Trustus Theatre Presents New Adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Patrick Barlow, Now thru 12/21

Trustus Theatre is bringing a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol To the Thigpen Main Stage this December. This new script by Patrick Barlow, the Tony-award winning playwright of The 39 Steps, is a whirlwind telling of the classic holiday story where five actors take on all of the roles. Trustus will be one of only four theatres who have the rights to produce this new adaptation as the show also makes its Off-Broadway premiere this holiday season. Scrooge and all of his ghostly counterparts will come to the Thigpen Main Stage as A Christmas Carol opens tonight, December 6th at 8:00pm. The show will run through December 21st, 2013 with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org.

In Trustus' twenty-nine seasons, the holiday offerings have been low. This year, the theatre breaks the mold by offering a true holiday classic on its Main Stage. While A Christmas Carol is a family-friendly production, what makes this version a Trustus show is the script which challenges five gifted actors to embody all of the characters in an unforgettable performance.

Director and Trustus Company Member Chad Henderson is a huge fan of Dickens' holiday ghost story. "A Christmas Carol is my favorite holiday tradition," said Henderson. "Scrooge's journey of redemption has always been appealing to me. This story is a classic because it's one-of-a-kind - a Christmas ghost story. I'm looking forward to telling this story on the Trustus stage in an unexpected way."

The Trustus production boasts a talented cast of performers. Local favorite Stann Gwynn (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf) will be portraying the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Trustus Company member Avery Bateman joins the cast after playing Sarah in Trustus' smash hit Ragtime. Wela Mbusi, who has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company, comes back to the Trustus stage after appearing in last season's By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. Scott Herr, who has worked with many regional theatres across the nation, makes his Trustus debut playing such roles as Jacob Marley and Bob Cratchit. Rounding out the cast is Catherine Hunsinger, who is returning to the Trustus stage after appearing in Spring Awakening in Season 27.

While this adaptation calls for the challenge of four actors playing many roles throughout a performance, it also asks for them to play music throughout the show. Carols and underscoring will be created and performed live on stage by The Players. The music will be an unexpected mix of keyboard sounds, cello, beatboxing, a Line6 delay modulator, a VocalistLive, and of course The Combined voices of the performers. "The live music is a unique combination of sounds," said Director Chad Henderson. "It's derived from the traditions of Reggie Watts, Manheim Steamroller, Justin Timberlake, and Panic! At The Disco." While audiences may hear non-traditional takes on the carols in the show, they can be assured that the classic Dickens' tale remains intact.

Trustus Theatre's A Christmas Carol opens on the Trustus Main Stage on Friday, December 6th at 8:00pm and runs through December 21st, 2013. Thigpen Main Stage shows start at 8:00pm Thursdays through Saturdays, Saturday matinees are at 2pm, and Sunday matinees are at 3:00pm. Tickets are $22.00 for adults, $20.00 for military and seniors, and $15.00 for students. Half-price Student Rush-Tickets are available 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. and on Pulaski St. The Main Stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building.

For more information or reservations call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season information.

Pictured: Scott Herr as Jacob Marley and Stann Gwynn as Ebenezer Scrooge

Photo Credit: Jonathan Sharpe