North Shore Music Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL to Open 12/6

David Coffee is undeniable the area's longest running and most beloved Ebenezer Scrooge. This holiday season marks his twentieth consecutive time playing the part in North Shore Music Theatre's award-winning production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Whether it's ghostly magical special effects, the dozens of revelers and musicians, or the cold scowl of Ebenezer Scrooge, there is something for everyone in this original production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, playing 13 performances only from Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 22, 2013. Press Night scheduled for Friday, December 6 at 7:30pm.

"Every year I am in awe of David Coffee's masterful portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. He manages to keep it fresh show after show, year after year. I don't know how he does it," said NSMT's owner and Producer Bill Hanney. "Having been performing this role at North Shore Music Theatre since 1992, seeing David Coffee play Scrooge is now as much an anticipated part of New Englander's holiday traditions as the show itself!"

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. 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 former NSMT Artistic Director 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.

In addition to the milestone 20th performance of David Coffee as Ebenezer Scrooge, this year's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes Leigh Barrett (Ghost of Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit), Sheldon Henry (Ghost of Christmas Present, Gentleman 1), Kevin PatRick Martin (Ghost of Christmas Future, Young Scrooge), Matt Allan (Jacob Marley), Ryan Bates (Narrator), Russell Garrett (Bob Cratchit), Nathaniel Braga (Pearlie), Joshua Keith (Pearlie), Gillian Mariner Gordon (Belle), Bronson Norris Murphy (Fred), Cheryl McMahon (Mrs. Dilbur/ Mrs. Fezziwig), J.T. Turner (Mr. Fezziwig/Gentleman 2), Stephanie Granade (Meg, Ensemble), Laura Helm (Ensemble), Tommy Labanaris (Old Joe, Ensemble), Jessica Lorion (Ensemble), and Tim McShea (Dick Wilkins, Ensemble).

The cast of 29 will also feature young performers from many local communities including: Amesbury resident Julia Yameen (Fan), Age 12; Gloucester residents Brody Baskin (London Boy), Age 9, Jillian Furber (Martha Cratchit), Age 14, and Giacomo Favazza (Peter Cratchit), Age 14; Kennebunkport, ME resident Shae Kingston (Teen Caroler), Age 16; North Andover resident Kyle McAdam (Teen Caroler, Younger Scrooge), Age 16; Rowley resident Emily Sousa (Ignorance/Want), Age 8; Salem resident Elizabeth Pasquale (Belinda Cratchit), Age 12; Saugus residents Angelina Breda (Ignorance/Want), Age 7 and Will Fafard (London Boy), Age 12; and Wilmington resident Sarah Gillespie (Tiny Tim Cratchit), Age 8.

The creative team for A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes Arianna Knapp (Director), Joe Moeller (Choreographer), Mark Hartman (Musical Director), Howard C. Jones (Original Scenic Designer), Paula Peasley-Ninestein (Costume Coordinator), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly (Original Wig and Hair Design), Phill Madore (Production Stage Manager), Robert L. Rucinski (Assistant Musical Director), and Misaki Nishimiya (Assistant Stage Manager). Flying effects are provided by ZFX, Inc. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is produced for North Shore Music Theatre by Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer), Arianna Knapp (Artistic Director), and Beth Vasta (Associate Producer).

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 Toys for Tots.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are priced from $55 to $65. Performances are December 6 - December 22, 2012 (Evening shows December 6, 3, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30pm; Matinees December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 2pm). Kids 18 and under save 50% on Family Friday (December 6 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.

Additional Free Audience Enrichment events: OUT at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception (sponsored in part by Ryan & Wood Inc. Distilleries) on December 13.