Photo Flash: Alley Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL

This season, the Alley Theatre presents its dazzling version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas, adapted and originally directed by Michael Wilson. Directed by Alley Associate Director James Black, A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas begins previews Friday, November 20, opens Saturday, November 21 and runs through Sunday, December 27.

This year, Alley Associate Director James Black directs this production and appears as Jacob Marley in this colorful, comical, and music-filled telling of Charles Dickens' "ghostly little book." Alley Theatre Artist Jeffrey Bean reprises his role as Ebenezer Scrooge.

The Alley Theatre began producing an annual production of A Christmas Carol in 1988. Michael Wilson's adaptation is an imaginative re-telling of the classic story. In 1990, Wilson - in his first directing project for the Alley - adapted and directed a version of the story that became a national standout for its dancing apparitions and Wizard of Oz like storyline. Since its inception, the production has developed into a crowd-pleasing holiday favorite, delighting more than 37,000 individuals last holiday season. Dickens' classic tale is a heart-warming and bone-chilling story for audiences of all ages. Through encounters with ghosts - including his late business partner Jacob Marley - Scrooge learns what ill fate lies in store for him if he continues on his greedy and heartless course. An amazing story and an unforgettable theatrical experience, A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas fills audiences with warm sentiments of the holiday season.

Charles Dickens' novella, whose full title is A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas was published in 1843 to instant success, selling six thousand copies within its first week. Originally written as a quick money maker to enable Dickens to get out of debt, the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve has become one of the most popular and enduring Christmas stories of all time. The first stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol dates back to January of 1844 in London and movie adaptations of this story were filmed as early as 1910.

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas will feature scenic designer Tony Straiges (Alley's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), costumes by Alejo Vietti (Alley's Rock ‘n' Roll, Mauritius, Eurydice, Cyrano de Bergerac), lighting by Rui Rita (Alley's Eurydice, Cyrano de Bergerac, To Kill a Mockingbird), and original music by John Gromada (Alley's Subject to Fits, Treasure Island, The Pillowman).

The cast of more than 30 characters features Alley Theatre Artists Jeffrey Bean as Ebenezer Scrooge; James Belcher as Undertaker and Old Joe; James Black as Mrs. Dilber and Jacob Marley; Elizabeth Bunch as Mrs. Fezziwig and Mrs. Cratchit; Bettye Fitzpatrick and Julia Krohn will be sharing the roles of Mary Pidgeon and Spirit of Christmas Past; Paul Hope as Second Solicitor and Mr. Fezziwig; Chris Hutchison as Bob Cratchit; Emily Neves as Belle and Fred's Wife; Melissa Pritchett as Rich Lady, Patricia and Ghostly Apparition; David Rainey as Bert and Spirit of Christmas Present; Noble Shropshire as Mr. Marvel; John Tyson as First Solicitor and Fiddler; among others.

A Christmas Carol is sponsored by Lead Sponsor ConocoPhillips and Supporting Sponsor Apache and Ernst & Young LLP. The Alley Theatre is supported by the 2009-2010 season sponsor Continental Airlines, the official airline of the Alley Theatre.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS

RED RIBBON TOY DRIVE
The Alley Theatre has partnered with AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH), a non-profit direct-provider of HIV/AIDS services, information and programs to offer a special discount for A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas. From November 6 through December 9, bring a new, unwrapped children's toy for donation to the AIDS Foundation Houston Red Ribbon Toy Drive and get $10 off a ticket to Alley Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol. Good for performances November 20 through November 29. $10 off A section seating, expect Saturday night. Saturday night $10 off B section seating only. Limited number available. Groups of ten or more call 713.315.3346.

SALVATION ARMY SWEATERS, COATS AND BLANKETS DRIVE
The Alley Theatre has partnered with Salvation Army to offer a special discount for A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas. Bring a sweater, coat or blanket for donation to the Salvation Army and get $10 off a ticket to Alley Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol. Good for the December 26 and December 27 performances. $10 off A section seating, expect Saturday night. Saturday night $10 off B section seating only. Limited number available. Limit two tickets per donation. Groups of ten or more call 713.315.3346.

HEALTH FAIR FOR THE HOMELESS $10 TIX
Saturday, November 21, 2:30 PM
The Alley Theatre continues its efforts to make the theatre affordable to patrons. Partnering with other social non-profit organizations, the Alley seeks to generate in-kind donations and reward patrons with $10 Tix for the matinee performance. The $10 Tix are available in person, the day of the performance only and are limited to two tickets per person. Purchase in person at the box office (615 Texas Ave.) on the day of the performance only. Cash or check only. Limited availability. Bring donations of toiletries and new underwear for men and women to the box office starting at noon.

DECK THE TREES
Saturday, November 21, 7:00 PM
See the Alley's lobby transformed into a magical winter wonderland through December 28.
Alley Theatre's Deck the Trees Celebration transforms the Alley's lobby into a magical winter wonderland of trees decorated by Houston's top designers and non-profit organizations. Festivities kick-off on with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 21. Trees will be on display until December 28.

CAPTIONED AND AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE
Sunday, November 22, 7:30 PM
The Alley Theatre is pleased to offer open captioning and audio description for many of our productions throughout the season. To ensure that your seats will accommodate your needs, please call the box office 713.220.5700 when ordering tickets to this performance. Discounted tickets are available for groups of ten or more. Call 713.315.3346 for more information.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets to A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas start at $38. Discount family 4-packs are available for specific performances and seating locations. All tickets to A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas are available for purchase at www.alleytheatre.org, at the Alley Theatre Box Office, 615 Texas Avenue, or by calling 713.220.5700. Groups of 10 or more can receive special concierge services and select discounts by calling 713.315.3346. The added convenience of reservations by phone or Internet is available for a nominal fee. Tickets purchased in person at the Alley Theatre Box Office have a $1 building restoration fee.

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