Cincinnati Playhouse Closes A CHRISTMAS CAROL 12/30

A holiday tradition returns at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park as KeyBank presents Charles Dickens' classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL. A popular favorite with Tri-state families now in its 19 th year, A CHRISTMAS CAROL runs in The Playhouse's Robert S. Marx Theatre from December 3 through December 30. First written in 1843, A CHRISTMAS CAROL often is credited with reinvigorating our modern holiday celebration.

The book, an instant success originally priced at just five shillings to be affordable to almost everyone, has become the author's most popular work and has spawned hundreds of television, film and stage adaptations. Adapted by Howard Dallin, The Playhouse's version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinnergiven one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts.

Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes amiraculous Christmas Eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. As he witnesses all those who have improved his life - his first love Belle, his kindhearted employer Fezziwig, his nephew Fred and his heartily abused clerk Bob Cratchit - he realizes that it's never too late to change his miserly ways.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL' s heartwarming message, along with hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects, helps to make the show one of The Playhouse's most Popular Productions each year.

This year's cast is comprised largely of returning actors. Local favorite Bruce Cromer will be humbugging as Ebenezer Scrooge for the fifth year. Also returning are Dale Hodges as the Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Peake, Keith Jochim as Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present, Todd Lawson as Young and Mature Scrooge, Gregory Procaccino as Jacob Marley/Old Joe, Andy Prosky as Bob Cratchit, Regina Pugh as Mrs. Cratchit, Tony Roach as Fred, SabrinaVeroczi as Belle/Catherine Margaret and Amy Warner as Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience.

Steven Michael Harper ( MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING) plays Mr. Sosser/Topper and Tom Ford ( GODSPELL ) plays Mr. Cupp/Percy.Playing carolers and party guests are Tim Abrahamsen, Lily Blau, Kristen B. Jackson, Kelly Pekar, Jacqueline Raposo, Jonathan Self, Anthony Vaughn Merchant and Joe Watts, Jr. Nine area children also appear in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Returning are Darius Brown as George, Katie Chase as Belinda Cratchit, Eben Franckewitz as Peter Cratchit, Julianne Fox as Fan, Owen Gunderman as Tiny Tim, Richard Lowenburgas Boy Scrooge, Methani Ran as Ignorance, MaraiaReinhart as Martha Cratchit and Kendall Kerrington Young as Want. Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Michael Haney directs the show for the 17 th time. The design team includes James Leonard Joy (sets), David Murin (costumes), Kirk Bookman (lighting) and David B. Smith (sound). Dee Anne Bryll is the choreographer, and Rebecca N. Childs is the music director. The Stage Manager is Andrea L. Shell. Jamie Lynne Sullivan is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Special Performances Audio Described Performance2 p.m. Saturday, December 19Signed Performance 2 p.m. Sunday, December 20 Dining Options Karlo's Bistro at The Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinnersinclude salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the show. The price is $27. Karlo's Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show. Options include salads, sandwiches, soups,pasta and desserts. No reservations are required.

All show times are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening shows to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. There are no performances on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are on sale now. Prices range from $25-$67, depending on day and seat location.

Tickets are $25 (B, C or D seating) for the preview performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 3. Tickets for children ages 5 to 12 are $20 (children under 5 not admitted) and teens ages 13 to 19 are $30 (B, C or D seating). The official openingnight is Friday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m.

For tickets to A CHRISTMAS CAROL or for more information, call The Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800/582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. For the 14 th year, The Playhouse will partner with Hoxworth Blood Center for a blood drive on Saturday, November 21 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Blood donors who attend the special event will receive buy-one-get-one free vouchers good for A CHRISTMAS CAROL and THE FALL OFHEAVEN. Spaces fill up quickly, so call early for an appointment.

Appointments can be made byregistering online at www.hoxworth.org/groups/playhouse or by calling 513/451-0910. At any time between November 7 and December 31, audience members can bring a new, unwrapped toy (appropriate for children up to age 13 and minimum $10 retail value) to thePlayhouse and place it in the Toys for Tots barrel by the box office.

The Marines will not accept used or second-hand toys or toys that have been removed from their original packaging. Similarly, plush or stuffed dolls that are not sold in a box or carton cannot be distributed. TheToys for Tots Foundation was created to help needy and underprivileged children experience the joys of Christmas. All toys donated after December 14 will be used for Christmas 2010.The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands ofindividuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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