CINCINNATI (Nov. 19, 2024) – The timeless tradition of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens returns to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park beginning Nov. 22 in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre with the official opening performance on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. and a new sensory friendly/relaxed performance on Dec. 27. Presented by First Financial Bank, the show runs through Dec. 29.
Talkin’ Broadway called the premiere production in 2023, which sold out all shows, “a showcase of local talent, a demonstration of the possibilities of the Playhouse’s new mainstage and a welcome addition that’s likely to become part of Cincinnati’s holiday tradition for years to come. No humbug – just joy to the world!” The Cincinnati Enquirer said it was “gorgeous” and “there is much to love in this celebratory production.”
A CHRISTMAS CAROL takes full advantage of The Rouse Theatre’s state-of-the-art capabilities, with a dazzling set, costumes and lighting and sound designs that recreate Victorian London. Towering above the set is a working clock tower that is an exact replica of London’s Big Ben, and at 20 feet wide and 12 feet long, is just three feet smaller than the actual clock.
“This is our 32nd year telling Dickens’ classic tale about the curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge. It is one of the world’s most celebrated stories, and our production at the Playhouse is no exception,” stated Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, who adapted and originally directed the new production. “It reminds us to look at the world around us and understand the needs and struggles of others. It inspires me to open my heart just a little bit wider, and that it’s never too late for a meaningful act of kindness.”
The new production is true to Dickens’ story, with famous lines audiences will remember as well as new scenes from the original novella. According to Bridget Leak, this season’s director of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, “Dickens’ text is timeless because its message is so simple and enduring. It’s a story about redemption, a lesson: it’s never too late. And that message resonates as profoundly whether it’s coming from Albert Finney or Fozzie Bear. Our family traditions are a shorthand for love. They anchor and center us.”
In addition to directing A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Leak is also newly appointed Producing Artistic Director of Know Theatre and a resident artist at the Playhouse as Co-Founder/Director of Queen City Flash. Andrew May returns as Ebenezer Scrooge, leading 23 cast members with new and familiar faces and six child actors. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older.
CAST
Andrew May* – Ebenezer Scrooge
Angelique Archer* – Belle, Mrs. Dilber
Jocelyn Baum – Belinda Cratchit and Others
Darnell Pierre Benjamin* – Fred, School Master
Burgess Byrd* – Mrs. Fezziwig
R. Ward Duffy* – Solicitor, Topper, Businessman
Kenneth Early* – Mr. Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present
Annie Fitzpatrick* – Fezziwig Guest, Refugee, Charwoman
Ryan Wesley Gilreath* – Bob Cratchit
Chaarvi Iyengar – Fan and Others
Justin McCombs* – Solicitor, Belle’s Husband, Fred Guest, Businessman
Kelly Mengelkoch* – Mrs. Cratchit, Fezziwig Guest
Dina Monk* – Fezziwig Guest, Fred Guest
Alex Purcell* – Young Scrooge, Undertaker
Maggie Lou Rader* – Ghost of Christmas Past, Young Wife
Jefferson A. Russell* – Jacob Marley, Miner, Old Joe
Aaron Schilling – Dick Wilkins, Miner, Businessman
Seava Sierra King – Martha Cratchit and Others
Rory Sheridan – Fezziwig Guest, Refugee, Debtor Husband
Tess Talbot – Fezziwig Guest, Rose, Poulteress
Rae Thornburg – Peter Cratchit and Others
Hugo Verderame – Tiny Tim
Michael Wood – Boy Scrooge and Others
Ensemble – Henry Prior and Elinor Claire Tepe
Understudies – Kieran Cronin, Jared Earland, Katie Scarlett
PRODUCTION
Blake Robison – Adapter/Original Director
Bridget Leak – Director
Wilson Chen – Set Designer
Bill Black – Costume Designer
Jaymi Lee Smith – Lighting Designer
Matthew M. Nielson – Sound Designer/Composer
Betsy Rosen – Puppetry Director
Daniel Tristan Cupp – Puppet Design and Fabrication
Casey Sams – Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator
Brooke Redler* – Stage Manager
Brandon T. Holmes* – Assistant Stage Manager
Shelby Scaffidi* – Assistant State Manager
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Preview performances take place Nov. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening performance is Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There are performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. No performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 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. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.
EVENTS
Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
Fri., Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.
Opening Matinee:
Share the excitement of the opening performance!
Sun., Nov 24 at 2 p.m.
Sensory Friendly/Relaxed Performance
Fri., Dec. 27 at 2 p.m.
Our sensory-friendly/relaxed performance is designed for anyone who would benefit from a more sensory-aware and relaxed theatre experience. Although open to all, these performances are offered to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges, and others who need a more accommodating environment.
For more details, go to www.cincyplay.com/visit/accessibility/relaxed-performances.
ADVISORY
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.
SPONSORS
Presented by First Financial Bank. Additional support provided by Harold C. Schott Foundation and from Barbara Fitch and the Stona Fitch Family. Honorary Producer is Barbara M. Weyand. Design Sponsor is Roto Rooter. Artist Sponsor – Tiny Tim is Towne Properties. Artist Sponsor – Ghosts is Frost Brown Todd. Artist Sponsor – Bob Cratchit is Eat Well. The 2024-25 Season is presented by The Scheuler Group. Rouse Season Designer Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.
Media Sponsors are Local 12 WKRC-TV and WARM 98.5.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 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.
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HERCULE POIROT & THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS RUBY
Directed & conceived by BRIAN ANDERSON
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 