Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: A Classic Holiday Tradition Adapted for the Stage and Orginally Directed by Rick Lombardo
November 4, 2009
New Repertory Theatre, in collaboration with arsenalArts 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 fifth year, is the perfect holiday celebration. Press Opening is Friday, December 16, 2009 at 8:00pm.
“I very much look forward to directing Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” states director Bridget Kathleen O’Leary.
Ms. O’Leary adds, “I am excited to work with these talented actors, both veterans and newcomers, to share this heartfelt Dickens story, and to remind us how each holiday season, it touches and delights audiences of every age.”
This collaborative tradition features a cast of area favorites including Paul D. Farwell, returning for his fifth year as Scrooge, as well as some exciting new faces. Ella Miller is extremely excited to be joining the cast as Tiny Tim, and Edward M. Barker 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 realities of the working poor.
New Repertory Theatre presents provocative and intelligent works of both established and emerging playwrights in an intimate setting that involves and engages the audience. New Rep has earned a reputation for dynamic productions that honor the writers and feature talented professional actors from the New England Theatre community as well as guest artists from around the U.S. New Rep has received Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards for outstanding acting, scenic design, directions, and production. Programming for New Repertory Theatre is supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Over 200,000 annually visit The Arsenal Center for the Arts. The Watertown - based center occupies 30,000 square feet of space on three floors. It houses two theatres – the 350 seat Charles Mosesian Theater and the smaller Black Box – classrooms and workshop spaces, artist studios, gallery and exhibit space, rehearsal rooms, and informal gathering places. Its stunning and unique architectural design is ideally suited to support its mission as an inter-disciplinary arts center. This mix of interior venues provides a home for three resident companies (New Repertory Theatre, Watertown Children’s Theatre, The Quilters’ Connection) and regular performing troupes such as Improv Jones. The Center, under the arsenalARTS umbrella, also offers its own programming consisting of art exhibits, classes and workshops for adults and children, literary presentations, concerts and other staged events.
Watertown Children’s Theatre was founded in 1983 by Founding Artistic Director Dinah Lane. In over 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 and 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. This season, WCT offers a line-up of diverse programming, including fully staged plays and musicals and educational offerings for all ages.
For Press Inquiries: Contact Gia Podobinski at 617-923-7060, extension 205
or e-mail gia@newrep.org