Footlight to Present New Musical Adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Begin. Today

The Footlight Players, South Carolina's longest-producing theatre company, is proud to bring this musical interpretation of A Christmas Carol To the region for the first time with a talented cast, crew, and a score to knock your socks off in tow. A Christmas Carol tells Charles Dickens' timeless tale adapted by Bobby Cronin with original music, lyrics, and vocal arrangements by Angelyn Benson and Bobby Cronin. The story comes alive on stage December 6, 7, 12-14, and 19-21 at 8:00pm as well as December 8, 15, and 22 at 3:00pm.

It's Christmas-time and the kids are trying to open their presents early! When big sister arrives, they get a fresh look at an old story. This song-infused version tells the classic tale of greed from a new perspective. Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and the dire fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Scrooge is faced with his own story of growing bitterness and meanness, and must decide what his own future will hold: death or redemption. This heartfelt musical interpretation of this timeless holiday story is great for adults and children alike.

Told through the eyes of four present day children, Bobby Cronin describes his adaptation as being brought to life with "...the imaginations of these kids [who] make the story feel new with their take on the vivid characters who sing with lush contemporary melodies, and speak with straightforward language - they breathe new life into the familiar." First performed at Northern Stage in 2004, this will be the first time this delightful version of A Christmas Carol has graced any stage on the Southeastern coast. Charlie McMeekin from The Herald of Randolph in Vermont found the production to be "...a resounding affirmation of the spirit of Christmas, and the most moving theatrical piece [he's] seen since Les Miserables. Cynics beware...this is first-rate work, a premium blend of energy, talent, and theatrical genius."

Director, Thomas Keating, is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Charleston Southern University where he teaches Acting and Directing. Thomas just finished up Another Antigone at CSU. He has directed Oklahoma!, South Pacific, It's a Wonderful Life, and Inspecting Carol with the Footlight Players where he serves as Artistic Advisor. Musical Director, Mary Fishburne, is a Footlight veteran in many ways, having played Nellie Forbush in South Pacific in August 2011 and working as choreographer for Oklahoma in May 2013.

The cast of A Christmas Carol includes: Brooke Bazemore (Martha/Mary), Alex Blair (Richard), Karl Bunch (Present/Charity 2), Joanna Cretella (Finola/Maid), Deborah Culbreth (Hester), Robert Culbreth (Young Man Scrooge), Fred DeJaco (Scrooge), Ingrid DelRio (Margaret), Naomi Doddington (Mrs. Cratchit), Piper Enright (Julia/Jessie), Shelly Goughnour (Caroline), Megan Graber (Belle), David Hallatt (Fezziwig/Charity 1), Susie Hallatt (Mrs. Fezziwig/Ethel), Christian Hanley (Frederick), Hunter Horn (Young Scrooge/Lad), Mike Lacey (Caroline's Husband), Jason Marion (Past/Poulterer), Doug McGill (Marley/Pawnman), Isabella McKinney (Belle's Child/Belinda), Virgina McKinney (Fan/Anna), Alyssa Nasce (Emily), Ava Rowley (Alexandria/Molly), Porter Spicer (Tiny Tim), Clark Spillane (Peter/John), Jordan Stauffer (Aggie), and Billy Turner (Bob Cratchit).

Performances of A Christmas Carol are December 6, 7, 12-14, and 19-21 at 8:00pm as well as December 8, 15, and 22 at 3:00pm. All performances will be held at the Footlight Players Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $22 for military/seniors, $15 for students, and $12 for children twelve and under. Tickets can be purchased online at www.FootlightPlayers.net or by calling (843) 722-4487.

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