Jon Kimbell to Direct North Shore Musical Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Jon Kimbell, former NSMT Artistic Director, returns to Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre(NSMT) to direct A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the show he originally adapted for the NSMT stage in 1989. Whether it's ghostly magical special effects, the dozens of revelers and musicians, or the cold scowl of Ebenezer Scrooge, there is something for everyone in this original, award-winning production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, playing 13 performances only from Friday, December 5 thru Sunday, December 21, 2014. Press Night scheduled for Friday, December 5 at 7:30pm.

"We are very excited to welcome Jon Kimbell back to direct A Christmas Carol. As he created this beloved adaptation in 1989, there is no better person to put in charge of this season's production," said NSMT's owner and producer Bill Hanney. "Having delighted more than a million people over the years, this season's spectacular show is guaranteed to once again put everyone in the brightest of holiday moods."

With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has become a holiday favorite throughout New England. Based on the Charles Dickens classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL tells the tale of curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future hoping to change his destiny and save his soul. This brilliant musical, an original adaptation by former NSMT Artistic Director Jon Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.

NSMT audience favorite, David Coffee, returns once again for his 21st year as Ebenezer Scrooge. This year's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL also includes Leigh Barrett (Ghost of Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit), Peter S. Adams (Ghost of Christmas Present, Gentleman 1), Dan Reardon (Ghost of Christmas Future, Young Scrooge), Freddie Kimmel (Jacob Marley), Tommy Labanaris (Narrator), Russell Garrett (Bob Cratchit), Nathaniel Braga (Pearlie), Brad Trump (Pearlie), Lenni Alexandra Kmiec (Belle), Bronson Norris Murphy (Fred), Cheryl McMahon (Mrs. Dilbur/ Mrs. Fezziwig), J.T. Turner (Mr. Fezziwig/Gentleman 2), John Michael Breen (Old Joe, Ensemble), Eva Rae Costanza (Ensemble), Lianne Gennaco (Meg, Ensemble), Tim McShea (Dick Wilkins, Ensemble), and Lorin Zucker (Ensemble).

The cast of 29 will also feature young performers from many local communities including: Acton resident Isabella Shee (Ignorance/Want), age 9. Essex resident Jillian Furber (Martha Cratchit), age 15. Gloucester resident Giacomo Favazza (Young Scrooge/Teen Caroler), age 16. Hopkinton resident Tony Weissinger (Peter Cratchit), age 11. Lynnfield resident Paige Martino (Ignorance/Want), age 7. Milton resident Eowyn Young (Belinda Cratchit), age 9. Nahant resident Sam Reenstierna (London Boy), age 11. Sudbury resident Chloe Thomas (Teen Caroler), age 18. Wenham residents: Ian Castracane (London Boy); age 10. Jake Flynn (Tiny Tim), age 8. Middleton, RI resident Scarlett Keene-Connole (Fan), age 10.

The creative team for A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes Jon Kimbell (Director), John MacInnis (Choreographer), Milton Granger (Music Direction), Howard C. Jones (Original Scenic Design), Paula Peasley-Ninestein (Resident Costume Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Design), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design), Gerard Kelly (Original Wig and Hair Design), Phill Madore (Production Stage Manager), Kevin P. Hill (Associate Director/Choreographer), Robert L. Rucinski (Assistant Music Director), Baily Costa (Assistant Lighting Designer), Josh Staines (Assistant Sound Designer), and Amanda M. Stuart (Assistant Stage Manager). Flying effects are provided by ZFX, Inc. Lars Nelson will serve as Production Consultant. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Kevin P. Hill (Artistic Director), and Beth Vasta (Associate Producer).

Throughout the run of A CHRISTMAS CAROL NSMT will be collecting toys in the lobby for Tiny Tim's Toy Drive. NSMT will be accepting unopened, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 2 - 12. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are priced from $55 to $70. Performances are December 5 - December 21, 20114 (Evening shows December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30pm; Matinees December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 2pm). Kids 18 and under save 50% on Family Fridays (December 5, 12, & 19 at 7:30pm). Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office at (978) 232-7200, via the website at www.nsmt.org or in person at 62 Dunham Road (Route 128, exit 19), Beverly, MA. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is sponsored by Beverly Hospital, a member of Lahey Health.

Additional Free Audience Enrichment events: OUT at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception (sponsored in part by Ryan & Wood Inc. Distilleries) on December 12.

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