New Costumes and Special Effects Set for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Hartford Stage

Hartford Stage will intensify the magic and merriment of A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas with dazzling new costumes and awe-inspiring special effects for its 17th annual production of Charles Dickens' masterpiece from November 28 to December 28.

Over the past 16 years, more than 300,000 Connecticut families have been thrilled by Dickens' supernatural tale, which introduced the exclamation "Bah! Humbug!" and popularized the perennial greeting "Merry Christmas." Adapted and originally directed by Michael Wilson, A Christmas Carol is directed by Maxwell Williams (The 39 Steps, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at Hartford Stage).

United Technologies serves as the Exclusive Presenting Sponsor for A Christmas Carol.

The theatre is offering a special Thanksgiving Weekend discount of 25% offtickets for A Christmas Carol. Use the discount code TURKEY15 before November 28. For tickets, please visit www.hartfordstage.org or contact the Hartford Stage box office at 860-527-5151. (Offer not valid on $25 SuperSaver or previously purchased tickets.)

In the second phase of a three-year series of upgrades, A Christmas Carol's world of flying ghosts, Tiny Tim, and Ebenezer Scrooge will astound anew with a refurbished set; many redesigned costumes; enhanced flying effects and choreography for the ghostly apparitions; and the latest in lighting design technology.

Last year, the Hartford Courant exclaimed, "The beloved and haunting holiday classic gets some new bows and ribbons - and some cool scary effects. More than a quarter of a million people have laughed, cried and been moved by Bill Raymond's dastardly, delightful and heart-filled Scrooge."

Bill Raymond returns this season as Ebenezer Scrooge for all evening performances, while Buzz Roddy will join the cast as Scrooge at the student matinee performances. The cast will also include Curtis Billings as Fred, Young Scrooge; Robert Hannon Davis as Bob Cratchit; Rebecka Jones as Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit; Sarah Killough as a Ghostly Apparition, Fred's Sister-In-Law;Johanna Morrison as Bettye Pidgeon, Spirit of Christmas Past, Old Josie; Michael Preston as Mr. Marvel; Alan Rust as Bert, Spirit of Christmas Present, Mr. Fezziwig;Noble Shropshire as Mrs. Dilber, Jacob Marley; Charlie Tirrell as First Solicitor, Undertaker, Mr. Fezziwig; and Gillian Williams as Fred's Wife, Belle.

The cast of A Christmas Carol also features student actors from The Hartt School:Joseph Boccia, Adam Connolly, Ashley Croce, Hyten Davidson, Conor M. Hamill, Lizzy Jutila, Adam Montgomery, Connor Prickett, Hanna Rosenberg, Miranda Scott, Allyson Webb, and Dylan Young.

A Christmas Carol features scenic design by Tony Straiges; costume design byAlejo Vietti; original costume design by Zach Brown; lighting design by Robert Wierzel; original music and sound design by John Gromada; choreography byHope Clarke; and musical direction by Ken Clark. Derric Harris will serve as assistant choreographer; Sarah Killough as dance captain; and Kristen Chambrellias youth director.

Information and Special Events

Dates & Times - The production runs November 28 to December 28. Evening performances are weeknights and weekends at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Saturdays, Sundays and select weekdays at 2 p.m. For the full schedule, visit www.hartfordstage.org/christmas-carol.

Press/Opening Night is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5.
Family Fun Night - This is the night -Thursday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m.-to bring kids of all ages to see A Christmas Carol! Before the show, our spooky ghosts will greet and entertain. After the show, get autographs from all your favorite characters! The event is free with the purchase of a ticket for that evening's performance.
Market Days - Get all of your holiday shopping done at Hartford Stage! Local vendors will showcase unique gift items in our lobby, free to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. Buy a ticket for the matinee performance of A Christmas Carol and you will have an extra chance to shop during intermission and post-show. December 6, 7 and 14.
For tickets and information, please call the Hartford Stage box office at 860-527-5151 or visit www.hartfordstage.org.

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