Photo Flash: Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL Takes the Beef & Boards Stage

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens' timeless classic about redemption against all odds, comes to the Beef & Boards stage starting Dec. 3. This one-hour production features traditional carols and is on stage for just 10 performances through Dec. 19.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, endures the ongoing chill daily from both his workplace and his boss.

Faithfully, he keeps Scrooge in his prayers even through his own family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of Cratchit's young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge's heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.

Scrooge's inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who appears to him on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits, and advises to heed the messages they bring. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come then appear to Scrooge in succession - reminding him of what was, pointing out what is, and showing him what will be should he continue on his present path. Not only will his life be quickly forgotten if he maintains his miserly ways, but those around him face hardships that he could have easily prevented.

Douglas E. Stark plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with A.J. Morrison reprising his role as Bob Cratchit. Jeff Stockberger plays the role of Jacob Marley, and returning as Fred and his wife are Collin Poynter and Teresa Koleszar, respectively. The ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come are played by Vickie Cornelius Phipps, Craig Underwood and Nathan Robbins respectively.

A Christmas Carol is directed by Eddie Curry and choreographed by Ron Morgan. Music arrangements are by Michael Hoagland, with Debbie Myers as musical director. Jill Kelly is the costume designer.

Tickets for Beef & Boards' production of A Christmas Carol range from $25.50 to $35.50 and include Chef Odell Ward's holiday buffet. Parking is always free. For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664. For details or show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.

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