North Shore Music Theatre Presents 'A Christmas Carol'

New England's brightest holiday tradition continues into its 19th year when North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) presents A Christmas Carol, directed by NSMT Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell.  In a production adapted specifically for NSMT audiences by Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, the magic of the holiday season is brought to life in this spirited musical.

A Christmas Carol will run from November 30 through December 23 with Press Night scheduled for November 30, 2007 at 8pm. Sponsored by Beverly Hospital, A Christmas Carol is also sponsored in part by DeScenza Diamonds, and Seiko Corporation.

"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. Audiences will travel with Scrooge as he sets off on a strange and magical journey, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.  With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes, A Christmas Carol has become a holiday favorite throughout New England," explain press notes.

This year's production marks David Coffee's 16th consecutive year playing Ebenezer Scrooge and his astounding 43rd appearance at NSMT. David most recently played Bela Zangler in NSMT'S production of Crazy For You.  Last season, David was seen in Singin' in the Rain and Cinderella, and NSMT's Regional Theater Premiere of Hairspray.

The cast will also feature Wilson Bridges (Ensemble), Toni Carrington (Ensemble), Jeffrey de Picciotto (Narrator), Adam Ray Dyer (Pearlie), Jeff Edgerton (Ghost of Christmas Future/Young Scrooge), Benjamin Howes (Bob Cratchit), Nancy Johnston (Mrs. Dilbur/Mrs. Fezziwig), Sarah Knapp (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit), Kevin Massey (Fred), Danny McNie (Ensemble),Wayne W. Pretlow (Mr. Fezziweg/Gentleman), Gabrielle Ruiz (Ensemble), John Saunders (Ensemble/Gentleman 2), Curtis Schroeger (Pearlie), Mark Shunkey (Pearlie), Susan Spencer (Belle), Tom Staggs (Jacob Marley), and Andrew Varela (Ghost of Christmas Present/Gentleman 1).

The cast will also feature children from many local communities including Beverly residents Stowe Brown (Fan), Zane Cowans (Turkey Boy), Austin Davy (Teen Caroler) and Zehava Younger (Ignorance/Want); Danvers resident Emily McComb (Belinda Cratchit); Gloucester residents Andrew Murdock (Tiny Tim), Maxwell Murdock (Ignorance/Want), and Michaela Murdock (Ignorance/Want); Lynn residents Zoey Bozarjian (Ignroance/Want) and DJ Plunkett (Peter Cratchit); North Andover resident Kyle McAdam (Turkey Boy/Towncrier); North Reading resident Alexandra Nader (Martha Cratchit); and Tyngsborough resident Victoria Clougher (Teen Caroler).

The creative team for A Christmas Carol includes Jon Kimbell (Director), Brian Cimmet (Musical Director), John MacInnis (Choreographer), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), Nancy Leary (Costume Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), John A. Stone (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly (Wig and Hair Designer), Mike Goudzwaard (Special Effects), Bethany Ford (Production Stage Manager), Toby Schine (Assistant Director), Robert L. Rucinski (Rehearsal Accompanist), Alicia D. Reece (Assistant Stage Manager).

Throughout the run of A Christmas Carol NSMT will be collecting toys in the lobby 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.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol are priced from $70 to $45. Youth and Senior discounts available. Performances are November 30 – December 23, 2007 (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.