"A Christmas Carol" Features Magic
HCT 27TH ANNUAL “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” TO FEATURE
THE MAGIC OF CHARLES DICKENS’ CLASSIC
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (Nov. 23, 2011) – Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s Premiere Family Theatre, will perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the 27th straight year, Dec. 3-23.
Dickens’ classic 1843 story is a holiday tradition that HCT founders Ruth and Nathan Hale started in 1964 at the family’s Glendale, Calif. theatre. The Glendale version of “A Christmas Carol” was rewritten for its Salt Lake HCT debut in 1985 and has continued to evolve over the years to most accurately recount the classic tale.
“‘A Christmas Carol’ is not only a Hale Centre Theatre tradition, it’s a tradition for the entire community,” said Mark Dietlein, HCT executive producer. “We take great pride in presenting this revered piece in its purest form and in a manner consistent with Dickens’ writings and notes.”
Richard Wilkins, a former Brigham Young University professor and Dickens scholar, helped HCT weave actual text from the 1843 story into the script and narration. He has portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge for the past 26 years, and now flies in from his home in Qatar each year to continue performing as the antagonist turned protagonist.
Wilkins’ scripting, along with original scoring and carol arrangements by noted Utah composer Barlow Bradford, works with the elegant costumes and sets to create a magical holiday experience.
The production has also evolved and been perfected under different direction over the years. For the past eight years, director John Sweeney has challenged himself to add depth and detail to the production without losing the true message. This year, the carolers are more integrated into the show as a muse to delve into Scrooge’s subconscious.
“The sharing of the Christmas spirit and the message of this story is our gift to the community,” Sweeney said. “Over the years, the message of redemption has changed hearts.”
This year’s cast includes both new faces and familiar ones playing different roles than in years past.
HCT’s “A Christmas Carol” is directed by Sweeney and features Wilkins and David Weekes as Scrooge, David Stensrud and Stephen Kerr as the Ghost of Christmas Present; Brad Charon and David Petersen as Bob Cratchit; T.J. Ryan and Anne Burton as the Ghost of Christmas Past; and DRU and Anthony Lovato as Jacob Marley. The production’s musical director is Anne Puzey with choreography by Marilyn May Montgomery, set design by Kacey Udy, lighting design by Spencer Brown, sound by Dan Morgan and production assistance from Melanie Budge.
“A Christmas Carol” typically sells out and early reservations are recommended. Performances are at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Dec. 3 through Dec. 23, with an additional evening performance each night at 5 p.m. starting on Dec. 8. Matinées run each Saturday at 11:00 a.m., and 2 p.m.
Admission prices start at $26 for adults and $17 for children ages 5-11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000, or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.
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Contact:
Leigh Dethman
(801) 481-9482
ldethman@intrepidagency.com
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