EBENEZER SCROOGE'S BIG PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SHOW Comes to Bucks County Playhouse

One of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written takes on a decidedly New Hope twist when Buck County Playhouse brings back the popular comedy, "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Playhouse Christmas Show," December 7 through December 30, 2018.

Five actors, lots of music, laughter and one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told come together for this Christmas show that is perfect for the entire family. Terrorizing the good citizens of Bucks County, Ebenezer Scrooge rediscovers the spirit of Christmas in this riotous Dickens mashup set in New Hope. All the traditional elements of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" are intact - including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future - comically reimagined in this holiday frolic. The authors have rebooted the story - charging five talented actors with the task of playing nearly three dozen roles, as well as instruments, while infusing the show with a lot of comedy and harnessing the energetic joy of the season.

Written by Gordon Greenberg ("Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn") and Steve Rosen ("The Other Josh Cohen"), this year's version of the show is directed by Greenberg and features some new exciting twists and turns plus an extended musical finale.

Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, Producing Director Alexander Fraser and Producers Stephen Kocis and Josh Fiedler recently announced details on the show, which is making its return to Bucks County Playhouse after becoming the most successful holiday production in the Playhouse's history last season.

"We were so delighted by the success of this show last season that we had to bring it back again," says Alexander Fraser, Producing Director. "When we asked Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen to write a new play for the Playhouse for the holidays, we hoped that audiences would embrace it and make it part of their holiday tradition. How exciting it is that Gordon was available to direct this year's production - allowing us to expand upon his initial vision for the show and create more holiday merriment than ever."

The cast stars Broadway and film veteran William Youmans as Ebenezer Scrooge. Mr. Youmans has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of "Wicked," "Carousel" (2018 revival) and "The Little Foxes" (with Elizabeth Taylor). He is joined by James Ludwig (Broadway's "Monty Python's Spamalot" - Original Cast and BCP's "Million Dollar Quartet), Sarah Manton (Broadway's "One Man, Two Guvnors" and National Theatre, London's "South Pacific"), James David Larson (National Tour of "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" and BCP's "Million Dollar Quartet"), and Tina Stafford (National Tour of "Once").

Michael Baxter is the Assistant Director. Michael Carnahan is scenic designer. Tristan Raines is costume designer. Travis McHale is lighting designer and Bart Fasbender is sound designer. Ashley Rae Callahan is the Wig Designer. Casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA.

In coordination with the production and as part of the Playhouse's education program, Bucks County Playhouse is once again offering the opportunity for local theater-lovers and aspiring thespians to join a cast on the historic Playhouse stage as "Scene-Stealers." Designed as an educational opportunity, the "Scene-Stealers" will be featured in the musical finale in "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Playhouse Christmas Show!" Seated in the audience, participants will also be able to watch and enjoy the show until it is time to take the stage. Following curtain call, "Scene-Stealers" will lead audience members into the Courtyard to sing Christmas Carols.

"Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Playhouse Christmas Show" will run from December 7 through December 30 and will play matinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. There is an added show on Wednesday evening, December 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets to "Ebenezer Scrooge's Big Playhouse Christmas Show" begin at $40. Special rates for groups of 10 or more. For complete details, and to purchase tickets, please visit buckscountyplayhouse.org, call 215-862-2121, or visit the box office at 70 South Main Street, New Hope, PA.