Monthly Archives: October 2017

A CHRISTMAS CAROL COMES TO LIFE NOV. 22 – DEC. 30

Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) reacts to sinister Christmas Eve noises in his chilly parlor in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 26th annual production of A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic, presented by U.S. Bank, continues through Dec. 31 in the Robert S. Marx Theatre. Photo by Mikki Schaffner – Nov. 2016.

(CINCINNATI) — The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s joyous, time-honored celebration of the true meaning of the holidays returns for its 27th season as First Financial Bank presents Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The beloved, iconic story will be performed Nov. 22 through Dec. 30 in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre.

Nearly 600,000 people have enjoyed the timeless classic at Cincinnati Playhouse over the past 26 years. An immediate hit when Dickens wrote it in 1843, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is often credited for revitalizing the celebration of Christmas as we know it today.

“More than 20,000 people return each year to the Playhouse to make A CHRISTMAS CAROL a part of their holiday traditions,” explains Blake Robison, artistic director. “The timeless message of A CHRISTMAS CAROLhelps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of theatre.”
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Adapted by Howard Dallin, Dickens’ narrative comes to vivid life with spectacular effects and hundreds of costumes that illuminate Ebenezer Scrooge’s time-traversing pilgrimage with the spirits one magical Christmas Eve. From his kind-hearted sister Fan and first love Belle to his generous employer Fezziwig and humble clerk Bob Cratchit, Scrooge is repeatedly shown the saving grace of love and concern for humanity.

Bruce Comer returns to fill Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes for the 13th time this season, the longest run among the four actors who have played the role. Michael Evan Haney also returns as director.

“This story of redemption is timeless because, as human beings, we need to be reminded that we are all connected — that we are all fellow travelers to the grave,” Haney says. “As Scrooge learns this lesson for the first time, we are reminded that our greatest challenge during our time on earth is to help and love our fellow man. It is also our greatest joy.”

All show times for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening performances to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and selected weekdays in early December. There is an added performance on Friday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m.

TICKETS
Prices for A CHRISTMAS CAROL start at $35 for the Nov. 22 preview performance and at $40 for all other performances depending on seat location. Tickets for children and teens are $45 or $30 depending on seat location. Prices subject to change. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show. In addition to calling the Box Office, tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be audio described for those with visual impairments at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and signed for persons with hearing impairments at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available.

SPONSORS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by First Financial Bank. The design sponsor and artist sponsor/Ghosts is Ohio National Financial Services. Artist sponsor/Ebenezer Scrooge is AAA and Provident Travel. Artist sponsor/Tiny Tim is Skidmore Sales and Distributing. Artist sponsor/Bob Cratchit is Bahl & Gaynor.  Additional support is provided by The Stona Fitch Family.

The Robert S. Marx Theatre Season is presented by Schueler Group. Season Sponsor of New Work is The Rosenthal Foundation. Marx Theatre Season Design Sponsor is Macy’s.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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EVENTS      
HOXWORTH BLOOD DRIVE
Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Playhouse and Hoxworth Blood Center for our 22nd annual blood drive on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Rosenthal Plaza. Donors will receive half-price tickets good for select performances of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. You’ll also leave knowing that you provided life-giving support to those in need, saving up to three lives with your single donation. For an appointment, visit www.hoxworth.org/groups/playhouse.Appointment times are limited, so you are strongly encouraged to reserve your spot in advance.

CRATCHIT FAMILY FOOD DRIVE
Help a neighbor in need by participating in the Playhouse’s annual Cratchit Family Food Drive to support the Freestore Foodbank. To donate, simply bring a nonperishable food or personal care item to the Playhouse when you come for a performance in November or December and place it in one of the barrels located near the Box Office. Food items that are always in demand include canned meat products; canned vegetables; fruits and soups; peanut butter; and macaroni and cheese. Personal care items include soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and disposable diapers. Please, no glass items.