All new ‘A Christmas Carol’ is coming to town

There will be a new twist on an old classic when the Artist Series presents an all-new production of “A Christmas Carol” on November 28 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, in Jacksonville, FL. You won’t want to miss this performance.

A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of Holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelations by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future.

With script adaptation, direction, and a flawless performance as Scrooge, by award-winning 40-year theater veteran Scott H Severance, this new adaptation of Dickens’ ever popular classic fills the stage with first class professional actors, lush costumes, stunning sets and puppetry, song and dance, a heavy dose of humor, and a timeless message. With the music of 26 beloved traditional carols of the season woven throughout this classic tale, A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to begin the holiday festivities in your community.

Celebrate the true Spirit of Christmas with this brand new, original production filled with haunting special effects and heartfelt sentiment. A Christmas Carol is delightful and thoroughly entertaining! Filled with beloved music of the season, superb staging, and tremendous artistry, it is the perfect family holiday event.

“A Christmas Carol”

DATE: Nov. 28, 2021
TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $23.16 – $6.50, plus applicable fees and may be purchased online 24/7. Group discounts for 10+ are also available. Please contact (904) 632-5050 or email for more information.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 632-5000

‘A Christmas Carol’ soon opens at Players By The Sea

Community theatre at the beaches brings a holiday classic to life on stage.  “A Christmas Carol” starts this Friday, December 6th at Players by the Sea Theatre.  After months of rehearsal, the cast & crew (about 40 talented artists) are ready to share their magical work with the JAX community.

A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens and adapted by Romulus Linney tell the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means.  This richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage.

Kenggy Bravo, who plays Mrs. Fezziwig in the show said, “I think people should buy tickets to see A Christmas Carol because it’s going to appeal to everyone. It’s such a warm show to watch during the holidays, and what better way to get into the spirit than to remember what Christmas truly means?”

Watch in awe as a diverse group of Jacksonville talent from different backgrounds and of young and old ages, come together to make holiday magic on stage at Players by the Sea.

“A Christmas Carol”

DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019  8 p.m.
Sat., Dec.7      8 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 12   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 13    8 p.m.
Sat. Dec 14     2 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 14    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 15    2 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 19   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 20    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 21    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 22    2 p.m.

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $28.  Student/Senior/Military may purchase theirs for $25.  Don’t forget, Thurs. nights are Student Nights!  Bring a valid student ID to the theatre and get a half-price ticket for $14.  There are a limited number of tickets left for opening weekend, so get yours now!

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.

The classic ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to JAX

This should be a tried-and-true traditional entertainment event for the holidays.  The Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s national tour returns to Jacksonville with its delightful stage production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol”.  This fully staged musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has become a Yuletide tradition.  The story was adapted for the stage by Charles Jones.  The Caravan has been touring this adaptation of A Christmas Carol since 1979.  It is one of the most widely viewed productions of the Dickens tale in the nation, annually performing for more than 100,000 people in more than 60 cities across the country.

A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse.  A full array of timeless carols such as: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.

The heartwarming tale depicts Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.  The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.

The colorful scenery and elaborate costumes faithfully recreate the Victorian period.  Exceptional voices, lively dancing and dazzling special effects like the mysterious spinning bed combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.

“A Christmas Carol”

DATE: Fri. December 20, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
       Moran Theater
       300 West Water St.
       Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: Vary in price and range from $20 for adults and $10 for children.  Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a theater ticket.  They may be purchased at the box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.
 

ʽPlayers By The Sea’ announces the cast of ʽA Christmas Carol’

The holiday season is right around the corner.  A holiday classic vamped with diversity and a magical vision is coming to the beaches.  Rehearsals for Players by the Sea’s holiday show, “A Christmas Carol”, are underway.  The Charles Dickens classic, that runs December 6 through 22, 2019 is filled with diverse talent.

Directed by Suzanne Hudson-Smith, Players Executive Director, this timeless story is complete with Scrooge, the three spirits, and thirty community actors, young and old, who bring the tale to life and transport you to London.  “Over 50 people auditioned,” stated Hudson-Smith, “what an incredible display of community spirit for this holiday offering.”

The cast is official!  Here’s who you can expect on stage for “A Christmas Carol”:
Old Joe – Frankie Rady; Ebenezer Scrooge – Elgin Moore; Bob Cratchit – Adam Thompson; Fred – Shawn Stermer; Jacob Marley – Bob Shellenberger; Belle – Hannah Cereghino; Lucy/Fezziwig Daughter #1 – Anna Hobbs; Caroline/Fezziwig Daughter #2 – Victoria Pregent; Caroline’s Husband/Fezziwig Guest #1 – Christian Douglas; Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit – Jack Lockett; Boy at Crossroad – Noah Toops; Boy at Crossroads – Tiyuka Jamba; Young Adult Scrooge – Andres Bravo; Fan/Belinda Cratchit – Claire Smith; Mr. Fezziwig – Ruben Oliva; The Ghost of Christmas Present – Jackie Jantzen; Gentleman #1/Mrs. Fezziwig – Kenggy Bravo; Fezziwig Guest #2/Topper – Mason George; Mrs. Cratchit – Lisa Fleming; Undertakers Woman– Jeanie Lijol; Charwoman/Business Man #1 – Catherine Courtney; Gentlemen #2/Laundress/Business Man #2 – Sherry Rosen; Tiny Tim – Connor Oliva; Fezziwig Daughters #2/Julia Fred’s Wife – Catherine Tetzlaff; Fezziwig Guest #3/Business Man #3 – Ben Sparenberg; Ghost of Christmas Past – Farah Nesargi; Gillian Cratchit – Avery Graves; Fezziwig Daughters #3/Martha Cratchit daughter – Arden Trusty; Miranda Cratchit – Madison Oliva; Caroler /Want – Olivia Rodgers (Understudy Miranda Cratchit); Ignorance – Freya Nesargi (Tiny Tim Understudy).

This presentation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is an adaptation by Romulus Linney of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means.  This richly textured play brings the full spirit of the book, as well as those of Christmases Past, Present and Yet To Come, to life on the stage.

“The Beaches community can stay out at the beach this holiday season and enjoy a timeless classic tale of transformation,” Hudson-Smith said.  The vision for this version of A Christmas Carol is one of ghostly movement.  “I imagine the set becoming a character in and of itself,” she said.  The audience will be transported to the foggy city of London to experience some magical effects for ghostly flight.

Players by the Sea is the perfect place to spread the cheer! This Holiday season, treat your staff or clients to a Live Performance of a Christmas Carol and a PreShow or Post-Show party in our Studio Theatre and Classroom space.  Contact the theatre for more information and to schedule your Carol encounter.

“A Christmas Carol”
DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Dec. 6, 2019  8 p.m.
Sat., Dec.7      8 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 12   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 13    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 14    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 15    2 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 19   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 20    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 21    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 22    2 p.m.

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $28.  Student/Senior/Military may purchase theirs for $25.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.

Charles Dickens’ Classic: ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to JAX

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s national tour returns to Jacksonville with its delightful stage production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol, playing at 8 p.m. on December 21, 2018 at the Times-Union Center.  If you’ve missed them in 2016 and 2014, please don’t miss the boat this Christmas Season.  This will be a treat for all age groups, during Christmas vacation; so order your tickets today - choice seats may not be there tomorrow.!

This fully staged musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has become a Yuletide tradition.  The story was adapted for the stage by Charles Jones. The Caravan has been touring this adaptation of A Christmas Carol since 1979.  It is one of the most widely viewed productions of the Dickens tale in the nation, annually performing for more than 100,000 people in more than 60 cities across the country.

A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse.  A full array of timeless carols such as: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.

The heartwarming tale depicts Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.  The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.

The colorful scenery and elaborate costumes faithfully recreates the Victorian period.  Exceptional voices, lively dancing and dazzling special effects like the mysterious spinning bed combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.

  Charles Dickens’
“A Christmas Carol”

DATE: Friday. Dec. 21, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: start at $29.75 for adults and $16.04 for children, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), at their box office, or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.

Caravan's 2016 'A Christmas Carol' was great at the Times Union

Twas six nights before Christmas and the Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center had “A Christmas Carol” that came to town on Monday December 19, 2016.  If you didn’t get a chance to see it in 2014, then you wouldn’t be able to compare it to the spectacular show that was in town this time.  Kudo’s go out to Shonda Thurman who played a beautiful-black Christmas Past (photo not available), Bob Cratchit portrayed by Dan Chevalier, Ryan Schisler took on the role of Christmas Present, and a magnificent performance of Scrooge given by the wonderful sounding Andy Harvey.

This celebrated Charles Jones’ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was rich with live ensemble music, alive with color and movement, and was created to tell this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages enjoyed.  Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Wassail Wassail,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Away in a Manger,” “Greensleeves,” “The Boar’s Head Carol,” and many more.  Featuring a cast of 23 performers, an orchestra, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes were stunning; the audience enjoyed everything that this holiday-classic group presented.

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, the professional touring wing of the Omaha Community Playhouse, has been touring Charles Jones’ delightful adaptation of A Christmas Carol since 1979.  The Caravan’s Carol is probably the most widely produced production of Dickens’ in the nation, annually performing for more than 100,000 people in more than 60 cities across the country.  One of the many reasons for the success of the Caravan’s production of A Christmas Carol is this unique re-telling of the oft-told tale.  It is enormously enhanced by the beautiful sets of James Othuse, which recreates 1886 London, and gives the entire production the effect of being a Christmas card that comes to life.

When Charles Dickens wrote his “ghostly little tale” in 1843, he couldn’t have known that A Christmas Carol was destined to become one of the most beloved holiday classics of all time.  The heartwarming tale of A Christmas Carol depicts Ebenezer Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.  The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.  A Christmas Carol remains one of the most powerful and vivid illustrations of the necessity of good will in human conduct.

There are a few more productions in 2016, that you might be able to see this year, if not, make plans to attend next Christmas.

Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' returns to JAX before Christmas!

You may have already put the tickets in the stockings or under the tree, but now it’s time to get them out for an evening with Ebenezer Scrooge.  The Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s national tour returns to Jacksonville with its delightful stage production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol.  The show will be at the spacious Moran Theater for one night only!

This fully staged musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has become a Yuletide tradition.  The story was adapted for the stage by Charles Jones. The Caravan has been touring this adaptation of A Christmas Carol since 1979.  It is one of the most widely viewed productions of the Dickens tale in the nation, annually performing for over 100,000 people in over 60 cities across the country.

A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse.  A full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge  and  all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.

The heartwarming tale depicts Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.  The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.

The colorful scenery and elaborate costumes faithfully recreate the Victorian period.  Exceptional voices, lively dancing and dazzling special effects like the mysterious spinning bed combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.

“A Christmas Carol”
DATE: Saturday December 19, 2016
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: start at $23.50 for adults and $14.25 for children, plus applicable fees, and are available for purchase online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 442-BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 442-2947 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.

Thrasher-Horne gets North Pole and Scrooge visits before Christmas

Electric Christmas / Christmas Carol

Come celebrate the holiday season at Thrasher-Horne Center with two unique Christmas shows.  On the Main Stage, Lightwire Theater will perform the family-friendly “A Very Electric Christmas” on Sunday, December 11 at 3 p.m.  In the Studio Theatre, Jason Woods brings his dramatic one-man show “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 17 at 8 p.m.

Performed in complete darkness and set to timeless holiday classics, “Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas” tells the story of a young bird named Max and his family who are heading south for the winter (see a video on their website above).  When Max gets blown off course during a snowstorm, he ends up alone and lost at the North Pole.  As he tries to make his way home, his adventure begins when he encounters friendly caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, Nutcracker soldiers, mischievous mice and an evil Rat King.

As seen on ‘America’s Got Talent’, Lightwire Theater builds everything themselves from the ground up, with each sculpture taking nearly 200 hours of intensive labor.  They utilize recyclable materials including aluminum rods, election signs, skateboard wheels, dryer ducting, plumbing supplies, PVC pipes, fishing poles, duct tape, zip ties and backpacks to help define peaks and angles.  These common household items help create durable and pliable sculptures that can withstand the movement of the dancers and multiple performances.  Black fabric is added to the sculpture for dimension and then lined with electroluminescent wire.  Unlike black lights, “EL wire” can be powered by batteries, requires no theatrical lighting and gives 360-degrees of glowing light.  Once the character is “turned on” it can use up to a 16AA or rechargeable batteries per performance.

On December 17, be haunted by three spirits and over 25 additional characters with “Jason Woods: A Christmas Carol” in the Thrasher-Horne Center Studio Theatre (see their video on his link above).  Enjoy this classic Charles Dickens tale brought to life by one actor as Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and ultimately learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Jacksonville resident Jason Woods has won acclaim for his performances as Elwood P. Dowd in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Harvey and as tortured genius Ludwig Van Beethoven in Moises Kaufman’s Tony-nominated play 33 Variations.  Woods is also a director with credits that include his original works St. George & the Dragon and Peter Pan, A New Adaptation, which includes an original soundtrack of music and songs he composed and was sung by Jacksonville performers.

“Christmas at Thrasher-Horne Ctr.”

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: “Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas” tickets are $19.  Family four-packs are also available for $60.
“Jason Woods: A Christmas Carol” tickets are $29.   All Thrasher-Horne Center shows are available for purchase by calling (904) 276-6815 or the online links above.