Monthly Archives: November 2021

Cast of 2019’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Comes to Live Nov. 24-Dec. 30

CINCINNATI (Nov. 23, 2021) — Charles’ Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s joyous, time-honored celebration of the true meaning of the holidays returns to the stage for its 30th anniversary, presented by First Financial Bank. Audiences can see the beloved classic in the Robert S. Marx Theatre for the final time from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Opening night is Nov. 26.

More than 659,000 people have enjoyed the story of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Playhouse over the past 29 years, comprising more than 1,100 performances (including 168 student matinees). Hundreds of costumes and vivid special effects bring Dickens’ narrative to life as audiences join his time-traversing pilgrimage with the spirits one magical Christmas Eve. The construction of a new, state-of-the-art mainstage theatre complex, now underway, will enable even more theatrical magic and technical capabilities— and with it, a new adaptation in 2023.

“Thousands of families return each year to the Playhouse to make A CHRISTMAS CAROL a part of their holiday traditions,” explains Blake Robison, producing artistic director. “The enduring message of A CHRISTMAS CAROL helps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of live theatre.”

Bruce Cromer returns to fill Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes this season for the 17th time, the longest run among the four actors who have played the role, and his son, Charlie, returns for a third season to portray Scrooge as a young adult. For 2020, Cromer brought his role to life through a special one-time production of A Christmas Carol for Radio.

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 weeknights in early December.

All patrons must present proof of vaccination or negative test and wear a mask to attend. More details on he Playhouse’s COVID-19 safety protocols can be found at cincyplay.com.

CAST
Bruce Cromer (Ebenezer Scrooge); Charlie Cromer (Young and Mature Scrooge / Ghost of Christmas Future); Paulina De La Parra (Mary, Scrubwoman at Fezziwig’s / Mrs. Dilber / Streets); Annie Fitzpatrick (Mrs. Fezziwig / Patience / Streets); Parker Flautt (Peter Cratchit / Gregory / Apprentice at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Ryan Wesley Gilreath (Bob Cratchit / Schoolmaster Oxlip / Guest at Fezziwig’s); Ashlynn Isabel Hezlep (Belinda Cratchit / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Maeada King (Business Person with Newspaper / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Taha Mandviwala (Mr. Sosser / Dick Wilkins / Topper / Man with Shoe Shine); Sara Masterson (Belle / Catherine Margaret); Matthew McGinn; (Constable at Fezziwig’s / Undertaker / Streets); Kelly Mengelkoch (Mrs. Cratchit / Laundress / Streets); Daniel Petzold (Fred / Guest at Fezziwig’s) Gianna Porfano (Rose / Poulteress / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Caroler / Streets); Greg Procaccino (Jacob Marley / Old Joe); Douglas Rees (Mr. Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Present); Makenzie Ruff (Martha Cratchit / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Benjamin Sheffer (Boy Scrooge / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Ignorance / Streets); Britney Nicole Simpson (Ghost of Christmas Past / Mrs. Peak); Sabian Swan (Charles / Apprentice at Fezziwig’s / Bootblack / George / Streets); Braylen Underwood (Tiny Tim / Matthew / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets) Athena Updike (Fan / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Want / Streets); David Whalen (Mr. Cupp / Percy / Rich Man at Fezziwig’s)

PRODUCTION
Howard Dallin (playwright); Michael Evan Haney (director); James Leonard Joy (set designer); David Murin (costume designer); Kirk Bookman (lighting designer); David B. Smith (sound designer/composer); Stephen Skiles (associate director); Rebecca N. Childs (music director); Dee Anne Bryll (choreographer); Stephanie Klapper, CSA (casting director); Andrea L. Shell (stage manager); Brooke Redler (second stage manager); Brandon T. Holmes (assistant stage manager); Jessica B. Lucas (assistant stage manager)

TICKETS
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

Performances Tuesdays through Saturdays will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Individual tickets start at $40. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for children and teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $45, depending on show and seat location.

AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE (Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.) Each Marx Theatre production offers one audio-described performance during the show’s run. Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a closed-circuit receiver that is the size of a deck of cards and fits in a jacket pocket or on the lap. A small earpiece fits into one ear, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue.

SIGNED PERFORMANCE (Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.) Each Marx Theatre production offers one signed performance during the show’s run. Funding for this program is made possible by Bartlett.
 
ADVISORY: 
Recommended 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. Please contact the Box Office if you have questions or require additional information.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Visit the Health & Safety page for details on the current health and safety guidelines in place for the 2021-22 season.

SPONSORS

Production Sponsor is First Financial Bank. Design and Artist Sponsors are Ohio National Financial Services, AAA/Provident Travel, Skidmore Sales and Distributing, and Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel. Additional support was provided by Barbara Fitch and the Stona Fitch Family as well as Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Season Sponsors are Schueler Group, US Bank and the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

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.

ACCESS

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available. Dates for audio-described and signed performances are listed above.

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