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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH THE STONA FITCH FAMILY AND KEYBANK PRESENTATION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL, DECEMBER 2-30 (CINCINNATI) – A holiday tradition returns at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park as the Stona Fitch Family and KeyBank present Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. A popular favorite with Tristate families now in its 16th year, A Christmas Carol runs in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre from December 2 through December 30. The Playhouse’s version of A Christmas Carol combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic. Much of the show’s dialogue, adapted by Howard Dallin, is taken directly from Dickens’ own words, a language the show’s director Michael Evan Haney describes as being as rich as Shakespeare’s and every bit as likely to induce goosebumps. Most importantly, the story and all of its familiar characters — from Ebenezer Scrooge to Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley to Tiny Tim — are brought to new life on stage, with hundreds of examples of stage wizardry that happen not on a far away film or television screen, but right in front of the eyes of amazed children (and non-children alike.) Door knockers become faces, towers twist and beds move on their own while ghosts magically appear from places unexpected. A Christmas Carol has been a cherished part of the world’s yuletide revelry since it first was published in 1843, an instant sell-out credited with redefining the very definition of those celebrations. The meals we eat, the games we play, the cards we send, the trees we decorate — many of these traditions can be traced back to Dickens’ own Victorian England and to the reinvigorated holiday spirit honored by him in his classic tale. The show’s familiar story is of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous Christmas Eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future, while realizing that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. This year’s cast is comprised largely of returning actors. Local favorite Bruce Cromer reprises his acclaimed performance as Scrooge for the second year. Also returning are Dale Hodges as the Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Peake, Keith Jochim as Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present, Shannon Koob as Belle/Catherine Margaret, Todd Lawson as Young and Mature Scrooge, Gregory Procaccino as Jacob Marley/Old Joe, Andy Prosky as Bob Cratchit, Regina Pugh as Mrs. Cratchit, Ron Simons as Mr. Sosser/Topper, Stephen Skiles as Mr. Cupp/Percy and Amy Warner as Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience. Tony Roach will make his Playhouse debut as Fred. Playing carolers and party guests are Marcy Amell, Ryan Crowder, Jennifer McConnell, Laura Montes, Joel Raffee, Jace Smykil, Anthony Trujillo and Nathan Whitmer. Nine area children also appear in A Christmas Carol. Returning are Cullen Cornelius Arbaugh as Peter Cratchit, Jack Bender as Ignorance, Gregory Boglin as George, Corri Elizabeth Johnson as Martha Cratchit, Emmye Kearney as Want, Evan Martin as Boy Scrooge and Jo Ellen Pellman as Belinda Cratchit. This year’s debuting youngsters are Asa Franckewitz as Tiny Tim and Alexandra Roberts as Fan. Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Michael Haney directs the show for the 14th time. The design team includes James Leonard Joy (sets), David Murin (costumes), Kirk Bookman (lighting) and David B. Smith (sound). Dee Anne Bryll is the choreographer, and Rebecca N. Childs is the music director. The production stage manager is Jenifer Morrow. Andrea L. Shell is the second stage manager. Performances of A Christmas Carol are scheduled every day of the week except Mondays. There are no performances on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Instead, there are additional matinee performances on Thursday, December 21 and Friday, December 22. All show times are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening shows to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. This year, the Playhouse again will partner with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to host the Cratchit Family Food Drive. Audience members are invited to bring canned goods to the Playhouse anytime between November 20 and December 30 to help Tristate families this holiday season. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been providing basic necessities to Greater Cincinnati families in need for more than 135 years. For more information, call 513/421-2273 or visit www.svdpcincinnati.org. Those who purchase tickets to A Christmas Carol also can "Sample the Best" of the Tristate's other holiday traditions for a discounted price. Theatergoers who purchase full-priced tickets to A Christmas Carol can purchase $20 tickets to selected performances of Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker or to Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's Happy Holidays from the Pops. For information, call the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888. Tickets for A Christmas Carol are on sale now. Prices range from $41.50-$54.50, depending on day and seat location. All adult tickets are just $38.50 for the preview performances on Saturday, December 2 at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, December 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. All tickets range from $15 to $20 for children ages five to 12. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children under the age of 5 will not be admitted. Any unreserved tickets are half-price every day when purchased at the Playhouse between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the show (for performances Tuesday through Saturday) and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The children's ticket price already is discounted and, therefore, is not eligible for the half-price offer. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available. For tickets to A Christmas Carol or for more information, call the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800/582-3208. Call 513/345-2248 for TDD accessibility. For single tickets purchased by telephone through the Playhouse box office, there is a $3 convenience fee per call. Tickets also can be purchased on the Playhouse web site at www.cincyplay.com. Artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection Comair , the Playhouse’s official airline. The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the City of Cincinnati. The Stona Fitch Family is pleased to support this production of A Christmas Carol as a gift from its family to yours — Happy Holidays! |
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Audio Described Performance Signed Performance Dining Options Karlo's Bistro at the Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinners include salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the show. The price is $21, which does not include gratuity. Sponsors Production Sponsors: Scrooge and Cratchit Sponsor: The 2006-2007 Marx Theatre Series is presented by The Marx Season Design Sponsor is ### |
