The Northeast Theatre Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A Glorious Gift

The Northeast Theatre is preparing a present for the Scranton area community; it is inviting everyone to come and hear the voices of the many fine actors from New York and the Scranton area that make up its Company join together in presenting a homey, rousing, and evocative reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The reading will be offered twice; Friday, December 21st and 8 p.m., and on Saturday, December 22nd at 3, at its home, Performance Space at the Hotel Jermyn, 326 Spruce Street, in Downtown Scranton. Cozy up to the fire, relax, and let the sweet and varied voices take you back to 19th century London, as Ebenezer Scrooge relearns what it means to be human.

The story was originally adapted by TNT’s producing artistic director, David Zarko, for production in 2002, when the Theatre was in residence at Keystone College. At that time, the script was produced fully using six adult and four child actors. Now in its sixteenth season, the Theatre wasn’t able to find time in its packed schedule to produce the classic as before, but the actors will be using the same script, a “word for word” adaptation that keeps every bit of Dickens’ writing, gloriously (and wittily) intact. This year’s Carol will also use the music that Liz Feller wrote for the 2002 production.

Among the actors who will read on December 21 and 22, is John Cariani, author of last season’s hit, Almost, Maine, and a nominee for a Tony Award as best supporting actor in 2004 for his role in Fiddler on the Roof. Joining him are company favorites James Langan, Agnes Cummings, Duane Noch, Conor McGuigan, Richard Grunn, Heather Stuart, Michaela Moore, and others. The stage will be set to resemble a 19th century drawing room, with fireplace and wreathes, and the audience will be treated to free hot punches and pastries after the performance.

A Christmas Carol will be performed on Friday, December 21 at 8 and Saturday, December 22 at 3, Performance Space at the Hotel Jermyn. Ticket prices are a low $10 general and seniors and $6 for students (25 or under). PlayPass members may make reservations and are eligible for discounts at six downtown restaurants (130 Brixx, Blues Street Cafe, Faccia Luna, Martini Lounge, Sambuca Grille, Vida: a Tapas Bar); all others may purchase tickets in advance at www.thenortheasttheatre.us, by phone 570-558-1515, or in person at the box office (Wednesdays through Saturdays after 3 p.m.)

The Northeast Theatre’s Sixteenth Season is sponsored by ServiceMaster by Griffing, Patsel’s, Everything Natural, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Bold Gold Media, and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The Amazing Goldin is sponsored by the friends and family of Ann Zarko and Evelyn Stefansson Nef.