(Black PR Wire) Baltimore - Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) continues its annual holiday tradition by presenting a Baltimore-inspired version of A Christmas Carol. Last year CSC debuted a brand-new adaptation of the holiday classic to their audience. After much fanfare, the company is bringing it back with brand-new original music, a refreshed set design, and a Yule-loving new director. A Christmas Carol runs December 1 - December 23, 2023. Press night is December 1.

While CSC has produced A Christmas Carol with a Baltimore twist for close to a decade, this new adaptation by Laura Rocklyn, highly faithful to Charles Dickens’ original language and story, debuted only last year. Rocklyn infuses CSC Founding Artistic Director Ian Gallanar’s original notion of a Victorian Baltimore setting with deep historical knowledge of the 19th century. CSC Company Member and audience favorite Gregory Burgess returns for his eighth year in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing a wealth of insight and experience to a fresh and inventive script.

Long-time company member Erin Bone Steele directs a top-notch team of diverse actors and designers, capturing the allure of this timeless tale. “A Christmas Carol is a fantasy, inviting us to cross into supernatural possibilities in the great 19th-century tradition of holiday ghost stories,” says Steele. “There are two interlocking pieces that make A Christmas Carol such an effective tale. The first is Scrooge, who is our memorable companion as we witness his journey toward redemption. But just as essential is the element of community. Scrooge has been truly terrible to his fellow humans, and they have every right to feel frustration, bitterness, even anger - but in the final moment, when Scrooge sincerely makes amends and asks for forgiveness from his heart, they offer acceptance and welcome him to fully reintegrate into the community. This sense of community and fellowship - more than tokens, presents, and festive punch - is the real gift of Christmas.”

CSC is proud to platform local artists and talent in a production that highlights the charm of Baltimore. “We’ve always been a theatre that remains deeply committed to Baltimore and Maryland,” says Producing Executive Director Lesley Malin. “Erin’s vision for the show reminds us that our city is a place that invites anyone–even Scrooge–to be part of its beauty and contribute to its success. We are so very happy once again to offer this story of redemption and Christmas as a gift to our community.”

A Christmas Carol opens Friday, December 1 with previews on November 29 and 30. The production will close on December 23. Visit www.chesapeareshakespeare.com for more information, call the box office at 410-244-8570.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

A Christmas Carol

Adapted from Charles Dickens by Laura Rocklyn

Directed by Erin Bone Steel

LOCATION

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is located at 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, two blocks north of the Inner Harbor. Parking is available for the discounted rate of $5 at the Arrow Parking covered lot on 204 East Lombard Street. The theatre is also accessible using the FREE Charm City Circulator and is located on the Purple Route. For more detailed information about directions, parking, and public transportation, click here.

TICKETS

Adult tickets start at $55, tickets for youth under 25 start at $29, and preview tickets are $28. To purchase tickets, visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com, or contact the Box Office directly by calling 410-244-8570 or visiting in person at 7 South Calvert Street. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more and active-duty military. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

DATES AND TIMES

Wednesday, November 29 at 8:00pm - Preview

Thursday, November 30 at 8:00pm - Preview

Friday, December 1 at 8:00pm - Opening/Press Night

Saturday, December 2 at 2:00pm

Sunday, December 3 at 2:00pm

Friday, December 8 at 8:00pm

Saturday, December 9 at 2:00pm

Saturday, December 9 at 8:00pm

Sunday, December 10 at 2:00pm

Thursday, December 14 at 7:30pm

Friday, December 15 at 8:00pm

Saturday, December 16 at 2:00pm

Saturday, December 16 at 8:00pm

Sunday, December 17 at 2:00pm

Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30pm

Thursday, December 21 at 7:30pm

Friday, December 22 at 8:00pm

Saturday, December 23 at 2:00pm

Saturday, December 23 at 8:00pm

CAST LIST
Gregory Burgess* - Ebenezer Scrooge

Katie Rey Bogdan - Mrs. Pickersgill/Businessperson 3

Morganne Chu - Belle

Lauren Davis* - Francis

Paul Diem - Bob Cratchit

Lauren Erica Jackson - Mrs. Cratchit

Brendan Edward Kennedy - Christmas Present/Joshua

Brandon McKnight - Dick Wilkins/Horace/Business Person

Molly Moores* - Ghost of Christmas Past/Louisa/Businessperson 2

Samuel Richie - Jacob Marley/Nicholas

Andrea Spitz - Mrs. Dilber

Shaquan Pearson - Young Scrooge/Topper

David Yezzi - Mr. Fezziwig/Charles Dickens

Emily Zinksi - Mrs. O'Leary/Mrs. Fezziwig/Nancy

YOUTH CAST

Kynnedi Curtis - Want/Little Fan

Mckenzie Nace - Belinda Cratchit/German Caroler Child

Ryan Macdonald - William/Peter

River Robinson - Tiny Tim/Ignorance

Bowie Walker - Tiny Tim/Ignorance

Tiffany Zeigler - Want/Little Fan

CREATIVE TEAM

Erin Bone Steele - Director

Sarah Curnoles* - Production Manager

Kris DiBastiani - Production Stage Manager

Dan O'Brien* - Technical Director & Facilities Manager

Mollie Singer - Set Designer

Grace Srinivasan* - Music Director

Kristina Lambdin* - Costume Designer

Kaite McCreary* - Lighting Designer

Sarah O'Halloran - Sound Designer

Caitlin Bouxsein - Props Designer

Chris Reuther - Puppet Designer

Shalyce Hemby - Choreographer

Hannah Brill - Wardrobe Supervisor & Wig Consultant

Cat Moreschi - Assistant Stage Manager

Dawn Thomas Reidy* - Production Associate

Tyrel Brown - Production Assistant

Trinity Joseph - Board Operator

Vanessa Strickland- Child Minder

Mandy Benedix* - COVID Safety Officer

Pam Forton* - Senior House Manager

*Notes a member of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company

ABOUT CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Founded in 2002 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings great classic theatre to Baltimore, Howard County, the state of Maryland, and beyond. The company offers performances of Shakespeare and other plays of classic stature that are unforgettable, challenging, and innovative. In 2012, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company acquired the Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust Company building in downtown Baltimore, renovating it into a modern Globe Theater for indoor performances, while continuing to produce outdoor Shakespeare every summer at the PFI Historic Park in Howard County. The organization regularly serves 30,000+ people annually through artistic projects and intentional community engagement. CSC’s vibrant education program includes an extensive matinee series, camps, classes, and in and out-of-school residencies. The company invites patrons, students, and neighbors to become part of the creative collaboration that generates powerful, magical theatre and a more purposeful, engaged, and connected community.

Source: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company