A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ALLIANCE THEATRE's annual holiday gift to Atlanta, returns November 29, 2013 for its 24th production. The most heartwarming story of the season comes to life with holiday carols, stunning stage magic and your favorite Atlanta actors. Directed by Rosemary Newcott, the Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has become a tradition for many families around the southeast. Opening night is Wednesday, December 4, 7:00 p.m.
Favorite Atlanta actor Chris Kayser, who has played the role of Scrooge for 16 of his last 20 seasons in the production, has announced he will retire from the role after this year.
"Stories like A CHRISTMAS CAROL become classics for a reason. Brilliant writing, vivid characters, and a story that touches on the human condition in a way that bears up under repeated revisiting. It's kept me coming back for 20 years," said Kayser. "It's been my privilege to participate in the CHRISTMAS CAROL project at the Alliance Theater for the past two decades. Now I feel that after this year, it's time to pass on the role of Scrooge to someone else. Given the deep, rich talent pool in Atlanta and the sure hand of Rosemary Newcott at the helm, I'm confident that the project will go on re-energized and better than ever."
"I am so proud and fortunate to have been a part of the
ALLIANCE THEATRE's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL from the very beginning - first as an actress and then as director. I have always thought of this play as a gift to the Atlanta community. A big part of this gift has been the remarkable performance by
Chris Kayser as Ebenezer Scrooge," said Director Rosemary Newcott. "Each year I have watched him re-create the classic character, and each year I have witnessed subtle adjustments as he would re-work moments to fit the acting nuances of a new company member. And yet, the consistency of his performance - his commitment to the journey of this role, has never altered. I will, this year, as in other years, rejoice as he transforms, tear up as he finally allows himself to embrace Tiny Tim, and smile as he bounds down for a triumphant curtain call. I will cherish every moment."
The Alliance has announced 9-year-old Jaden Robinson in the role of Tiny Tim. As a former foster child, Jaden identifies with the struggles of his character and is excited to be a part of this production. Jaden was introduced to the Alliance by his teachers at the DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts and was a stand out during auditions. His mother, Adrian Robinson, is thrilled for Jadan to have this opportunity. She adopted him from foster care in 2010.
Other Christmas Carol favorites returning to reprise their roles include
Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant as Bob Cratchit;
Cynthia D. Barker as Mrs. Cratchit;
Bart Hansard as Mr. Fezziwig/Christmas Present;
Je Nie Fleming as Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Dilber (who was in the production as a child);
Laurie Williamson as Bess;
Andrew Benator as
Jacob Marley; and
Joe Knezevich as Fred.
In this tale of redemption, Ebenezer Scrooge goes to sleep on Christmas Eve as a miserly, stone-hearted man and awakens on Christmas Day with a compassionate and benevolent heart after his encounter with three ghosts. Celebrate this magnificent staging of
Charles Dickens's classic Christmas tale and Ebenezer Scrooge's eye-opening Christmas Eve journey.
Carter's, the leading brand in children's clothing and a sponsor of this year's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, will collect pajamas at each performance for its Pajama Program. The Pajama Program provides PJs to children in need, most of who are in foster care.
Performances are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 2013. Additional performances will be added Tuesday, December 17, 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 7:30 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2:30 & 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 24, 2:30 p.m., and Friday, December 27, 2:30 p.m. There will be no performance on Friday, December 6 or Friday, December 13.
Opening Night for A CHRISTMAS CAROL is Wednesday, December 4, 7:00pm.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or visiting
www.alliancetheatre.org/christmas. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404.733.4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The
ALLIANCE THEATRE is located at The Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 - at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.
Founded in 1968, the
ALLIANCE THEATRE has become the leading producing theatre in the Southeast, creating the powerful experience of shared theatre for diverse people. The Alliance values excellence, pursued with integrity and creativity, and achieved through collaboration. Reaching more than 200,000 patrons annually, the Alliance delivers powerful programming that challenges adult and youth audiences to think critically and care deeply. Under the leadership of
Susan V. Booth, Jennings Hertz Artistic Director, the
ALLIANCE THEATRE received the Regional Theatre Tony Award in recognition of sustained excellence in programming, education and community engagement.
