NCShakes’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to the High Point Theatre, 12/2-20

NCShakes (North Carolina Shakespeare Festival) announces plans to produce its 34th annual production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," to run at the High Point Theatre (220 E. Commerce Avenue) from December 2 to 20.

First produced in 1977, "A Christmas Carol" has become a highlight of the Christmas season throughout the Piedmont Triad. The play draws strong attendance from elementary and middle school teachers and their students because of its extensive educational attributes and strong entertainment appeal. Additionally, it has become a staple for families and businesses who value the holiday tradition of sharing Scrooge's miraculous transformation.

Over the years The Shakespeare Festival's rendering of Dickens' immortal classic has drawn extensive praise for its faithful re-telling of the story and its use of music originally composed for the production by David Bishop. "Our show has been attracting very large numbers of families and schools to the theatre for more than three decades," says Pedro Silva, NCShakes' Artistic and Managing Director and the director of the production. "The music and warmth in the theatre are inspiring, and our storytelling technique is really quite moving. I'm convinced that all who attend "A Christmas Carol" embrace it as a highlight of the holiday season."

Tickets for the production are now on sale at The High Point Theatre. Eleven SchoolFest school group matinees are scheduled for 10:00 am on December 2, 6 - 9, 13 - 16 and 19 - 20. The December 13 SchoolFest performance is also sign interpreted. Thirteen general public performances are scheduled for December 2 - 4, 6 - 11 and 13 - 20, including 2:00 pm Sunday matinees, 7:30 pm Thursday performances and 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday performances. The 2:00 pm performance on December 11 is also sign interpreted.

This production of "A Christmas Carol" is made possible through a presenting sponsorship from New Breed Logistics, Inc. and co-sponsorships from High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fox 8 WGHP, WMAG 99.5 Continuous Christmas, 88.5 WFDD and the High Point Enterprise. Additional sponsorships are provided by the News & Record in support of SchoolFest performances, and North State Communications in support of sign-interpreted performances. Designated by the N.C. General Assembly as the state's official Shakespeare company, NCShakes is also supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

Tickets for most shows are $32/$26 for adults, $24/$22 for students and seniors. Tickets for WMAG 99.5 Continuous Christmas Preview performances at 8:00 pm on December 2-3 are $12; tickets for the 88.5 WFDD Preview performance at 2:00 pm on December 4 are also $12. Tickets for High Point Enterprise Community Performances at 7:30 pm on December 8 and 2:00 pm on December 17 are $15. Rush performance discounts for the 7:30 pm show on December 15 are available only beginning at 6:30 pm at the door that evening, at $20 for the public, $15 for students with ID.

Michael Huie returns to the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge for a third year, with one exception.
Director Pedro Silva will reprise his role of many years performing Ebenezer Scrooge during the 1980s, for the production's final performance, during Christmas week at 7:30 pm on December 20. Tickets for this special performance are $39 for adults, $34 for students.

Tickets may be ordered through the High Point Theatre Box Office, 220 E. Commerce Avenue, in person or by calling 336-887-3001, Monday - Friday, Noon - 5:00 pm; or online through Etix at www.highpointtheatre.com. Groups of 10 or more people, and all SchoolFest performance tickets, may be ordered directly through NCShakes by calling 336-841-2273 or by e-mail to sales@ncshakes.org. The play is suitable for children 8 and older. Babes in arms and toddlers are kindly discouraged.

For more information about the play including an online study guide, or the professional theatre company, visit www.ncshakes.org.

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