A CHRISTMAS CAROL Continues Memphis Family Tradition

A Memphis family holiday tradition, Theatre Memphis' 39th annual production of A Christmas Carol will run December 2 through December 23, 2016, on the Lohrey Stage. Miserly and rich Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. An eye opening exploration leads to happiness and enlightenment, not to mention song, dance, and holiday cheer.

Director Jason Spitzer returns to helm this year's production for the ninth time, but with a twist. This year he not only leads the cast in re-creating the holiday staple that he adapted for the TM stage but he will also play the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge. "This is actually not the first time I've directed myself. I find I'm one of the only directors who will cast me," Spitzer exudes as he rolls his eyes. ", I've played a number of small roles, but the idea of playing Scrooge had never really occurred to me. This year though events conspired to convince me to don the nightcap." He continues, "I've always been in love with this story, but this experience has made me realize that old Scrooge and I may be more alike than not. I guess Debbie Litch (Theatre Memphis Executive Producer) and everyone else that suggested I play the role saw the similarities all these years!" Kathy Caradine choreographs and Jeff Brewer music directs this year's production which will feature many new faces to Theatre Memphis who will share the stage along with returning A Christmas Carol veterans like John Rone, Julie Reinbold, Chelsea Robinson and more.

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch celebrates new volunteers who give of their time and talents for the seasonal classic and that families and cast members come back to see and perform in A Christmas Carol year after year. She says, "Having Jason agree to be in the cast as Scrooge this year as well as guide it .... well, it is just something so special. So many who have participated year after year have created a family in of itself. It is so wonderful to be a part of so many family traditions and to have a feeling of family in the cast. It is a special show and gets so many in the "spirit.'"

TITLE: A Christmas Carol

DIRECTOR: Jason Spitzer

VENUE AND ADDRESS: Theatre Memphis on the Lohrey Stage, 630 Perkins Ext, Memphis, TN, 38117

RUN DATES: December 2 - December 23, 2016

TIMES OF SHOWS: Thursdays @ 7:00pm; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays @ 7:00pm with matinees @ 3:00pm on 12/10,12/11, 12/17 &12/18 & 12/20; also, Monday 12/19 ,Tuesday 12/20 and Wednesday 12/21 @ 7:00pm

TICKETS: $30 adults, $15 students

BOX OFFICE: 901.682.8323

WEB: www.theatrememphis.org