Unexpected Productions Brings A(N IMPROVISED) CHRISTMAS CAROL Back to Seattle

Unexpected Productions Improv opens its holiday classic, A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol, on November 24, 2017. It's a wild, hilarious, holiday ride.

UP Improv has been performing this audience-favorite since 1986 and the spirit of giving keeps growing. This hilarious improv, allows Charles Dickens to teach the lessons visited upon Scrooge to a whole new audience, in a whole new way. UP Improv's Artistic Director, Randy Dixon created the show and has played Scrooge in most of the performances.

This year, he shares the role with UP Improv veteran Paul Levy. Dixon is one of the most experienced improvisational artists in the Northwest. He has appeared on television, film and local stages. In 1983, he was a founding member of Unexpected Productions. He has served as the Artistic Director of Unexpected Productions since 1988. He has conceived, directed, and acted in thousands of shows, including A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol.

Based on audience suggestions, the improvisers of Unexpected Productions bend and twist Charles Dickens' tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in all sorts of hilarious directions -- and each show is different. Maybe Scrooge owns a pet store, maybe the Ghost of Christmas Past is a film noir detective, maybe Tiny Tim isn't so tiny and maybe the ghosts show Scrooge the error of his ways, but maybe not! Traditionally, as with other fully improved shows, every show is the different every night, based completely on audience suggestions. Audiences are encouraged to let their imagination run wild.
Dixon and the cast have to incorporate the more than 30-plus audience suggestions to recreate the plot and nuance the story

This year's cast includes:
Scrooge - Randy Dixon/Paul Levy
Cratchit - Michel Bils/Jeannine Clark
Ghosts - Tony Beeman/Chad O'Bara
Belle - Sara McMahon, Melissa Reaves
Tiny Tim - Cynthia Lair/Tiffany Swanson
Marley - Dan Posluns/Tim Harahan

There are 21 performances of A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol, through the end of December. Dixon is not only the show's director; he also plays Scrooge in the majority of the performances.

"I have always loved the story of A Christmas Carol, and I thought what if the audience could inject their own lives into this timeless story," explains Dixon. "I still have the sheet of college ruled paper on which I did the first draft of how the show would work."The show has evolved over the years. Dixon has directed each production but has not always played the miser role. "There have been many fine Scrooges, ladies included. I have also played other roles in the show." "The fun challenge for the cast is to incorporate the audience suggestions, meld them with the plot of A Christmas Carol, and tell a believable story."

In previous years, Dixon's Scrooge had many different careers instead of an accountant; he was a nanny, zookeeper, and a music recording agent, just to name few. Tiny Tim's afflictions have changed from pink eye to shingles, a broken neck and not having any chromosomes. At the end, the audience even decides if Scrooge changes, or not. These are just a few of the 30 suggestions that change nightly.

"It is challenging remembering ever ything. It's a wild ride every night as I am onstage almost the entire show. If I forget a suggestion, there is a wonderful free fall. Fortunately, the cast takes care of me," said Dixon.

The production has evolved since its first presentation. "Many little things have been fined tuned over the years. The suggestions we get from the audience. The structure of the show and when get the suggestions. But, we always stay true to the true spirit of the story. That is my favorite part of the entire show," said Dixon.

"We are honored earning those serious moments in the midst of the comedic ones, really affecting people. They are so familiar with the story but it's in a new package and I love seeing the surprise." Dixon concluded.

The unique part of this show is that it is never the same show twice. It evolves and changes with every performance.

Hurry on those ticket purchases, though, as the show only runs during the month of December, and will be sure to sell out quickly as people begin to desperately search for solace away from their couches, shopping malls, and animated specials on TV. This is a great show for families, shoppers, tourists, and audience members of all ages!

Ticket prices for this live holiday production are $15 max. UP Improv is located at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market. Performances play 11/28 - 12/22 & 12/23, running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 PM and Sundays 7:00 PM. Tickets: $5-$15. Purchase tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/an-improvised-christmas-carol-2017-tickets-3344299188.

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