Rhode Island Stage Ensemble Presents A CHRISTMAS CARMELLA

The grandkids want to hear "A Christmas Carol" one more time - but Grandma gave the book away years ago. What's a grandma to do? Improvise, of course. Mix a foggy memory with the vivid imagination of a lively senior citizen, and you've got "A CHRISTMAS CARMELLA."

The storyteller is none other than Carmella Zucchero Foccaccia - also known as the mother-in-law of Ant'ny Claus. With her grandchildren Sonny and Holly at her feet, Carmella concocts a wondrous tale, bringing characters to life in a mishmash that's more Monty Python than Dickens. Throwing her heart and soul into the telling, Carmella also manages to throw herself into the story, as all three spirits and the ghost of Jake Marli (yeah, that's how it's spelled, what's it to ya?).

"A CHRISTMAS CARMELLA" builds on a character with whom audiences have become familiar over the years with Frank O'Donnell's "Ant'ny Claus series, while taking Carmella and Christmas to a whole new level.

This production completes third circles. First, we're returning to the RISE Playhouse, the place that birthed the "Ant'ny Claus" series when the space was Theatre Works. Second, this is most likely the end of the run for the series, at least with Frank O'Donnell at the helm. And third, we're marking the retirement of Woonsocket staple, Mark Anderson. After more than 30 years in the performing arts in the region, Mark Will be hanging up his theater masks by reprising one of his favorite roles - Scrugini. Mark has been involved in all seven "Ant'ny" productions, as director, actor, set-builder and more.

Special guest appearances:

Fri 12/8 - Barbara Morse Silva from Channel 10
Sat 12/9 - Christina Myers from ABC 6
Sun 12/10 - Kelly Bates from Channel 10
Fri 12/15 - Mike Montecalvo from Channel 12
Sat 12/16 - Steve Cascione formerly of ABC 6
Sun 12/17 - Tony Petrarca from Channel 12

What: A Christmas Carmella by Frank O'Donnell, Directed by Frank O'Donnell

Where: The RISE Playhouse, 142 Clinton Street, Woonsocket, RI

When: December 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 7:30 PM December 10 & 17 at 2:00 PM

Tickets : $16-$20

Ticket Sales: https://tinyurl.com/AChristmasCarmella