NCShakes to Stage Two Special Performances of 'A Christmas Carol Unplugged' December 20-22

Since the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival suspended operations, reduced staff and programming last summer, NCShakes has established a fundraising campaign and plans for the future pending successful efforts to regain sufficient funding. In the interim, the company has maintained commitments to student education, including a current Youth Theatre program and the 2014 Shakespeare To Go tour to schools throughout North Carolina from January to May.

Integral to its fundraising plan, NCShakes continues to do what it does best - provide engaging theatre experiences.

NCShakes is presenting a small schedule of very special performances this fall, Michael Huie's one-man show, "Jack," October 25 at NCShakes Spirit Center and Off the Leash's "Shakespeare on Trial," November 19 at High Point Theatre, co-presented with High Point Theatre.

But NCShakes managing and artistic director, Pedro Silva, a founding member of the company, had a particular concern, "How can we respond to the many patrons who have expressed disappointment that we are not producing 'A Christmas Carol' this year? NCShakes has staged an original adaptation of Charles Dickens' ghostly little tale for 35 years." Pedro concludes, "Let's find a special way to share the heart and soul of Dickens' story and the spirit of the Christmas season."

This December, just in time for Christmas, the NCShakes company featuring Pedro Silva as Scrooge, will perform two unique presentations of their beloved classic, including all the original music, and a full cast volunteering their services in support of NCShakes. "'A Christmas Carol' has always been regarded as NCShakes' gift to the community," says Silva, "a tradition that we need to continue for many years to come."

"A Christmas Carol Unplugged" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 20 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 22 at High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Avenue in High Point. Admission to this fundraiser is offered on a Pay All You Can basis, with a suggested minimum of $25 per person. Any amount paid per ticket over $25 is tax-deductible as a contribution to NCShakes. Tickets may be ordered in advance through the High Point Theatre Box Office at 3336-887-3001 or online at www.highpointtheatre.com.

For additional information about NCShakes' fundraising campaign and current programming call 336-841-2273 or visit www.ncshakes.org.