Hale Centre Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns for 30th Year, Now thru 12/24

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah's Premiere Family Theatre, has reached a milestone with its 30th annual production of A Christmas Carol, the beloved theatre and community tradition, running tonight, December 6 through Wednesday, December 24.

When HCT founders Ruth and Nathan Hale moved to Utah from California, they started what would become one of the longest running Christmas traditions in the state. They took Charles Dickens' holiday classic and worked to better tell the tale by adding original scoring and traditional carol arrangements by famed Utah composer Barlow Bradford. The nationally acclaimed adaptation by Richard and Melany Wilkins brings in patrons who grew up on the show and now bring their own children.

"We love bringing A Christmas Carol to the community every year," said Mark Dietlein, HCT executive producer. "This production is so closely tied to the theatre's history, and we enjoy telling the story in a way that is true to Dickens and treasured by audiences."

A Christmas Carol is also in the hearts of the cast and crew, many of whom have been involved for years. This is the 11th year that director John Sweeney, music director Anne Puzey and choreographer Marilyn May Montgomery have collaborated to create an exceptional show.

Sweeney said that while many elements will be familiar to regular patrons, he is excited for a surprise treatment in the portrayal of one of the ghosts. Part of what makes the show special for him is providing something new in a beloved tradition.

"It's always exciting to see the new folks, but it's also fun when you have people that have continued to be a part of the show for years," Sweeney said. "It's that fun of keeping tradition with people year after year and introducing new people to the tradition, and bringing them into our love for the story."

One face stepping into a new role is David Weekes, who is still playing Scrooge as he has done for many years, but is also assistant director to help while Sweeney is finishing the run of Catch Me if You Can.

Getting to view the show as assistant director has given Weekes a different perspective on a production he's been involved with for a decade. "I have really loved working with the cast on a personal level as Scrooge, but also as the assistant director and getting them to feel how important and beautiful this message is," Weekes said.

"It's a story of redemption and that everyone and anyone can change," he added. "I think when people refer to Ebenezer Scrooge, they think of the old miser, the mean, heartless person, and they forget that he changes at the end. And what keeps me coming back is that he does change, and I like to think that I can change and be better in my life."

Stephen Kerr, double cast with Weekes as Scrooge, is now in his second year playing the iconic character. He said coming back into the role has allowed him to dive deeper into the script and the character than he did as he was learning the show last year.

Going through Scrooge's journey many times a night in rehearsals can take an emotional toll, but the relief and beauty of the story makes it possible.

"I believe anybody that comes to this show can see a little bit of themselves in Scrooge," Kerr said. "They can look at their own life and evaluate, 'Are there places I'm not being as kind to other people? Are there places I could be more giving to other people?' And it's not too late to change. There's hope and opportunity to find forgiveness from other people we've harmed, and we can find joy by recognizing the power of redemption and mercy."

A Christmas Carol is directed by John Sweeney and features David Weekes and Stephen Kerr as Ebenezer Scrooge; Josh Richardson and Brad Charon in the role of Bob Cratchit; Ryan Poole and Kyle Olsen as Charles Dickens/Fred; Matt Kohler and Anthony Lovato as Jacob Marley; Haven McGee and Maggie Scott as the Ghost of Christmas Past; and Brannon Killgo and DRU as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Technical direction and set design is by Kacey Udy, lighting design by Adam Flitton, sound design by Shane Steel, hair and makeup by Melyssa Swensen and production assistance from Jamie Sanduk.

Performances are at 5 and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, December 6 to December 24, with Saturday matinees at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. More matinee times will be available as Christmas approaches.

Admission for adults is $29-32 and $16 for children ages 5 to 11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hct.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000, or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City.

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