FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 6, 2007
Contact: Emma F. Caro
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 232

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK REVISITS A FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION AS THE STONA FITCH FAMILY AND KEYBANK PRESENT A CHRISTMAS CAROL, DECEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 30

(CINCINNATI) – For the 17th year, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will offer its own special gift to the community with the Tristate’s most cherished holiday tradition, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, presented by The Stona Fitch Family and KeyBank. This faithful adaptation runs in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre from December 1 through December 30.

Adapted by Howard Dallin, the Playhouse’s version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story 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. As he witnesses all those who have improved his life — his first love Belle, his kindhearted employer Fezziwig, his nephew Fred and his heartily abused clerk Bob Cratchit — he realizes that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. A CHRISTMAS CAROL’s heartwarming message, along with hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects, helps to make the show one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each year.

This year’s cast is comprised largely of returning actors. Local favorite Bruce Cromer reprises his acclaimed performance as Scrooge for the third 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 and Amy Warner as Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience.

Wayne Pyle will make his Playhouse debut as Mr. Cupp/Percy. Playing carolers and party guests are Amy Attaway, Jonathan Richard Grunert, Elizabeth Helitzer, Liz Holt, Ryan Imhoff, Margaret-Ellen Jeffreys, Gregory Pendzick and Aaron Sharff.

Nine area children also appear in A Christmas Carol. Returning are Jack Bender as Boy Scrooge, Asa Trent Franckewitz as Tiny Tim, Jo Ellen Pellman as Martha Cratchit, Alexandra Roberts as Fan and Emmye Kearney as Want. This year’s debuting youngsters are Christian Spaulding as George, Methani Ran as Ignorance, Eben Franckewitz as Peter Cratchit and Katie Chase as Belinda Cratchit.

Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Michael Haney directs the show for the 15th 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.

There are no performances on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Instead, there is an additional matinee performance on Friday, December 21 at 2 p.m. 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.

To celebrate the season of giving, the Playhouse will join forces with the Hoxworth Blood Center for the 12th Annual Blood Drive on Saturday, November 24 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Playhouse’s Rosenthal Plaza. All donors will receive “buy-one-get-one-free” vouchers good for selected performances of A CHRISTMAS CAROL or THE BLONDE, THE BRUNETTE AND THE VENGEFUL REDHEAD in January.

For more information, visit www.hoxworth.org/playhouse or call Sharon Hardy at 513/451-0910. Spaces fill up quickly, so call early for an appointment.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are on sale now. Prices range from $43-$56, depending on day and seat location. All adult tickets are just $40 for the preview performances on Saturday, December 1 at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, December 2 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets for children ages five to 12 are $20 (children under five not admitted) and teens age 13 to 19 are $30 (B, C or D seating).

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!

Special Performances

Audio Described Performance
2 p.m. Saturday, December 1

Signed Performance
2 p.m. Sunday, December 1

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 $25, which does not include gratuity.

Karlo's Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show. Options include salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta and desserts. No reservations are required.

Sponsors

Production Sponsor:
The Stona Fitch Family and KeyBank

Design Sponsor:
The Weyand Family

Scrooge and Marley Sponsor:
Barnes Dennig

Tiny Tim Sponsor:
Cincinnati Coin Laundry

The 2007-2008 Marx Theatre Series is presented by
The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

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