Palace Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Opens to Record Crowds

The Palace Theatre's holiday classic A Christmas Carol, Part of the Citizens Bank Performing Arts Series, opened to record crowds . The powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of selfless giving. Ebenezer Scrooge, a most unrepentant, miserly fellow, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own Christmases: Past, Present, and Future. This new adaptation of Dickens' ever popular classic fills the stage with veteran Broadway actors, lush costumes, stunning sets, music, dance, and a timeless message. With beloved traditional carols of the season included, A Christmas Carol is an enchanting way to begin the holiday festivities in your community.

The show Conceived by Palace Theatre Artistic Director, Carl Rajotte, and was Directed and Choreographed by Andrea McCormick this year due to Rajotte taking a separate cast of A Christmas Carol on a national tour. "When the national tour became a reality, there was no question I wanted Andrea to direct our show here at The Palace Theatre, said Carl Rajotte. I can assure you that her professionalism, attention to detail and record of success, will show in the production and maintain the award winning quality we have earned year after year."

Andrea, a former Palace Theatre Asst. Artistic Director and Director of the PYT program, currently resides as Artistic Director at American Music Theatre, a 1600 seat Celebrity Concert venue, where she has written, directed, choreographed and designed 13 dynamic, large-scale musical productions for their Original Show season. She is also the creator of AMT's yearly Christmas Show, often compared to Radio City and known for sold out performances to audience members who travel from across the country to attend this holiday tradition. "It has been a pleasure and an honor to be back at the Palace as guest Director/Choreographer for A Christmas Carol. The Palace staff, cast and patrons have been so lovely that it's tough to leave! Carl has created such a beautiful Christmas experience for all and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to bring it to life this season."

This year's cast is once again led by George F. Piehl as Scrooge. Piehl has been performing at the Palace since 1976. Other theatres he has worked at include the Ogunquit Playhouse, the Barnstormers and the American Stage Festival. Joining Piehl are more than 30 professional actors from New York and New England as well as over 150 local children.

A Christmas Carol, Part of the Citizens Bank Performing Arts Series runs December 6-22nd. Tickets are available on-line at www.palacetheatre.org, by phone 603-668-5588 or at the box office on 80 Hanover Street in Manchester.

To post a comment, you must register and login.