Walnut Street Theater Closes A CHRISTMAS CAROL 1218

The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has become a welcomed holiday tradition for families all across the Delaware Valley. This delightful musical adaptation of Dickens' classic novel is a wonderful and fun way to honor tradition while celebrating the joys and warmth of a holiday favorite. A Christmas Carol runs from December 4 - December 18 on the Walnut Street Theatre Mainstage.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Benjamin Lovell) is a "bah, humbugging" miser who despises any glimmer of holiday happiness. Cheer is costly and good-will is bad for business. This Christmas, however, things are a little different! Old Ebenezer experiences a change of heart while traveling through his past, present and future on Christmas Eve. Join us in witnessing the transformation Scrooge undergoes as his three ghostly guests open his eyes and his heart to the magic and merriment of the season.

Walnut Street Theatre audiences will get a glimpse into A Christmas Carol of 1840's London, with an original score based on the musical stylings of the mid-19th century. The show will feature authentic instruments, sets and theatrical special effects of the time period. Children of all ages will be simply astounded seeing a show at the nation's oldest theatre presented exactly as it would have been in the 1840's, an experience unique to the Walnut.

Ever since the story was first published in 1843, the 'spirited' visitors of A Christmas Carol have spread their holiday warmth year after year. The Walnut's musical adaptation rekindles the spirit of giving, celebrates the strength of family and renews our hope for a brighter future. About an hour in length, A Christmas Carol is perfect for kids in grades K-9 and their 'grown-up' friends.

According to Susan Nicodemus Quinn, Director of Education: "Our production of A Christmas Carol is a quality experience that families enjoy each year. It's grown into a wonderful tradition for multi-generations of families who come year after year for this special holiday event. It's a great tradition they can take part in together."

The Walnut is excited to welcome back Director Bill Van Horn, who has previously directed A Christmas Carol in 2009. Over the past few seasons, Bill has appeared onstage in several WST productions, including: Curtains and Fiddler on the Roof (among others). Backstage, he has directed productions for all three Walnut series, including The Dishwashers, Forrest: A Riot of Dreams and 2008's hit production of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple. He also wrote and starred in our acclaimed Studio 3 productions of O Captain, My Captain: Whitman's Lincoln in 2009 and the world premiere of The Prince in 2010 (co-written with Armen Pandola). He is joined by Musical/Vocal Director Michael Borton. Borton wrote the music, book and lyrics for the hugely popular 2009 WST for Kids World Premiere production of The Berenstain Bears' Family Matters, which is touring across the U.S. through June 2011. The creative team includes returning artists: Samuel Reyes (Choreographer), Shon Causer (Lighting Design), and Tomás Mayer-Wolf (Orchestrations); alongside newcomers: Alim Morris and Esther Saavedra (Costume Design), and Simone Marcus (Wig Design).

The cast features some excellent regional talents. Returning to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge is Philadelphia's own Benjamin Lovell. Ben has performed locally at the Media Theatre, the Ritz and the Shawnee Playhouse, and is also known for the locally renowned high-end retail shoe stores that bear his name. The Ensemble includes: Evan Faram, Michael Tomasetti, Carlos Aviles, Tara Tagliaferro, Matthew Mastornardi, Emily Rast, Leslie Nevon Holden and Tommy Van Dean of Philadelphia; Gregory Bradbury and Gaby Bradbury of Ardmore, PA; Danielle Agan of Springfield, PA; Mackenzie Maula of Henryville, PA; Jordi Wallen of Cherry Hill, NJ; Brandon O'Rourke of Somers Point, NJ.

A Christmas Carol has matinee performances on December 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 18. The Wednesday, December 15th performance will be ASL interpreted. The performance is sponsored by eResearch Technology (ERT). Tickets are only $10 - $14. For tickets and information, please call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets can also be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by visiting the Walnut's website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

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