Columbus Children's Theatre to Present MR. SCROOGE

Columbus Children's Theatre will present Mr. Scrooge November 27-December 20, 2015 at Park Street Theatre located at 512 Park Street. This production is directed by William Goldsmith, with Assistant Directors Chris Rusen and George Bailey. Book by William Goldsmith, Music and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, and Based on Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol." Mr. Scrooge is a one-act musical with no intermission and runs approximately 60 minutes. This production is recommended for ages 4 and older.

Set in 1871, this is the magical story of one Christmas Eve which changes the life of the old curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge spent his entire life saving every penny he could and only looked after himself. In receiving a mysterious warning to change his ways from his old business partner Marley and visits from 3 mysterious spirits, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas.

As a special holiday treat, CCT's Artistic Director Bill Goldsmith, who is the playwright and director, will take the stage as the lead role of Mr. Scrooge. While he was last seen in last season's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, this is the first major role Goldsmith has taken on in many years. He returns to this production after having performed the role of Jacob Marley in CCT's first production of Mr. Scrooge in 1989. "It is one of my favorite stories. I wrote our touring version and have produced it for 23 years. I've directed Mr. Scrooge on the main stage at 10 times, but only performed once. And even after all these productions, I've always had one goal, to make Mr. Scrooge a realistic man. To create a truly believable character, with honest emotions, who carries the audience with him through this magical transformation. My hope is that being in the show will bring many alums back who have performed in the show over the years to join me in bringing back this CCT tradition." says Goldsmith.

And the alums have returned! Four other people associated with this production have played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge: Ken Erney (CATCO), Luther Center (Dublin Abbey Players), George Bailey and Chris Rusen (CCT Touring Company).

Ken Erney and Catherine Cryan were both founding members of CATCO, the original occupants of CCT's Park Street Theatre. They helped to build the facility. Ken was a core member of CATCO and performed for them many times. They have brought their grandchildren to CCT, but this is the first time they have performed back in this facility for over 18 years.

This is the second time Goldsmith has performed on the stage with Catherine Cryan. He was in his first high school play with her in 1964: "Papa Was a Preacher." Cryan played Goldsmith's sister.

This show is a reunion of alumni in many respects. Jennifer Feather Youngblood (Ghost of Christmas Present) and Dayton Duvall (Ghost of Jacob Marley) return to reprise the roles. Youngblood performed the role in 2004, while Duvall performed the role in 1999, 2004 and 2008. Claire Paniccia (Ghost of Christmas Past) played Tiny Tim for CCT in 1999 and returned to play a ruffian in 2004. Jeffrey Gibson (Fred) returns to CCT after a 15 year absence. He was a member of the CCT Touring Company for 4 years and performed in Mr. Scrooge all four years on tour.

Among the many returning performers, CCT is pleased have many cast members on its stage for the first time including Carleigh Benson, Nicolas Brunet, Ryleigh Buckingham, Justus Dorsey, Ken Erney, Douglas Gustafson, Ella Kaminski, and
Gabrielle Shell.

Adult tickets are $20-$25 and Child/Student/Senior (ages 55 & over) tickets are $15-$20. On Thrifty Thursdays, tickets are $12 for all seats, all ages. Reservations are recommended. Group rates and field trips are available. Please contact the Ticket Office for more at 614.224.6672 or www.ColumbusChildrensTheatre.org.

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