Meadow Brook Theatre presents Holiday Classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A favorite holiday tradition returns to Meadow Brook Theatre for the 36th year with A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and a handful of ghosts will once again return to the streets of London to deliver a message of unity.

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 10 through December 24.

"This is our Christmas Card to southeast Michigan," says Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. "We're happy to be an important part of so many families' holiday traditions. People of all ages look forward to it every year."

Thomas D. Mahard returns as Ebenezer Scrooge this year, and two local children are excited to share the role of Tiny Tim. Ari Bigelman from Bloomfield Hills and Ethan Sharp from Clarkston 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), Brendan Lindberg (Spirit of Christmas Future), Tobin Hissong and Jean Lyle Lepard as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit, and Chip DuFord and Stephanie Nichols as the festive Fezziwigs.

"This is our largest cast of the season," explains Travis Walter, MBT's artistic director. "While delivering a powerful show to audiences throughout the holiday season, the cast and crew becomes a family itself. Professional actors work side by side with local children and the playful energy and friendships forged create a real family atmosphere on and offstage."

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 W. Hicks, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, costumes by Mary Pettinato and sound design by Michael Duncan.

Tickets range from $28 to $43 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at Ticketmaster. 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 10-and running right up through December 24. 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. 10, 11 and 12, tickets are discounted for the whole family. Nov. 17, 18 and 19, 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, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

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 50 years. For additional information, visit www.mbtheatre.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.