Meadow Brook Theatre Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The familiar story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts that can change a life is a holiday favorite and annual tradition for scores of families in the area. "It's our Christmas card to southeast Michigan," Travis Walter, MBT artistic director said. "People who brought their kids 25 years ago are bringing their grandkids now. It's a great tradition."

This year's production stars MBT veteran, Thomas D. Mahard, as Ebenezer Scrooge, with brothers Giovanni and Giuseppe Cavaliere sharing the role of Tiny Tim. The cast includes Glen Allen Pruett (Ghost of Jacob Marley), Sara Catheryn Wolf (Spirit of Christmas Past), Paul Hopper (Spirit of Christmas Present), Patrick O'Connor Cronnin (Spirit of Christmas Future), and Tobin Hissong and Jean Lyle Lepard as Bob and Martha Cratchit. MBT is pleased to have over two dozen professional Michigan actors in its largest cast of the season.

The Meadow Brook Theatre adaptation was written by Charles Nolte. "Charles was involved with MBT for decades," Cheryl Marshal, managing director, said. "He frequently wrote, adapted and directed plays here. When he passed away in January, we knew we wanted to honor his memory. That's why we're dedicating our entire 2010-2011 season to his memory."

MBT continues to use the original staging as conceived by Mr. Nolte. This year's production is directed by Terry W. Carpenter, MBT associate director, with scenic design by Peter Hicks, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, costumes by Liz Moore and sound design by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $25 to $40 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. The schedule includes an American Sign Language interpreted performance on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m.

There are several opportunities for families to save money, including tickets discounted for the whole family Nov. 20 and 21, and Thanksgiving weekend, when children 12 and under are half price.

This production of "A Christmas Carol" is made possible through the continued support of the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild, the Observer and Eccentric Newspapers, and AT&T Yellow Pages.
Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. For addition information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for over 40 years.

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