Hale Centre Theatre: The Magic of Charles Dickens' Classic...

HCT’S 24TH ANNUAL “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” TO FEATURE THE MAGIC OF CHARLES DICKENS’ CLASSIC
Production Will Incorporate New Special Effects and Staging Elements to Enhance Authentic Script and Music

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (Nov. 17, 2008) – Hale Centre Theatre, Utah’s premiere family theatre, will perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the 24th straight year, Dec. 5-23, 2008.

The HCT production stays true to 1843 Dickens’ story with actual text woven into the script from the classic. The 2008 production will incorporate new wireless levitating technology, similar to what is used in Broadway’s “Wicked,” and moving chains that extend beyond the stage for Jacob Marley. A new circular moving stage element will also create the illusion of the Ghost of Christmas Past and Scrooge flying through the clouds.

“As director, the challenge I face is finding something different to enhance the production each year because the story is brilliant already,” said John Sweeney, director of HCT’s “A Christmas Carol” since 2003. “This year, I have focused on the character of Marley—adding costuming and technical elements to his part to intrigue audiences who look forward to our show each year.”

HCT’s “A Christmas Carol” features the music, actors, sets and effects that have made the show a holiday tradition. Composer Barlow Bradford’s original score incorporates original carols from the period. The production evokes emotion with original underscore also by Bradford.

Dickens scholar and purist, Richard G. Wilkins, will return from working abroad for the government of Qatar to star in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the 24th straight year dating back to HCT’s 1985 debut of “A Christmas Carol.” He will be double cast with seasoned actor, David Weekes.

HCT’s “A Christmas Carol” is directed by Sweeney and features Tom Stam (also in his 24th year with the HCT production) and David Stensrud as Ghost of Christmas Present; Brad Charon as Bob Cratchit; Andrew Lake and Libby Willey as Ghost of Christmas Past; and Brandon Cecala and Eric Armstrong as Jacob Marley. The production’s musical director is Anne Puzey with choreography by Marilyn Montgomery and production assistance from Stefanie Dean.

“A Christmas Carol” typically sells out and early reservations are recommended. Performances are nightly at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday from Dec. 5-23, with an additional evening performance each night at 5 p.m. beginning Dec. 8. Matinees will run each Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. with additional matinees at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec.22-.23.

Admission prices range from $25-$27for adults and $16-$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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