Creative Cauldron Presents World Premiere of A CHRISTMAS CAROL MEMORY 12/1

Creative Cauldron proudly presents its 40th production, A Christmas Carol Memory, a world premiere that re-imagines the classic Dickens tale. Conceived and Directed by Producing Director Laura Connors Hull, written by Jennifer Clements, and featuring puppet design by Margie Jervis, A Christmas Carol Memory will be presented from December 1stthrough the 20th at ArtSpace Falls Church. Curtain times are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm with additional performances on December 18th at 7:00 pm and December 19th and 20th at 7:30 pm. Press night is Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 pm.

A young orphan girl being raised by a warm but eccentric aunt is spending a tender first Christmas without her parents. While searching the attic for ornaments to decorate her aunt's tree, she's discovers a theatrical trunk once used by her puppeteer grandfather. When the extended family gathers on Christmas Eve, the contents in the trunk reawaken memories and spur the renewal of a long abandoned family tradition-the re-enactment of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, using grandfather's puppets.

Producing Director Laura Connors Hull states: "The family at the center of our story has much in common with Scrooge. They've buried memories that are just too painful to face. But as the play within the play unfolds, the Dickens story works its magic on them, bringing them a healing and transformation just as powerful as the one experienced by Scrooge. Seeing a performance of A Christmas Carol is one of many holiday traditions that the season offers, and we think this production, with its unique construction and imaginative use of puppetry, breathes new life into the time honored classic."

The cast of A Christmas Carol Memory features David Schmidt in the role of Grandpa, who also plays Scrooge. Schmidt performed professionally in New York with the Classic Stage Company, appearing in The Tempest, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Devils and Measure for Measure." David also appeared in the revival of Harold Pinter's The Homecoming as well as with the New York Lyric Opera Company in The Mikado. Locally he appeared as Falstaff in Shakespeare Theatre's Henry Vand as Dr. Cook in American Century's production of Ira Levin's Dr. Cook's Garden.

Kathy Halenda will appear in the role of eccentric Aunt Ellen. Kathy recently appeared in Creative Cauldron's critically acclaimed production of Ruthless! The Musical garnering praise in the Washington Post for her performance as the "gleefully mean-spirited critic" Lita Encore. Ms. Halenda's extensive regional and national tour credits include the title roles in Mame,Hello Dolly, Evita, Annie Get Your Gun, as well as Mama Rose in Gypsy, Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Nancy in Oliver.

Fifth grader, Madeline Aldana will appear in the role of the little girl (Charlotte). Ms. Aldana is a veteran of Creative Cauldron's Learning Theater program, and has appeared in seven productions. The remaining cast playing the extended family and multiple roles in the Dickens' tale includes: Will Mark Stevenson, Harv Lester, Jennifer Pagnard, Katie Culligan, Doug Robinson, Libby Brooke, Ariana Vargas, Constance Meade and James Durham.

Creative Cauldron's Resident Scenic and Costume Designer, Margie Jervis, will also design the large scale puppets used in the production, which include Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Present, Past and Future. Margie's veteran career includes working as the head of the Scenic Art Department for the Seattle Opera. She has designed sets, costumes and puppets for the Washington National Opera's Children's Opera program and the Ashlawn Opera in Charlottesville. Ms. Jervis won the 2010 Strauss Fellowship Award from the Arts Council of Fairfax County in recognition for her work in theatrical design and puppetry. Creative Cauldron veteran, John Sami, will design lights and Sound Design will be provided by Dwight Townsend-Gray.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol Memory can be purchased on www.creativecauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.

Creative Cauldron is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to providing affordable, enriching, and diverse experiences in the performing and visual arts to Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, DC community. Creative Cauldron gives people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds opportunities to connect and grow through the arts. We create original productions, present a broad array of art and artists, and offer transformative educational programs in an intimate and collaborative atmosphere. Creative Cauldron has produced 11 Helen Hayes Awards © Recommended production since acquiring its permanent home in ArtSpace Falls Church in 2009. Creative Cauldron programs are funded in part by grants from the Arts Council of Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Falls Church and the Little City Catch Foundation. Creative Cauldron also receives generous support from individuals and corporations.

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