North Shore Music Theatre Presents 22nd Annual A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 12/7-12/23

Whether it's flying ghosts, the singing of carols, the scowl of Scrooge, or the awed faces of children in the audience, there's something for everyone in North Shore Music Theatre's award-winning production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Since its World Premiere in 1989, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has delighted more than a million people, including over 400,000 school children. A CHRISTMAS CAROL, will run from Friday, December 7 thru Sunday, December 23, 2012.

With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has become a holiday favorite throughout New England. Based on the Charles Dickens classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL tells the tale of curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future hoping to change his destiny and save his soul. This brilliant musical, an original adaptation by former NSMT Artistic Director Jon Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.

This year's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL will, one again, star NSMT audience favorite David Coffee. This marks David's 19th year playing Ebenezer Scrooge at NSMT. The cast also includes Leigh Barrett (Ghost of Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit), audience favorite George Dvorsky (Ghost of Christmas Present, Man 1), Kevin Patrick Martin (Ghost of Christmas Future, Young Scrooge), Matt Allan (Jacob Marley), Ryan Bates (Narrator), Russell Garrett (Bob Cratchit), Nathaniel Braga (Pearlie), Joshua Keith (Pearlie), Marlana Dunn (Belle), Patrick Ryan (Fred), Cheryl McMahon (Mrs. Dilbur/ Mrs. Fezziwig), J.T. Turner (Mr. Fezziwig/Man 2; u/s Scrooge), John Budzyna (Ensemble), Andrea Collier (Ensemble), Stephanie Granade (Meg, Ensemble), Laura Helm (Ensemble), and Tommy Labanaris (Old Joe, Ensemble).

The cast of 29 will also feature young performers from many local communities including Amesbury resident Julia Yameen (Fan), Age 11; Gloucester resident Jack Favazza (Peter Cratchit), Age 14; Kennebunkport, ME resident Shae Kingston (Martha Cratchit), Age 15; Lowell resident Sophia Joan Wulsin (Tiny Tim), Age 8; North Andover resident Kyle McAdam (Teen Caroler, Younger Scrooge), Age 15; Peabody resident Jordyn Barry (London Child), Age 10; Revere resident Brandon Barbosa (London Child), Age 11; Rowley resident Emily Sousa (Ignorance/Want), Age 7; Wilmington resident Sarah Gillespie (Ignorance/Want), Age 7; Winchester resident Coco Rich (Teen Caroler), Age 16; Windham, NH resident Emma Joanis (Belinda Cratchit), Age 13.

The creative team for A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes Arianna Knapp (Director), Billy Sprague, Jr.(Choreographer),Mark Hartman (Musical Director), Howard C. Jones (Original Scenic Designer), Paula Peasley-Ninestein (Costume Coordinator), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly (Original Wig and Hair Design), Natalie A. Lynch (Production Stage Manager), Robert L. Rucinski (Assistant Musical Director), and Michael T. Clarkston (Assistant Stage Manager). A CHRISTMAS CAROL is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Arianna Knapp (Artistic Director), and Beth Vasta (Associate Producer).

Throughout the run of A CHRISTMAS CAROL NSMT will be collecting toys in the lobby for Tiny Tim's Toy Drive. NSMT will be accepting unopened, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 2 - 12. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are priced from $45 to $60. Performances are December 7 - December 23, 2012 (Evening shows December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:30pm; Matinees December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 at 2pm). Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office at 978-232-7200, by visiting the website at www.nsmt.org or by visiting the box office in person at 62 Dunham Road (Route 128, exit 19), Beverly, MA.

On December 14, North Shore will host OUT at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception (sponsored in part by Ryan & Wood Inc. Distilleries and Sparkling Soirées).

Photo Credit: Paul Lyden