Cygnet to Present A CHRISTMAS CAROL Holiday Radio Play

Cygnet Theatre continues its annual holiday tradition of presenting a live radio play direct from the "broadcast studios" of WCYG. For 7 years, theater-goers have enjoyed being part of the live studio audience watching "Christmas Eve broadcasts" of holiday classics. Cygnet returns to the 1940's era studio to bring to life a unique presentation of the classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL complete with holiday music, commercials and the much-loved live sound effects.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is sure to be a treat for the whole family as the WCYG players bring to life the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghostly visitors. The show features new original songs with lyrics by Sean Murray and music by Billy Thompson. This new adaptation promises to be light and bright while embracing a fun and festive Christmas spirit. The entire theatre will be full of holiday cheer and audiences are invited to come early, mingle with the cast, enjoy some special holiday drinks and take photos next to our traditional and unique Cygnet holiday tree.

"This year, we wanted to have lots of fun with the show and we've taken an upbeat approach to the story," said Murray who added lyricist to his current titles including actor and director. "Audiences of all ages will enjoy what takes place on stage and in their imaginations. And of course, it wouldn't be WCYG without the innovative sound effects - an audience favorite."

Cygnet welcomes many cast members back to reprise their roles and adds a few new performers to the mix. This season's cast features Tom Stephenson* (Parade, Our Town, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) as Ebenezer Scrooge. The announcer will be played by Jonathan Dunn-Rankin* (It's a Wonderful Life). In an art-imitates-life twist, Dunn-Rankin was a broadcaster and radio pro in San Diego who first hit the airwaves in the late '40s. Other cast members include Maggie Carney (The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties), Melissa Fernandes* (Little Shop of Horrors- Craig Noel Award nomination, Cabaret - Craig Noel Award nomination, It's A Wonderful Life, Company), Melinda Gilb (Dirty Blond), and David McBean (Pageant, Burn This, Dirty Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, It's A Wonderful Life). Joining the cast this year are Patrick McBride as Bob Cratchit, and Brian Mackey (The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties) who will take his turn at handling the Foley effects which will evoke the holiday sounds of winter, ghosts, chains, scary cemeteries, family dinners, and many more period sounds from the 1940's. Sean LaPerruque joins the cast as Musical Director and pianist. The production will feature an original score by Billy Thompson.

The Dickens story has long been a holiday favorite. Over 160 years after its debut, the story of Bob Cratchit, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all the Christmas ghosts still resonates.

Cygnet's performance schedule for all shows will be Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm, plus two performances on Monday, December 23rd at 2 and 7pm and a special Christmas Eve matinee performance on Tuesday, December 24th, at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet's website at cygnettheatre.com or by calling the box office at 619-337-1525. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting Cygnet's box office located at the Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

*Cygnet Resident Artists

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