Meadow Brook Theatre to Celebrate 35 Years of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Step back in time to see Tiny Tim and a handful of ghosts melt Ebenezer Scrooge's frozen heart and show him what Christmas really means as Meadow Brook Theatre presents its 35th annual production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Scroll down for a sneak peek!

"Generations of metro-Detroiters have seen this show," says Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. "Some folks who came early on are coming back with grandchildren now. We're thrilled to be part of their families during the holiday season."

MBT veteran Tom Mahard, returns to the role of Ebenzer Scrooge this year. Mahard has played Scrooge for the past few years, but has appeared in one role or another in more than 1,000 performances throughout the 34 years MBT has presented the seasonal favorite.

Once again, two local children are excited to share the role of Tiny Tim. Christopher Collin Graff of Clarkston and Ari Bigelman of Bloomfield Hills each have several turns as the boy who helps Scrooge find his Christmas spirit. The cast also includes Mark Rademacher (Ghost of Jacob Marley and the Spirit of Christmas Present), Sara Catheryn Wolf (Spirit of Christmas Past), Rusty Mewha (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 that are in the cast, for them to get a taste of acting professionally. And it's just as exciting for the adults. Some of them have been coming together year after year to give people this holiday gift."

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.

"There are lots of opportunities to see the show," says Cheryl Marshall. "We're running right up through Christmas Eve this year."

Tickets range from $20 to $42 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 several opportunities for families to save money: Nov. 13, 14 and 15, tickets are discounted for the whole family. Nov. 20, 21 and 22, children 5 to 12 are half price.

All photos courtesy of Sean Carter at Sean Carter Photography

Thomas D. Mahard (Scrooge) and Company of A Christmas Carol
Thomas D. Mahard (Scrooge), Ari Bigelman (Tiny Tim)
Thomas D. Mahard (Scrooge), Christopher Collin Graff (Tiny Tim)

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