Orlando Shakespeare Theater Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Now thru 12/28

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents A Christmas Carol from tonight, 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.

"This new adaptation begins with a family sharing the story of A Christmas Carol 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 local actors Steven Lane as Brother/Bob Cratchit (Nicholas Nickleby and Into the Woods), Anne Hering as Mother/Mrs. Cratchit (The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge), Sarah Caroline Billings as Middle Daughter/Ghost of Christmas Past and Danielle Reneè as Daughter/Belle (LES MISERABLES), Chris Crawford as Son/Fred (Palm Beach Dramawork's The Lion in Winter and American Stage's The Foreigner), Parker Sims Chin as Youngest Son/Tiny Tim (Mad Cow Theatre's The Who's Tommy), and Carly Swain as Youngest Daughter/Fan (Orlando REP's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer).

Returning to Orlando, actors Steven Patterson (Kiss Me, Kate and Shylock) and Paul Bernardo (2014's Julius Caesar) will take on the roles of Grandfather/Scrooge and Father/Jacob Marley, respectively.

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.

Photo by Landon St. Gordon

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