A CHRISTMAS CAROL Opens Tonight at Heights Players

With many different ways to celebrate the holidays from cheerful music, beautiful dance, bright lights or brilliant displays, there is one story told year after year that never gets old and whose relevancy is stronger than ever. It is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. Opening at the Heights Players this Friday is a new adaptation of that wonderful novel, written by Crispin Whittell for the Guthrie Theater in 2010.

The Guthrie Theater is celebrating its 40th year of presenting the classic story and the Heights Players is proud pay tribute to this cherished theater tradition by presenting Whittell's adaptation in The John Bourne Theater.

The well-known story of the old and miserly Scrooge comes to life on stage in Brooklyn Heights in true ensemble fashion. As written of the Guthrie Theater's production, "the pessimistic protagonist's transformation might be one of the most familiar stories in all of literature, but ... Whittell's adaptation feels more like an ensemble piece than something Scrooge-centric" (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Scrooge spends Christmas Eve bah-humbugging employees, relatives, tenants and even Christmas carolers until - alone at home - four friendly, yet haunting, ghosts visit him. With their help, Scrooge takes a journey to find the love and Christmas spirit he has long forgotten.

At times highly comedic, and at times slightly dark, this child-friendly adaptation of A Christmas Carol includes festive dancing and classic Christmas carols, as well as an original song composed by musical director Matthew Martin (co-author of Ghostlight). It's the perfect way to welcome in the holiday season and to take a break from any of the stress the season may cause! Performance dates are December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00 p.m., and December 7, 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $18 for seniors and children under 18. Tickets can be ordered by emailing HPreservations@gmail.com or by phone (718) 237-2752. The Heights Players is located at 26 Willow Place, between State and Joralemon Streets in Brooklyn Heights. Visit www.heightsplayers.org for details.