Shakespeare Theatre of NJ Replaces 'Bird' with 'Carol'

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey announced today it would replace its previously announced holiday production of The Blue Bird with the American East Coast premiere of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol adapted by British playwright Neil Bartlett. The Shakespeare Theatre's Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte will direct.

"This innovative and exciting production will begin preview performances on November 27th, open on December 1 and continue through December 31. Performances are Tuesday through Sundays at The Shakespeare Theatre's Main Stage – the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. This will be only the third time this version has been produced in the United States and the first production of it east of the Mississippi. From now through October 15, tickets are available to subscribers or to those purchasing a Fall 3-play discount Ticket Package, which offers guaranteed seats to the three plays of the Fall season: William Saroyan's The Time of Your Life, Shakespeare's Henry VI: Blood & Roses adapted by Brian B. Crowe and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol adapted by Neil Bartlett," state press notes.

Bonnie J. Monte, artistic director of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, also announced today that one of the Theatre's most prestigious talents, and audience favorite Sherman Howard, will be playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Howard has received critical acclaim for his work in The Shakespeare Theatre productions of Enrico IV, Much Ado About Nothing, Life of Galileo and The Cherry Orchard. His prestigious list of credits spans film, television and Broadway including his most recent appearance in Inherit the Wind.

Joining Howard on stage are seven actors who portray more than 50 unusual 'characters' including those we have come to know and expect. "I recently came across this theatrical adaption and it took my breath away and made my director's pulse quicken," said Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte. "Bartlett's aesthetic and approach feels very akin to my own. His innovate take on A Christmas Carol features an incredible aural landscape of actor-generated sound and song, and provides a fantastic opportunity for families and people of all ages to experience this classic tale in a whole new way. When I realized we had the opportunity to be the first company on the East Coast to premiere the play, I made the decision to postpone our production of The Blue Bird in order to have the honor of premiering one of the world's most beloved holiday tales in a style and vision that exemplifies our brand of artistry and artists."

Adaptor Neil Bartlett is a famed British playwright, award-winning novelist, Olivier Award-nominated director and the former artistic director of the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith in London. He is the author of the novel The House on Brooke Street and has published adaptations of The Misanthrope, The School for Wives, and Oliver Twist, which received rave reviews in its American premiere in Boston, New York and San Francisco this spring. Bartlett's A Christmas Carol was originally created for the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, and contains only Dickens' own words. "I wanted to do it using Dickens' words, and nothing but," wrote Bartlett. "Dickens himself prompted this decision; after all, he wrote the story not just to be read, but to be read out loud, for an audience. His words don't describe; they enact." In addition, Bartlett has included spoken and sung Victorian carols delivered a capella throughout the play.

About his production of A Christmas Carol at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, The Guardian wrote, "This is one of those rare and festive offerings for which no adult will need the excuse of a child in tow to book a ticket."

Tickets for A Christmas Carol may now be purchased as part of a Fall 3-Play discount Ticket Package. Three-Play discount Ticket Packages range from $72-$132 and include William Saroyan's American classic The Time of Your Life (September 4 – 30); Shakespeare's Henry VI: Blood & Roses adapted by Brian B. Crowe (October 9 – November 11) and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Neil Bartlett (November 27 – December 31). Discount Ticket packages offer 15% off regular ticket prices. Full-price single tickets for A Christmas Carol will go on sale on October 15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.