Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Present A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 12/3-28

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents A Christmas Carol from December 3-28, 2014. Directed by Michael Carleton (Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker and The Tempest), with musical direction from Steve MacKinnon (A Night in New Orleans: A Magic Tree House Adventure and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs), Artistic Director Jim Helsinger's adaptation of Dickens' classic story comes to life on the Margeson Theater Stage. Single tickets to A Christmas Carol are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a "bah humbug", until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Over one sleepless night, the spirits show him warm childhood memories, cruel realities, and his grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways.

"I've always enjoyed reading Christmas stories, particularly Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This adaptation begins with a family sharing the story with their youngest child for the first time," said Helsinger. "Soon both the family and audience are swept into the beloved tale, complete with carolers, holiday dinners, foggy London streets, haunting graveyards, and the infectious spirit of Christmas."

A Christmas Carol features Steven Patterson as the cantankerous Mr. Scrooge. Patterson reprises the role after his 2013 appearance at freeFall Theatre Company. Previous Orlando Shakes credits include Fred in Kiss Me, Kate, Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing, Antonio in The Merchant of Venice, Tubal in Shylock, Duncan in Macbeth, and many others. Patterson has also appeared at Centenary Stage Company, Capital Repertory Theatre, Chenango River Theatre, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Local actor Steven Lane takes on the role of the humble Bob Cratchit. Previous Orlando Shakes credits include Newman Noggs in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby and The Wolf in Into the Woods. Additional roles include Man-in-Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone, Che in Evita, Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!, C.S. Lewis in Freud's Last Session, Morris in The Heiress, Bride in Titanic, and Lovborg in Hedda Gabler. Lane is also a regular performer at Walt Disney World.

Additional casting includes Chris Crawford (Fred), Paul Bernardo (Jacob Marley), Anne Hering (Mrs. Cratchit), Danielle Reneè (Martha), Sarah Caroline Billings (Belinda), Carly Swain (Lucy), and Parker Sims Chin (Tiny Tim).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Set Designer Bert Scott, Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen, Costume Designer Mel Barger, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, with puppets by Vandy Wood.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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