Temple Theater Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Experience "A Christmas Carol"as you never have before. Peter Battis becomes Charles Dickens as Dickens tells his classic tale of redemption. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was already a famous and beloved author when he stepped onto a London stage in 1858 to read excerpts from his own works. He quickly proved himself to be a skilled performer who could move an audience to tears or laughter, and his presentations were the hottest ticket of their day. Billed as "Public Readings", they were actually memorized one-man shows in which the author played all the parts.

Audiences of up to 2000 were entranced as the author transformed himself through voice and gesture into Pickwick and Copperfield, Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit. "A Christmas Carol" was a favorite for Dickens and his fans, and he played it 140 times over the years, including for his farewell appearance. Modern audiences will be equally entranced as Peter Battis embodies Charles Dickens and his beloved characters. This tale of transformation and connection to friends and family is as needed today as it was in Dickens' own time.

Peter Battis first acted professionally at age 12 and worked in regional theatre in Princeton, Cleveland and Stockbridge, MA. He trained at Brandeis University as an undergrad and in the MFA program. He has been a member of Actor's Equity Association since 1965. He worked for many years in Boston-area theatre and TV, playing such roles as John Proctor in "The Crucible" and Richard in "The Lion In Winter". In North Carolina he appeared in Deep Dish Theater's "Life is a Dream"and Street Signs' "A Simple Gift" before joining Temple Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol" as Scrooge in 2015. He repeated the role in the following two years, and his research on Dickens led him to create a one-man show, "Mr. Charles Dickens Presents", recreating Dickens' presentations of "Nicholas Nickleby" and "Dr. Marigold" for audiences in Chapel Hill and Pittsboro. He now adds "Carol" to the repertoire in his return to Temple Theatre for another holiday season, and he relishes the opportunity to play not only Scrooge but Tiny Tim, the Cratchits, four Ghosts and 20 other characters.

For a full list of show times or to buy tickets, click here or call the Temple Box Office at 919-774-4155.