A CHRISTMAS MEMORY to Play Alabama Shakespeare Festival

A Christmas Memory, Truman Capote's timeless holiday tale set in rural Alabama during the 1930s, has been adapted into an enchanting new family musical which will have its Southern premiere on the stage of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, November 25 through December 24.

Tickets start at $30 and are available by calling the ASF box office at 1.800.841.4273 or visiting online at www.asf.net. ASF is located at 1 Festival Drive in the heart of Montgomery's beautiful Blount Cultural Park.

A Christmas Memory follows a New York writer at the crossroads of his career who returns to his roots in Monroeville, Alabama to recapture the fun, friendship and shenanigans of the last Christmas shared with a beloved but eccentric cousin. His recollections from long ago lead him to a new and beautiful story to tell. This wistful musical features a 15-song score that includes Alabama Fruitcake, Mighty Sweet Music, Paper and Cotton and Nothing More Than Stars.

At its world premiere on the West Coast last year the San Jose Mercury News raved that A Christmas Memory is "an entertaining and heartfelt theatrical work that is just perfect for the holidays."

A Christmas Memory was adapted by Duane Poole with music by Larry Grossman and lyrics by Carol Hall. The cast of the Southern premiere includes Terry Burrell (Anna), Rodney Clark (Seabon Faulk), Carolyn Mignini (Jennie), Jonathan Rayson (Adult Buddy), Kay Walbye (Sook) and James Zitelli (Young Buddy). Montgomery's Katie Cobb and Wetumpka's Lizzy Woodwall will alternate in the role of Nelle. Montgomery resident Jonathan Henderson will understudy the role of Young Buddy.

A Christmas Memory is directed by Karen Azenberg. Azenberg directed ASF favorite Cowgirls as well as choreographing Peter Pan the Musical, A Christmas Carol the Musical and West Side Story.

Others on the creative team include Tom Griffin (musical director), Peter Hicks (set design), Elizabeth Novak (costume design), Martin E. Vreeland (lighting design) and Richelle Thompson (sound design). Dr. Susan Willis serves as dramaturge and Cheryl Hanson will stage manage the production.