Cygnet Theatre to Present A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 11/28-12/28

In December, Cygnet Theatre will continue its eight-year tradition of presenting a holiday show suitable for all ages. This season welcomes the return of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Sean Murray with original score by Billy Thompson. This production is a completely re-imagined take on the original holiday classic featuring lively music, unique puppets and live sound effects. The airwaves of WCYG Playhouse of the Air will be silent this season as Cygnet returns to presenting a fully staged production. This "little musical ghost story" runs November 28-December 28 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town. Opening Night for Media is Saturday, December 6, 8 pm.

The last time Cygnet Theatre presented a fully staged production of A Christmas Carol was in 2008 to commemorate the re-opening of the Old Town Theatre. "Audiences can expect 19th century tradition with amazing puppetry and live Foley sound effects," explained Murray. "This will be a clever and sweet retelling of the classic tale complete with new music and songs performed live, and is perfect for the entire family."

Murray and the creative team will embrace storytelling through the use of original puppetry, found objects, and innovative stagecraft. Cygnet welcomes the return of set designer Andrew Hull will transform the theatre into a Victorian Christmas card with a distinctly 1890's feel. Hull, currently an Art Director on Mad Men, has

previously designed sets for Gem of the Ocean, The Glass Menagerie, Private Lives, Bed and Sofa, The History Boys and Spring Awakening. R. Craig Wolf will serve as Lighting and Co-Scenic Designer. Costumes are by Shirley Pierson and Peter Herman will provide wigs and makeup. Choreography is by Katie Whalley Banville. Original puppets will be created by Michael McKeon. Patrick Marion will provide musical direction.

Tom Stephenson returns as Scrooge and is joined by a talented cast of Cygnet Theatre veterans including Maggie Carney (The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties), Charles Evans, Jr. (Spring Awakening), Melissa Fernandes (Little Shop of Horrors, Assassins, A Christmas Carol); Melinda Gilb (Dirty Blonde, Assassins, A Christmas Carol), David McBean (Pageant, Fully Committed, A Christmas Carol), and Patrick McBride (Travesties, A Christmas Carol).

Audiences will be invited to engage in the holiday spirit with photo ops at the lobby Christmas tree and pre-show sing-alongs from their seats. Performances are November 28 - December 28 at the Old Town Theatre. Show times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.

For more information regarding tickets, please contact the box office at 619-337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com. Tickets may be purchased in person at the box office located at 4040 Twiggs Street. Discounts are available for students, active-duty military, seniors and groups of 10 or more. Children 12 and under receive half off tickets with each paid adult.