McCarter Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL to Open 12/6

McCarter Theatre Center's production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has become a much loved holiday treat for families across the region. This heartwarming and powerfully honest adaptation by David Thompson of Dickens' classic novel is a wonderful way to honor tradition while experience the joy and warmth of a holiday favorite. Directed by Michael Unger, A Christmas Carol runs December 6 through December 29. (Press opening: Thursday, December 12). The Production Sponsor is Bank of America. The Opening Night Sponsor is McCarter & English.

Ebenezer Scrooge is not a fan of Christmas, not one bit. He relentlessly "Bah, Humbugs" every glimmer of holiday happiness. Cheer is costly and good-will is bad for business. This Christmas, however, things are going to be a little different. Ebenezer experiences a change of heart while traveling through his past, present and future on Christmas Eve. Scrooge's miraculous transformation opens his eyes and his heart to the things that are truly important.

A McCarter Theatre Center tradition, A Christmas Carol is a perfect excuse for all families to unplug from the usual hustle and bustle and enjoy a production called "a must-see" by The New York Times.
Ever since its publication in 1843, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has come to embody everything that is good and right about the human spirit not only during the holidays, but all throughout the year. Originally written in rebuttal of the squalid working conditions of child laborers in Industrial Age England, A Christmas Carol remains a timeless tale of redemption, hope, and love.

At the center of the production is Broadway veteran Graeme Malcolm as Ebenezer Scrooge. Returning for his fourth year, Mr. Malcolm's turn as Dickens' famous miser has been described by The Star Ledger as "one of the best Ebenezer Scrooge's that McCarter has seen." On December 19, Mr. Malcolm will celebrate his 100th performance in the role.

Boasting a long list of Broadway, regional and international credits, the cast of A Christmas Carol will include John Ahlin (Mr. Fezziwig/Old Joe), AJ Cedeno (Jacob Marley/Mr. Stocks), Kimiye Corwin (Lily/Belle), Ali Ewoldt (Fan/Solicitor #2), Zainab Jah (Ghost of Christmas Present), David Kenner (Young Scrooge/Mr. Bonds), January LaVoy (Mrs. Cratchit), James Ludwig (Fred/Schoolmaster/Undertaker), Julyana Soelistyo (Mrs. Dilber), Michele Tauber (Mrs. Fezziwig/ Laundress/Solicitor #1), and Baylen Thomas (Bob Cratchit)

This year's Adult Ensemble will include Andrew Clark, Maclain Dassatti, Kim Dodson, Molly Emerson, Liz Fallon, Kory Geller, Adam Hyndman (2012 graduate of Princeton University), Bart Mather, Ashley ElizaBeth Smith (three-time World Irish Step Dancing Champion), Sari Weinerman, and Timothy Wilson.

At the helm of this year's holiday ghost tale is Director Michael Unger, who is returning for his 16th holiday season. About the story, Michael says, "The tools of Scrooge's redemption, as with ours, lay around us, if we just know how to pick them up and use them." Most recently, Michael directed the new, critically acclaimed play Two Point Oh at 59E59 Theaters. Prior to that he directed Seussical: The Musical with 84 children from Newton, CT and John Tartaglia as the Cat in the Hat. Michael also directed From Broadway With Love: A Benefit for Sandy Hook (televised on PBS) in which 700 volunteers, including many Broadway luminaries gathered to support the Sandy Hook community.

David Thompson, who skillfully wrote the adaption for the McCarter production, counts among his many credits the libretto for Kander and Ebb's Tony Award nominaTEd Scottsboro Boys (currently playing the Young Vic in London) and the new script adaptation for the current revival of Chicago, the longest running American musical in history.

The production welcomes back Musical Director Charles Sundquist, returning for his 23rd production of A Christmas Carol. The production also boasts a creative team that includes Tony Award winner Jess Goldstein (Costume Design), Stephen Strawbridge (Lighting Design), Tony Award winner Brian Ronan (Sound Design), Tony Award winner Michael Starobin (Composer), and Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford (choreographer). Set Designer Ming Cho Lee has designed nationally and internationally for 50 years for opera, dance, Broadway, and regional theater, and is the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the highest national award given in the arts.

The production team also includes Jennifer Paulson Lee (Choreography Supervisor), Gillian Lane-Plescia (Dialect Coach), Charles Conwell (Stunt Advisor), Alison Cote (Stage Manager), and Cheryl Mintz (Supervising Stage Manager).

Performances of A Christmas Carol in McCarter's Matthews Theatre are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm. Additional performances are Monday, December 23 at 7:30 pm and Tuesday, December 24 at noon and 4:00 pm, with post holiday performances on Thursday, December 26 at 7:30 pm, Friday, December 27 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday December 29 at 1:00 p.m.

Tickets to A Christmas Carol start at $20, and may be purchased by calling the McCarter Theatre Ticket Office at (609) 258-2787 or online at www.mccarter.org or in person at the McCarter Ticket Office, located at 91 University Place in Princeton. .

Book your holiday party at McCarter and enjoy A Christmas Carol with family and friends or business clients. Groups of six or more save and receive premium seating! For more information, call the Group Services Office at (609) 258-6526 or email groups@mccarter.org .

McCarter provides Barrier-Free Access for patrons using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches. Ample doorways and convenient curb cuts provide easy wheelchair accessibility. Specially equipped restrooms are on the lobby level. Please inform the sales office of your needs at the time of ticket purchase.

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