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NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS
18th Anniversary Production of
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A Musical Ghost Story
Directed by Artistic Director / Executive Producer Jon Kimbell
December 1 – December 24, 2006
Tickets on Sale Now

Beverly, MA: Experience New England’s brightest holiday tradition during North Shore Music Theatre’s (NSMT) 18th Anniversary production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Since its World Premiere 18 years ago, this unique production, created specifically for NSMT audiences, has delighted more than 1 million people, including over 100,000 school children. A CHRISTMAS CAROL will run December 1 through December 24 with Press Night scheduled for December 1, 2006 at 8pm. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is sponsored by DeScenza Diamonds and Sovereign Bank.

“Our production of A Christmas Carol is near and dear to my heart, as it is for many of our patrons who have made it a holiday tradition for their families,” said Jon Kimbell, NSMT’s Executive Producer and Artistic Director. “After 12 years, it is my pleasure to return to directing this year’s production which stays true to Charles Dickens’ timeless tale. Our adaptation of A Christmas Carol is truly a musical ghost story with a message that’s as poignant and heartfelt today as it was when it first premiered.”

With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has become a holiday favorite throughout New England. Based on the Charles Dickens classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL tells the tale of curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future hoping to change his destiny and save his soul. This brilliant musical, an original adaptation by NSMT Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.

This production marks David Coffee’s 15th consecutive year playing Ebenezer Scrooge and his amazing 41st appearance at NSMT. David most recently played Harriman F. Spritzer in NSMT’S Regional Theatre Premiere of Hairspray. This season, David has also been seen in Hairspray, Singin’ in the Rain and Cinderella.

The cast will also feature Mark Aldrich (Fred), Graham Allen (Ensemble), Natasha Ashworth (Ensemble), Joseph Dellger (Mr. Fezziweg/Gentleman). Jason Forbach (Ensemble), Richard Gallagher (Ghost of Christmas Future/Young Scrooge), Erik Gratton (Narrator), Teri Dale Hansen (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit), Briga Heelan (Ensemble, Belle), Benjamin Howes (Bob Cratchit), Robert Jason Jackson (Ghost of Christmas Present/Gentleman), Cheryl McMahon (Mrs. Dilbur/Mrs. Fezziwig), James Neff (Ensemble/Old Joe), Luke Rawlings (Pearlie), Kim Sava (Ensemble), Tom Staggs (Jacob Marley), Nicky Venditti (Pearlie).

The cast will also feature children from many local communities including Beverly resident Bethani Boccia (Teen Caroler) and Zane Cowans (Ignorance/Want); Burlington resident Futaba Shioda (Fan); Essex resident Taylor Reader (Ignorance/Want); Gloucester residents Andrew Murdock (Tiny Tim) and Michaela Murdock (Ignorance/Want); Lexington resident Daniela Caesar-Roden (Martha Cratchit); Manchester resident Landon Komishane (Turkey Boy/Scrooge as a Child); Melrose resident Isabelle Miller (Belinda Cratchit); Peabody resident Sophia Brunet (Ignorance/Want); Reading resident Mark Mauriello (Turkey Boy/ Town Crier); Rowley resident Evan Gorski (Peter Cratchit) and Salem, NH resident John Breen (Alternate/Rehearsal Cover for Tiny Tim).

The Creative team for A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes Jon Kimbell (Director), Kate Powers (Co-director), Brian Cimmet (Musical Director), Kathy Meyer (Choreographer), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), Joanna E. Murphy (Costume Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), John A. Stone (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly (Wig and Hair Designer), Bethany Ford (Production Stage Manager), Alicia D. Reece (Assistant Stage Manager) and Robert L. Rucinski (Assistant Musical Director).

Throughout the run of A CHRISTMAS CAROL NSMT will be collecting toys for Tiny Tim’s Toy Drive. NSMT will be accepting unopened, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 2 – 12. All toys will be donated to three area organizations: Beverly Children’s Learning Center, Beverly Bootstraps, and Headstart of Peabody.

In addition, a quartet from NSMT's Youth Performance Choir will be caroling in the lobby before performances.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are priced from $70 to $35. Youths and students save 50%, Seniors save 10%. Performances are December 1 – 24, 2006 (Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sat & Sunday & 2pm, Wed 12/20 at 7:30pm). Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office at (978) 232-7200, via the website at www.nsmt.org or in person at 62 Dunham Road (Route 128, exit 19), Beverly, MA. Personal listening devices, large print and Braille programs available.

Audience Enrichment events:
Christmas with the Cratchits (December 10, 17 and 24 before the 2 pm shows): This very popular free pre-show discussion focuses on the origins of the popular traditions that patrons have come to associate with the holiday season. To participate come to the North Shore Music Theatre Lobby at 1:00 pm. Program begins promptly at 1:15 pm. For more information, please call the Box Office at 978-232-7200.

Out at the North Shore (December 15) This evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community includes a free post-show reception with live entertainment and members of the cast. Sponsored by In Newsweekly, Greater Boston Business Council, Beverly Athletic Club, Different Tastes, Barefoot Wine, and The Pub @ 47 Central.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 350,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including IRNE Awards, the Elliot Norton Award, the Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors’ Equity, and the Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series, a production of A Christmas Carol and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theater for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region’s leading providers of theater arts and education.