Civic Theatre of Allentown's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Begins Tonight

Civic Theatre of Allentown will present the Silver Anniversary Production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," beginning tonight, December 5. The production, which will play at Civic's historic Nineteenth Street Theatre, runs through December 20.

Presented annually for a quarter century, the Civic production uses a script adapted by Civic Board president, Sharon Lee Glassman, and artistic director, William Sanders. Directed by Sanders, the story is faithful to Dickens' original text with its chilling and heartwarming story of love and redemption.

While the production has remained consistent throughout its 25-year run, every year there is a new wrinkle. To celebrate this landmark anniversary, Sanders has decided to bring back several popular actors who have portrayed Ebeneezer Scrooge to perform in repertory. The four actors include Barry Glassman, Jim Long, Tony Kohl and Stan Zukowski. In addition, during both performances on December 20, the Scrooges will be joined by additional actors who have portrayed the role at Civic during the last quarter century for a special 'tag-team' approach to the material. Each former Scrooge (seven Scrooges total) will split the role and take a different scene. Joining the previously mentioned Scrooges will be Tom Onuschco, Pat Kelly and Sharon Lee Glassman.

Civic is marking the landmark anniversary of its staging with several special events. The Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown is featuring an exhibition of "A Christmas Carol" with artifacts and photographs chronicling the 25-year history of the production. Civic Theatre is publishing a commemorative book and script, that highlights the production history as well as includes photos and cast lists from throughout the years. The West End Alliance, with Civic Theatre, will also host a holiday tree lighting at Civic on December 5, opening night, to mark the production's silver anniversary.

"Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is an important part of Civic's season. The play has become a cherished holiday tradition for so many Lehigh Valley residents who bring their families to see the production year after year," says Michael Traupman, Managing Director. "We are proud that over 25 years, the production has become a Lehigh Valley institution in its own right and we hope to continue produce the play for another 25 years."

The production continues to reach an extraordinary number of people each December. Nearly 8,000 people will see Civic's production of 'A Christmas Carol" in 2014 -- 4,000 of these patrons will be school students who attend special mid-day matinees. Many of these young patrons are seeing a live theatre production for the first time. The production also continues to utilize a large number of young actors, many of which view the production as a perfect way to get their feet wet as a stage performer. Amanda Seyfried ("Les Miserables," "Mamma Mia"), Dane DeHaan ("The Amazing Spiderman 2," "Kill Your Darlings"), and Daniel Roebuck ("The Late Shift," "Glee") all appeared in Civic's "A Christmas Carol" before they staked claim to their Hollywood careers.

The 2014 production features a multi-level set by New York designer, Jason Sherwood with lighting and costume design by Will Morris. Hair and makeup is by Kim Danish. Helena Confer is the production's sound designer.

As usual, it also employs a multi-generational cast of actors including JoAnn Basist as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Dan Becker as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Jaeden Reppert as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Zane Childs as Tiny Tim, John Kuchar as Bob Cratchit, and Denise Long as Mrs. Cratchit.

The majority of young roles in the show have been double cast, giving more young actors the opportunity to perform, with many making their theatrical debuts in this production. Performances are at 7:30 pm on December 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20, with 2pm matinees on December 7, 13, 14 & 20. Civic also offers midweek matinees for student groups. Tickets for children 12 and under are always $12. Reduced price adult tickets are $22 opening weekend (December 5-7), $25 on Thursdays, and $26 all other performances. Students and seniors receive a $2 discount from the adult ticket price for all performances. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Civic Theatre website at www.CivicTheatre.com or call the box office at 610-432-8943.

Civic's Box Office number is (610) 432-8943. All shows will be produced at Civic's 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th Street, Allentown, PA. This year Civic Theatre of Allentown is proud to announce new parking sponsors for all shows. Free, convenient parking is available at the Wells Fargo Bank at 19th and Liberty; Ruffino's/Lafayette Ambassador Bank at 19th and Allen; and at Allentown Appliance on Allen, just west of 19th.

Civic's 2014-15 Season is sponsored by Adams Outdoor, Air Products, Bennett Automotive Group, Fresh Pet, Gross McGinley, Lehigh Valley PBS, The Morning Call, National Penn, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Phoebe of Allentown, PPL, RCN, Service Electric and Wells Fargo. The production of "A Christmas Carol" is sponsored by Aesthetica, Alvin H . Butz, Burkholders, Impulse Boutique, Lafayette Ambassador, Lester H. Bahr CPA and UGI.

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