San Jose Rep Presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

We all know the story, but San Jose Rep's original adaptation of Dickens' novel brings a level of authenticity, history, and even economic relevance to this well known tale of greed and redemption. San Jose Rep's adaptation of this holiday classic, adapted by Artistic Director Rick Lombardo, is a haunting exploration of psychology, social inequality and the value of community. This is A Christmas Carol the way Charles Dickens dreamt it, with recreations of traditional Victorian carols performed by actors in lavish period costumes.

The Boston Globe described Lombardo's adaptation of A Christmas Carol for the New Repertory Theatre as: "All wonderful ... but what really lingers here is the wholeness of Lombardo's vision: He treats the familiar story with respect but makes it unmistakably his own."

San Jose Rep's production features 18 actors, playing more than 50 roles, including five local children who will fill such roles as Tiny Tim, Alice Cratchit, and more.

"I created this adaptation of A Christmas Carol in 2004, and I'm very excited to finally be sharing it with our community,"said Lombardo. "My focus in creating this version was to put the actor at the center of the event They all play multiple roles, narrate the story, play multiple musical instruments - they even move the scenery. In his story, Dickens is concerned about social and economic inequality, and the lesson Scrooge learns is about his responsibility to his fellow man. This alone makes this story timeless, and still an important one for our time."

The production runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, 2011 with Press Opening Night on Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office at 101 Paseo de San Antonio or can be purchased online at www.SJRep.com or by calling 408.367.7255.

Dickens' inspiration for A Christmas Carol resonates today, as the story was, in fact, a scathing criticism of unbridled nineteenth-century industrial capitalism and the stark differences between the wealthy and the poor.

Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in about six weeks and it was first published in 1843, designed as an emotional appeal to his countrymen to alleviate the miseries of the very poor in their midst. At the time, Christmas was no longer celebrated as a festive holiday. In A Christmas Carol, Dickens describes feasting, games, and family unity; combined with his message that Christmas was a time "when want is keenly felt and abundance rejoices." The story is believed to have helped drive popular interest back to the many Christmas traditions still practiced today.

Regularly priced tickets for A Christmas Carol range from $29 to $74 with student tickets priced from from $10 to $37. Seniors and teachers receive $6 off the ticket price. $99 Family Packs are available. (Family Packs include two adult tickets and two youth tickets in the Parterre or Balcony section for any performance. Seating section is based upon seat availability for specific performances)

CAST
Paul Baird Collecting Man 2, Dick Wilkins, John's Attendant, Topper, Ship's Pilot, Businessman 2
Lizzie Calogero Ghost Of Christmas Past, Mrs. Dilbert, Hermione
Fiona Donovan Belinda, Ensemble
Richard Farrell Scrooge
Blythe Foster Belle, Fred's Wife, Molly
Emilio Fuentes Willie, Youngest Scrooge, Ignorance, Ensemble
Marvin Greene Bob Cratchit, Lighthouse Keeper 2
Dan Hiatt Marley, John, Miner, Businessman 1, Old Joe, Poulterer
Kimberly Mohne Hill Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit, Miner's Wife
Lucas Kernan Young Scrooge, Peter Cratchit, Turkey Boy, Ensemble
Alison Lubiens Alice Cratchit, Want, Esemble
Seth Margolies Collecting Man 1, Fezziwig, Ghost Of Christmas Present, Business Man 3, Man With Corpse Cart
Kate McCormick Edna, Ensemble
Everett Meckler Tiny Tim, Ensemble
Sam Misner Fred, Young Scrooge, Lighthouse Keeper 1, Undertaker's Man
Jessica Salans Fan, Belle's Oldest Child, Martha, Ship's Watch, Young Maid

ARTISTIC COLLABORATORS
Rick Lombardo Director
Anna Lackaff Composer/Music Director
Peter Colao Scenic Designer
Frances Nelson McSherry Costume Designer
Dawn Chiang Lighting Designer
Rick Lombardo Sound Designer
Kimberly Mohne Hill Dialect Coach
Amanda Folena Movement Consultant
Bruce Elsperger Associate Director
Kate McCormick Assistant Music Director
Alec Brown Assistant Dialect Coach

About the Rep:
San Jose Rep is the premier non-profit, professional theatre company in the South Bay, presenting six to seven main stage productions each year. Now in its 31st year as a major contributor to the South Bay's cultural community, San Jose Rep's mission is to engage, entertain and inspire people. San Jose Rep produces innovative theatrical performances that offer fresh perspectives into the human condition, educational programs that promote life-long learning, and outreach initiatives that benefit our diverse community. For more information, visit www.SJRep.com.

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