PRESS CONTACT: Mike Ceceri
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NEW ENGLAND'S BRIGHTEST HOLIDAY TRADITION CONTINUES!
 North Shore Music Theatre Presents the 19th Anniversary Production of
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A Musical Ghost Story
November 30 - December 23 - Tickets on sale now!

Beverly, MA:  Spirits fly.  Snow falls.  A man named Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas, and a tradition is born!  New England's brightest holiday tradition continues into its 19th year when North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL, directed by NSMT Artistic Director and Executive Producer Jon Kimbell.  In a production adapted specifically for NSMT audiences by Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, the magic of the holiday season is brought to life in this spirited musical. A CHRISTMAS CAROL will run from November 30 through December 23 with Press Night scheduled for November 30, 2007 at 8pm. Sponsored by Beverly Hospital, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is also sponsored in part by DeScenza Diamonds, and Seiko Corporation.
 
Since its World Premiere 19 years ago, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has delighted more than 1 million people, including over 100,000 school children.  "A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a timeless story that resonates with people of all ages and carries a message that is just as genuine and poignant now as it was when it first premiered," said Kimbell.  "Our musical adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL captures the true spirit and meaning of the holiday season.  It's wonderful to see generations of families coming together year after year to experience such a heart warming holiday tradition."
 
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. Audiences will travel with Scrooge as he sets off on a strange and magical journey, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season.  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.
 
This year's production marks David Coffee's 16th consecutive year playing Ebenezer Scrooge and his astounding 43rd appearance at NSMT. David most recently played Bela Zangler in NSMT'S production of Crazy For You.  Last season, David was seen in Singin' in the Rain and Cinderella, and NSMT's Regional Theater Premiere of Hairspray.
 
The cast will also feature Wilson Bridges (Dick Wilkins, Ensemble), Renée Brna (Meg, Belle), Toni Carrington (Ensemble), Jeffrey de Picciotto (Narrator), Adam Ray Dyer (Pearlie), Jeff Edgerton (Ghost of Christmas Future/Young Scrooge), Benjamin Howes (Bob Cratchit), Nancy Johnston (Mrs. Dilbur/Mrs. Fezziwig), Sarah Knapp (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit), Kevin Massey (Fred), Danny McNie (Ensemble),Wayne W. Pretlow (Mr. Fezziweg/Gentleman), Gabrielle Ruiz (Ensemble), John Saunders (Ensemble/Gentleman 2), Curtis Schroeger (Pearlie), Mark Shunkey (Pearlie), Tom Staggs (Jacob Marley), and Andrew Varela (Ghost of Christmas Present/Gentleman 1).
 
The cast will also feature children from many local communities including Beverly residents Stowe Brown (Fan), Zane Cowans (Street Boy), Austin Davy (Teen Caroler) and Zehava Younger (Ignorance/Want); Danvers resident Emily McComb (Belinda Cratchit); Gloucester residents Andrew Murdock (Tiny Tim), Maxwell Murdock (Ignorance/Want), and Michaela Murdock (Ignorance/Want); Lynn residents Zoey Bozarjian (Ignroance/Want) and DJ Plunkett (Peter Cratchit); North Andover resident Kyle McAdam (Street Boy/Towncrier); North Reading resident Alexandra Nader (Martha Cratchit); and Tyngsborough resident Victoria Clougher (Teen Caroler). 

The creative team for A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes Jon Kimbell (Director), Brian Cimmet (Musical Director), John MacInnis (Choreographer), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), Nancy Leary (Costume Designer), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), John A. Stone (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly (Wig and Hair Designer), Mike Goudzwaard (Special Effects), Bethany Ford (Production Stage Manager), Toby Schine (Assistant Director), Robert L. Rucinski (Rehearsal Accompanist), Alicia D. Reece (Assistant Stage Manager).
 
Throughout the run of A CHRISTMAS CAROL NSMT will be collecting toys in the lobby 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.
 
Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are priced from $70 to $45. Youth and Senior discounts available. Performances are November 30 - December 23, 2007 (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.
 
Free Audience Enrichment Events:
Christmas with the Cratchits (December 9, 16 and 23 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 14) This evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community includes a free post-show reception with live entertainment and members of the cast. Sponsored by Greater Boston Business Council, In Newsweekly, Sparkling Soirees, Beverly Athletic Club, Barefoot Wine, and The Pub @ 47 Central.

Upcoming Holiday Events at North Shore Music Theatre:
Holiday Illumination - November 30 from 4-7pm - Free
NSMT invites patrons, families, and friends to the official start of the holiday season.  A not to be missed event, this celebration is free and open to the public.  Highlights include festive decorations and lights, a tree lighting ceremony, delicious holiday confections, hands-on holiday crafts, appearances by cast members of A Christmas Carol, sing-a-long caroling led by the NSMT Academy Choir, and readings of A Christmas Carol featuring Jon Kimbell and members of the cast.

A Festival of Music -December 17 at 7:30pm - Tickets: $20
A holiday concert featuring The North Shore Philharmonic, New England Conservatory Community Gospel Choir, the NSMT Academy Choir, the new NSMT Children's Choir and the North Shore Star Winner - Ryann Murray, performing music from "The Polar Express," A Chanukah Medley, The Nutcracker Suite and other winter time favorites. Tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly, MA 01915.
 
Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 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.