FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 7, 2003
Contact: Christa Skiles
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 232

A HOLIDAY TRADITION RETURNS AS GRADISON MCDONALD AND KEYBANK PRESENT A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK,
DECEMBER 3-DECEMBER 30

(CINCINNATI) — The holidays are always the perfect time to renew cherished family traditions or create new ones, and consistently among the Tristate’s favorite seasonal celebrations is the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of A Christmas Carol. Gradison McDonald and KeyBank present this faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale in the Playhouse’s Marx Theatre from December 3 to December 30.

First written in 1843, A Christmas Carol often is credited with reinvigorating our modern holiday celebration, and Dickens more than once has been described only somewhat facetiously as “the man who invented Christmas.” The book, an instant success originally priced at just five shillings to be affordable to almost everyone, has become the author’s most popular work and has spawned hundreds of television, film and stage adaptations.

Adapted by Howard Dallin, the Playhouse’s version of A Christmas Carol, which returns for its 13th year, brings to vivid life the familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. As the spirits show him events from his own past, present and future, Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous transformation. Scrooge witnesses with new eyes all those who have played instrumental roles in his life — his first love Belle, his kindhearted employer Fezziwig, his neglected nephew Fred and his heartily abused clerk Bob Cratchit — and he realizes that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. A Christmas Carol’s heartwarming message, along with a spectacular set, hundreds of costume changes and thrilling special effects, help to make the show one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions year after year.

Joneal Joplin, now in his seventh year in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, leads a cast of familiar Playhouse faces. Also returning are Bruce Cromer as Bob Cratchit; Dale Hodges as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Mark Mineart as Mr. Fezziwig; Gregory Procaccino as Jacob Marley; Regina Pugh as Mrs. Cratchit; Stephen Skiles as Mr. Cupp and Percy; Jake Storms as Fred; Amy Warner as Mrs. Fezziwig; and Jeremiah Wiggins as Young and Mature Scrooge. Joining them for the first time are Rashaad Ernesto Green, portraying Mr. Sosser and Dick Wilkens, and Angela Lin as Belle and Catherine Margaret.

Playing street carolers and party guests are Jodie Beerman, Amber K. Browning, John Hashop, Marie Howey, Keven Kaddi, Michael Mihm, Iriemimen Oniha and Jim Ward.

Nine area children also appear in this year's production of A Christmas Carol. Returning are Alec Shelby Bowling, a sixth-grader at Batavia Middle School, as Boy Scrooge; Ali Breneman, a fifth-grader from Anderson Township, as Fan; S.C.P.A. eighth-grader and 13-year-old Clifton resident Aaron Mayo as George; and K. McKenzie Miller, an 11-year-old and sixth-grader from Mariemont, as Martha Cratchit.

The show's young newcomers are Lucas Curtis Clark, a 7-year-old from Westwood who attends second grade at Dater Montessori, as Tiny Tim; Thomas Langlois, a sixth-grader at Cincinnati Country Day School, as Peter Cratchit; Nathan Robbins, an 11-year-old from Loveland, as Ignorance; 12-year-old Theresa White, a sixth-grader at St. Margaret of York School in Loveland, as Belinda Cratchit; and Megan Zink, a Hyde Park native and sixth-grader at Cardinal Pacelli School, as Want.

Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Michael Evan Haney, who’s been associated with A Christmas Carol since its first year (including two as the first Bob Cratchit), directs the show for the 11th 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 musical director. The production stage manager is Bruce E. Coyle. Jenifer Morrow is the stage manager.

Performances of A Christmas Carol are scheduled every day of the week except Mondays (unless otherwise noted). There are no performances on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Instead, there are evening performances on Monday, December 22 and Monday, December 29.

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 will partner with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to play host to the Cratchit Family Food Drive. Audience members are invited to bring canned goods to the Playhouse anytime between November 17 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 $15 tickets to selected performances of Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker and $15 or $20 tickets 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 $32-$47, depending on day and seat location. 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 five 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 $2 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.

Meet the Artists
These free programs allow audiences to interact with cast members and others associated with the production following the show.

7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9
2 p.m. Sunday, December 14

Audio Described Performance
2 p.m. Saturday, December 6

Signed Performance
2 p.m. Sunday, December 7

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 at least 24 hours in advance. The price is $21, 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 Sponsors:
Gradison McDonald and KeyBank

Production Design Sponsor:
Just Saab

Fine Arts Fund Partner:
GE Aircraft Engines

The 2003-2004 Marx Theatre Series is presented by
The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

The Marx Season Design Sponsor is The Cinergy Foundation.

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