NCShakesÂ' 35th Annual Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL Opens 12/5

The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival offers a wholesome and powerful family theatre experience this December with its 35th annual professional production of A Christmas Carol, the Charles Dickens classic that brings legendary Scrooge face to face with a series of ghosts and, ultimately, a profound revelation that captures the heart of the season.

The festival’s production, a perennial favorite of Piedmont Triad and North Carolina audiences, runs Dec. 5-23 at the High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., in downtown High Point. Public performances take place Thursdays through Sundays, with all evening shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. and all Saturday/Sunday matinées at 2 p.m. The opening night performance takes place Friday, Dec. 14, following a week of previews.

Beyond Dickens’ moving tale and cast of unforgettable characters, the production features rousing music, beautiful costumes and a stunning set – all designed to transport theatergoers into a 19th century London full of fog, ghosts and an overwhelming spirit of Christmas and love.

Pedro Silva, the festival’s artistic and managing director, who played Scrooge for many seasons, will direct the play for the 10th time.

The cast is made up of a total of 29 professional and community actors, including several local children and teens appearing in their first professional production. Michael Huie of Winston-Salem returns for the fourth year in the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Individual tickets for most performances range from $15 to $32, including student and senior rates. Special pricing is available for the following performances:

Final Dress Rehearsal – Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. All tickets are $10.
Preview performances – Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; WFDD Preview: Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. All tickets to previews are $12.
Thursday, Dec. 13 preview – free admission to the balcony section with either a new toy or three cans of food. Donations benefit the Salvation Army of High Point.
Community Performances – Saturdays Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or “pay what you can” at the door one hour before curtain (cash or check).

Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour before curtain time for that performance only. Tickets may be ordered by phone at 336-887-3001 and on-line at www.highpointtheatre.com. For group and SchoolFest tickets, call the NCShakes administrative offices at 336-841-2273 from 8 am. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Homeschool and church groups are welcome.

This production of A Christmas Carol is made possible through a presenting sponsorship from New Breed Logistics, Inc., and co-sponsorships from the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wright Global Solutions and the North Carolina Arts Council.

The play is suitable for children 8 and older. Babes in arms and toddlers are kindly discouraged.

For further information about the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, call 336-841-2273 or visit www.NCShakes.org . For further information about affiliate company Festival Stage of Winston-Salem, call 336-841-2273 or visit www.FestivalStage.org.

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