stitely (Young Ebenezer), Jack Evans (Ghost of Jacob Marley, Fezziwig), Sandy Murphy (Mrs. Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present), Kayte Williams (Mrs. Cratchit), Ashley Hall* (Belle), Rhani Huff & Cali Cammarata (Tiny Tim Cratchit), Noah Stitely & Eddie Stockman (Boy Scrooge); and also featuring Hannah Ayoub, Jackie Brinkmann, Kameron Brown, Karli Cole, Elissa Dallimore, Katie Dallimore, Dustin Harris, Lena Janes, Grant Morningstar, Amelia Olsen, Jemma Przybocki, Evie Resnik, Rose Ruziska, Wilson Seltzer, Connor Skees, Noah Sommer, Siobhan Stewart, Alec Stitley, Karen Stitley, and Sophie Stratyner.

Director and Designers: Julie Herber* (Director), John Walker (Original Music), Ira Domser (Set Design), Carey Rausch* (Lighting Design), Julie Herber* (Costume Design)

* Maryland Ensemble Company Members

Where: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 West Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701

Dates: December 16 - December 18, 2011

Performances: December 16 @ 7:30pm, December 17 at 2pm & 7:30pm, December 18 at 2pm

Ticket Prices: Adults $22, Students (7-18) & Seniors (62+) $20, *Children $12
Additional service charges may apply.

Box Office: At the Weinberg Center Box Office or call the Weinberg at 301-600-2828 or at weinbergcenter.org

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