Theatre Memphis Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Now thru 12/23

A Memphis family holiday tradition, Theatre Memphis' 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol will run tonight, December 4 until December 23, 2015, on the Lohrey Stage. Miserly and rich Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. An eye opening exploration leads to happiness and enlightenment, not to mention song, dance, and holiday cheer.

Director Jason Spitzer returns to helm this year's production for the sixth time. "Tradition is important to a story like this and we try to be true to the story. It makes it easier when you have committed actors who return year after year to make it part of their tradition as well."

One of those actors returning is John Rone who is back for his sixth year to play Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's poor assistant with the family that includes the famous character of Tiny Tim. According to Rone, "After having seen A Christmas Carol various times over the years sat Theatre Memphis - but never having appeared in it - I was very curious about the new production that director Jason Spitzer and scenic designer Christopher McCollum devised back in 2010. At that time I thought it would be an interesting experience to be part of a brand new production of such a beloved show." Rone also wanted the chance to work with the long-time Scrooge at TM, Barry Fuller. Rone recalls, "He was the first professional actor I ever saw, thanks to my high school English teacher who took a group of us to Front Street Theatre to see A Midsummer Night's Dream (Barry was Puck). Barry was (and still is) quite magical on stage. He made a lasting impression on me. So playing Bob Cratchit to Barry's Ebenezer Scrooge was a very fulfilling proposition. "

Though Fuller "retired" from the Scrooge role two years ago (portrayed since by David Shipley), Rone continued to be drawn to the Cratchit role. Having been influenced at a young age by the effervescent Fuller, Rone had been instilled with a sense of responsibility. "I know that attending A Christmas Carol is a tradition among so many families and that for some it is the only live theatre that they see," Rone admits. "This encourages me to give as serious a performance as I would in any other show. Although I've done many plays over the years, it is for A Christmas Carol that more people, especially children, have recognized me and taken the trouble to tell me how much they enjoyed the show. I hope in the same way that Barry Fuller inspired me, I might also leave an enjoyable memory in some young person's mind and that they will be among the cast of A Christmas Carol in the years to come.

Theater Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch celebrates that families and cast members come back to see and perform in A Christmas Carol year after year. She says, "It is so wonderful to be a part of so many family traditions and to have a feeling of family in the cast. It is a special show and gets so many in the "spirit.'"

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