Orlando Shakespeare to Celebrate the Holidays with EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF is thrilled to present Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from November 30 - December 30, 2016 in the Margeson Theater. Originally developed at Orlando Shakes' PlayFest, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) remains one of the Theater's most hilarious and successful holiday shows to date. Tickets 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).

What begins as an annual production of "A Christmas Carol," soon devolves into an irreverent look at numerous Holiday classics including "It's a Wonderful Life," "Frosty," "Rudolph," "Charlie Brown," and more. Three actors (with the help of Santa) send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in 90 minutes of high-octane jollity and frivolity.

"Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) was originally developed at Orlando Shakes as part of our PlayFest new reading series," said Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director for Orlando Shakespeare Theater. "We knew instantly that it was hilariously funny and the perfect treat for the Holiday season. We are so happy to be bringing it back this year."

Performed with wild intensity by three comic actors playing characters named after themselves, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) features Michael Daly appearing as Michael. Daly was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2011 repertory productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Pride and Prejudice. Other past credits include The Hound of The Baskervilles (Florida Studio Theatre), The Devil's Disciple (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey), and The Playboy of the Western World (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey).

Chris Mullen takes on the role of Chris. Mullen was last seen at Orlando Shakes in their 2012 production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Additional credits include Love's Labor's Lost (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Richard III (People's Light & Theatre), and the 2010-2012 West Side Story Broadway National Tour.

Central Florida favorite Timothy Williams joins the cast as TiM. Williams has performed in 17 Orlando Shakes productions, including their upcoming 2016 production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Recent regional credits include Bullshot Crummond (The Vine Theatre), Fully Committed (Cape May Stage), and Picasso (Alpine Theatre Project).

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) original playwright, Michael Carlton returns to Orlando Shakes as director. Carlton's Orlando Shakes directing credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, A Christmas Carol, Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker, Macbeth, Frankenstein, and Woman in Black. He also served as Artistic Director of Cape May Stage in NJ (2000 - 2008), and as Producing Artistic Director of the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival (2008 - 2011).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Bob Philips, Lighting Designer Colleen Doherty, Sound Designer Craig Beyrooti, and Costume Designer Kristina Tollefson.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS:

Preview Dates: November 30 & December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Date: December 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: December 7; 14; 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.

Student Matinees: December 2; 6 and 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Talk Back Performance: December 18 at 2 p.m.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat - Friday, December 2

Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers from a local eatery, followed by a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with the Director and members of the creative team. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.

Pricing: Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. - $25, $40, $50; Preview Performances and Senior Matinees - $13, $20, $25. Discounts (May not be combined with any other offers): $25 Under 35 Week: Patrons 34 years old and under can purchase $25 tickets for evening and weekend matinee performances during the third week of the production. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1 or purchase online with code word: 25UNDER35. Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+. Student Rush: $15 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID. Student and Active/Retired Military: $10 off single ticket prices w/ valid ID (Only available in Price Levels A and B).

Founded in 1989, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF produces classic, contemporary, and children's plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakes has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed professional Equity theaters, garnering national recognition from The Wall Street Journal's Terry Teachout. "Hence the high quality of Orlando Shakespeare, a company that deserves to be far more widely known outside Florida." With ambitious, high-caliber productions like 2015's Monty Python's SPAMALOT and Peter and the Starcatcher, and 2014's Les Miserables and Henry V, the Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its guests, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Orlando Shakes also offers immersive educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the local community at large. For more information visit www.orlandoshakes.org.

Pictured: Paul Kiernan, Timothy Williams, and Mark Lainer star in Orlando Shakespeare Theater's 2009 production of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!). Photo by Tony Firriolo.

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