A CHRISTMAS CAROL Comes to Meadow Brook Theatre

Step back in time to Victorian London with Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge at Meadow Brook Theatre's annual production of A Christmas Carol. With an enduring message of generosity and friendship A Christmas Carol has become a beloved tradition for local audiences as well as the company of Meadow Brook Theatre.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, original adaptation and staging by Charles Nolte, runs at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester from November 9 through December 23.

"Families come back to see A Christmas Carol year after year," says Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. "People who came as kids and have since grown up and moved away, come home for the holidays and make sure to include us in their visits. We're thrilled to be part of their family traditions during the holiday season."

Thomas D. Mahard returns as Ebenezer Scrooge, marking his 33rd year in the company of A Christmas Carol. Two local children Abraham Merrill from Lapeer and Ethan Sharp from Clarkston are excited to share the role of Tiny Tim. Each have several turns as the boy who helps Scrooge rediscover the spirit of Christmas. The cast also includes Mark Rademacher (Ghost of Jacob Marley and the Spirit of Christmas Present), Olivia Ursu (Spirit of Christmas Past), Mike Vultaggio (Spirit of Christmas Future), and Tobin Hissong and Jean Lyle Lepard as Bob and Martha Cratchit.

"This is our largest cast of the season," explains Travis Walter, MBT's artistic director. "It's great for the kids in the ensemble, for them to get a taste of acting on a large stage and learn from professional actors is a wonderful experience. Many actors reprise their roles year after year, so it's a real family atmosphere onstage and off."

The Meadow Brook Theatre adaptation was written and originally staged by Charles Nolte. MBT Associate Director Terry W. Carpenter directs this season's production, with original choreography by Jan Puffer. Scenic design is by Peter Hicks, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, costumes by Mary Pettinato and sound design by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $23 to $44 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group discounts.

"There are lots of opportunities to see the show," says Cheryl Marshall. "We're starting early-November 9-and running right up through December 23. We want everyone to be able to attend, so there are quite a few chances for families to get discounted tickets early in the run."

There are several opportunities for families to save money: Nov. 9, 10 and 11 are discounted for the whole family. Nov. 16, 17 and 18, children 5 to 12 are half price.

This production of A Christmas Carol is made possible through the generous support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation and The Shubert Foundation.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution proudly serving southeast Michigan for more than 53 years. For additional information, visit www.mbtheatre.com.

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