Pontine Premieres A NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS, 12/12-15

12 - 15 December, Pontine Theatre premieres A New England Christmas at Pontine's West End Studio Theatre. The program, underwritten by Chris Dwyer & Michael Huxtable. Co-Artistic Directors, Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers unveil original adaptations of two heart-warming Christmas stories set in New England: Captain Eli's Best Ear by Frank Stockton, a yarn about two salty, old sea captains who decide to keep Christmas together; and The Romance of a Christmas Card by Kate Douglas Wiggin, a story about far-flung families reunited by the lure of a Christmas with the "folks back home." These charming 19th century holiday stories-not to mention punch and cookies-are sure to evoke the holiday spirit! The soundtrack includes traditional melodies, many of them played and recorded by Strafford, NH's Jeffrey Zohler.

Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 4:00 and Sunday at 2:00. Tickets are $24 and may be purchased in advance at -- www.pontine.org.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door (cash & checks only) a half-hour prior to each performance, based on availability. Pontine's 2013-14 Season is supported by grants from the NH State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Pontine's West End Studio Theatre is located at 959 Islington Street in Portsmouth NH. The theatre is not visible from the street. Look for the big 959 on the signpost at the head of the drive. For information, contact Pontine --info@pontine.org -- (603) 436-6660.