A CHRISTMAS CAROL Plays Last Show at Norris Center for the Performing Arts 12/26

The Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol," gets the full Broadway treatment in the Norris Center for the Performing Arts' production of this spectacular musical extravaganza, December 18-26. It is the same family-favorite musical version which enthralled audiences for ten years at Madison Square Garden in New York, and is considered the most heartwarming and visually dazzling piece of Christmas magic to ever hit the stage.

The timeless tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the value of love and family after he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, comes to life as it has never been seen before in "A Christmas Carol: The Musical." The show is filled with exuberant dances, enchanting music, lavish period costumes, and a magnificent set which recreates the streets, buildings, and graveyards of Dickensian London. Hailed by critics, The New York Times has called the show "a tonic for adults - and for children, a transfixing journey." Over two and a half million people made it an annual holiday tradition during the production's decade-long run at Madison Square Garden.

Originally created by Radio City Music Hall, and composed by the Broadway team of Alan Menken ("Little Shop of Horrors, "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin"), lyricist Lynne Ahrens ("Seussical," "Ragtime," "Once on This Island"), and Mike Okrent ("Crazy For You"), the show is filled with beautiful melodies, and the song, "A Place Called Home," has become a holiday standard. In 2004, this version became the basis of a popular NBC television movie starring Kelsey Grammer as Scrooge.

The Norris Center's for the Performing Arts production is directed by Richard Israel, choreographed by Alexis Carra, musically directed by Daniel Thomas, and produced by James Gruessing and Debbie Martinez. It features a cast of 32 actors, including Richard Gould as Scrooge, Jason Hammond as Bob Cratchit, Cassandra Murphy as Christmas Past, Nick Leinbach as Christmas Present, Tracy Reynolds as Christmas Future, John Richard Peterson as Jacob Marley, and Austin Kelly as Tiny Tim.
"Dickins' ‘A Christmas Carol' is one of the most beloved Christmas story of all time, and we are thrilled to bring this special musical version to the Norris Theatre stage," said James Gruessing. "The show is a true feast for the senses, as well as an inspiring tale of hope, love and redemption, which will delight audiences of all ages. It's the perfect way for families to awaken the holiday spirit and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together."

Performance dates are December 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and December 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Crossfield Drive in Rolling Hills Estates between Silver Spur and Indian Peak Road. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for youth. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Norris Theatre box office, call 310-544-0403 or log onto www.norriscenter.com. Group ticket sales are available at ext. 256. Free, covered parking is available behind the theatre, and there is wheelchair access and special seating, as well as equipment for the hearing impaired.