Casting Announced for North Shore's A Christmas Carol

Casting has been announced for the North Shore Music Theatre's (NSMT) 18th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol. 

"Since its World Premiere 18 years ago, this unique production, created specifically for NSMT audiences, has delighted more than 1 million people, including over 100,000 school children," state press materials. A Christmas Carol will run December 1 through December 24 with press night scheduled for December 1, 2006 at 8pm.

"With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes,the show has become a holiday favorite throughout New England. Based on the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol tells the tale of curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future hoping to change his destiny and save his soul. This brilliant musical, an original adaptation by NSMT Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season."

This production marks David Coffee's 15th consecutive year playing Ebenezer Scrooge and his 41st appearance at NSMT. He most recently played Harriman F. Spritzer in NSMT'S Regional Theatre Premiere of Hairspray.   

The cast will also feature Mark Aldrich (Fred), Graham Allen (Ensemble), Natasha Ashworth (Ensemble), Joseph Dellger (Mr. Fezziweg/Gentleman), Jason Forbach (Ensemble), Richard Gallagher (Ghost of Christmas Future/Young Scrooge), Erik Gratton (Narrator), Teri Dale Hansen (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit), Briga Heelan (Ensemble, Belle), Benjamin Howes (Bob Cratchit), Robert Jason Jackson (Ghost of Christmas Present/Gentleman), Cheryl McMahon (Mrs. Dilbur/Mrs. Fezziwig), James Neff (Ensemble/Old Joe), Luke Rawlings (Pearlie), Kim Sava (Ensemble), Tom Staggs (Jacob Marley), Nicky Venditti (Pearlie).

The cast will also feature children from many local communities including Beverly resident Bethani Boccia (Teen Caroler) and Zane Cowans (Ignorance/Want); Burlington resident Futaba Shioda (Fan); Essex resident Taylor Reader (Ignorance/Want); Gloucester residents Andrew Murdock (Tiny Tim) and Michaela Murdock (Ignorance/Want); Lexington resident Daniela Caesar-Roden (Martha Cratchit); Manchester resident Landon Komishane (Turkey Boy/Scrooge as a Child); Melrose resident Isabelle Miller (Belinda Cratchit); Peabody resident Sophia Brunet (Ignorance/Want); Reading resident Mark Mauriello (Turkey Boy/ Town Crier); Rowley resident Evan Gorski (Peter Cratchit) and Salem, NH resident John Breen (Alternate/Rehearsal Cover for Tiny Tim).

The Creative team for A Christmas Carol includes Jon Kimbell (Director), Kate Powers (Co-director), Brian Cimmet (Musical Director), Kathy Meyer (Choreographer), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), Joanna E. Murphy (Costume Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), John A. Stone (Sound Designer), and Gerard Kelly (Wig and Hair Designer). 

Throughout the run of the show, NSMT will be collecting toys for Tiny Tim's Toy Drive.  NSMT will be accepting unopened, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 2 – 12.  All toys will be donated to three area organizations:  Beverly Children's Learning Center, Beverly Bootstraps, and Headstart of Peabody.

In addition, a quartet from NSMT's Youth Performance Choir will be caroling in the lobby before performances.

Tickets are priced from $70 to $35. Youths and students save 50%, Seniors save 10%. Performances are December 1 – 24, 2006 (Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sat & Sunday & 2pm, Wed 12/20 at 7:30pm). Tickets  can be purchased by calling the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office at (978) 232-7200, via the website at www.nsmt.org or in person at 62 Dunham Road (Route 128, exit 19), Beverly, MA.  Personal listening devices, large print and Braille programs available.