Holiday Traditions Continue: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
November 1 , 2008
New Repertory Theatre, in collaboration with the Arsenal Center for the Arts and Watertown Children's Theatre, revives its popular adaptation of Dickens' classic holiday story, which has all the trimmings of a lavish Victorian Christmas. The production offers a feast for the senses from singing and dancing – the performers accompany themselves on over a dozen different instruments – to ghosts that fly through the air and evaporate into the London fog. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, now in its fourth year, is the perfect holiday celebration. Press Opening is Friday, December 19, 2008 at 8:00pm.
"It's a pleasure to be working with these two organizations again on this show. It's wonderful that our joint efforts make this heartwarming holiday tale available for adults and children alike, year after year," said Rick Lombardo, New Rep's Producing Artistic Director, who also adapted the classic story for the stage. "I am looking forward to working with all the wonderful Boston actors who join us year after year and have made this production part of their own holiday traditions."
This collaborative tradition features a cast of area favorites including Paul D. Farwell, returning for his fourth year as Scrooge. This year, our cast has some exciting new faces. Sofia Julia Hauser is extremely excited to be joining the cast as Tiny Tim, and Peter Davenport is thrilled to be playing the role of Bob Cratchit.
A Christmas Carol, originally published in 1843, introduces the iconic holiday figures of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the three spirits of Christmas. Dickens' story, widely popular in its day and still a beloved holiday tradition, also explores the darker side of prosperity in Victorian England, while exposing the bleak destiny of the working poor.
New Repertory Theatre produces plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time. Through the passion and electricity of live theater performed to the highest standards of excellence, New Rep expands and challenges the human spirit of both artists and audience. New Rep presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works in several intimate settings. We are committed to education and outreach, including special dedication to the creation of innovative in-school programming and providing access to underserved audiences. New Rep is an active advocate for the arts and a major voice in the national dialogue defining the role of theater in our culture. New Rep has received Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards for outstanding acting, scenic design, direction, and production. Programming at New Repertory Theatre is supported by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Watertown Children's Theatre was founded in 1983 by Artistic Director Dinah Lane. In its 25 years of service to the town of Watertown and the surrounding communities, this award-winning organization has enriched the lives of thousands of children and their families. Combining values of artistic excellence with inclusiveness, as reflected in its affordable fee structure, its open audition policy, and its involvement of entire families, WCT has continuously ensured its place as a highly valued member of the artistic community. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, WCT will offer the company's traditional line-up of diverse programming, including fully staged plays and musicals and educational offerings for all ages, as well as a special gala performance event to commemorate the anniversary season.
Housing the 380-seat Charles Mosesian Theater, a 90-seat Black Box Theater, galleries, classroom spaces and artists' studios, the Arsenal Center for the Arts is located in Watertown, only 15 minutes from Downtown Boston, at 321 Arsenal Street in the site of the historic former Watertown Arsenal, now known as The Arsenal on the Charles, an office park one-half mile west of the Arsenal Mall. Garage parking is free. The Center conducts its own interdisciplinary programming featuring visual, performing and literary arts genres and an extensive arts education program for all ages, in addition to the work of its resident companies (New Repertory Theatre, Watertown Children's Theatre, and The Quilters' Connection) and welcomes the productions of other organizations who rent its theaters.
New Repertory Theatre produces plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time. Through the passion and electricity of live theatre performed to the highest standards of excellence, New Rep expands and challenges the human spirit of both artists and audience.
New Rep presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works in several intimate settings. We are committed to education and outreach, including special dedication to the creation of innovative in-school programming and providing access to underserved audiences.
New Rep is an active advocate for the arts and a major voice in the national dialogue defining the role of theatre in our culture.
For Press Inquiries: Contact Gia Podobinski at 617-923-7060, extension 205
or e-mail gia@newrep.org