PHILADELPHIA, PA: Walnut Street Theatre for Kids’ annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will warm the hearts of thousands of families and students this holiday season. This hour-long musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel has quickly become a Philadelphia tradition. The magic returns November 28th and runs through December 20th on Walnut Street Theatre’s Mainstage.
Each year, families take time out from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and come together to enjoy A Christmas Carol live on stage. Filled with laughter, whimsical spirits, and traditional and original music, this Philadelphia production inspires festivity and brings endless joy to children and adults alike all across the region.
Audiences are transported back to 1840’s London, where they meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man whose heart is vacant of love and affection. This grumpy miser’s response to any kind of holiday cheer is “Bah, Humbug.” On one unforgettable Christmas Eve, however, he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future. With their help, Scrooge finally comes to understand the magic of Christmas, inspiring him to change his grouchy ways. He learns what the holidays are truly about: generosity and love.
WST for Kids’ production of A Christmas Carol welcomes back Director Bill Van Horn. Van Horn is currently performing at the Walnut in A Christmas Story, The Musical (Jean Shepherd) and has appeared in several other Walnut productions, including: Mary Poppins, Driving Miss Daisy, The Music Man, Curtains, and Fiddler on the Roof. Backstage at the Walnut, he has directed The Dishwashers, Forrest: A Riot of Dreams and Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. Van Horn also wrote and starred in the acclaimed Independence Studio on 3 production of O Captain, My Captain: Whitman’s Lincoln.
Previously commissioned by the Walnut to adapt Dickens’ holiday tale, Van Horn has become an integral part of this Philadelphia tradition. He collaborated with Michael Borton to write the book and music, and is excited to once again be a part of Walnut’s holiday season. Van Horn noted, “This season, I am thrilled to give audiences a true Dickensian celebration that turns a beloved work of fiction into an unforgettable holiday spectacular. I look forward to seeing the magic that this fresh, exciting cast brings to the stage.”
Ellie Mooney will bring a fresh take to the dancing in the show as Choreographer. Mooney is a Walnut veteran whose on-stage credits include A Christmas Story, Mary Poppins, and 9 to 5: The Musical. Her choreography credits for the Walnut include My Way, Fancy Nancy, and I Love a Piano. Mooney is delighted to be a part of the production, stating, “This is my first time being a part of the holiday tradition here at the Walnut, and I am so excited. The musical numbers really lend themselves to the jovial spirit of the show; they convey strong messages of happiness and love. I hope everyone leaves the theatre inspired, smiling… and dancing.”
Walnut Street Theatre welcomes back Music and Vocal Director Chris Burcheri, who previously worked on WST for Kid’s production of Shrek the Musical Jr. Additional members of the creative team include Set Designer Glen Sears (Shipwrecked!), Lighting Designer J Dominic Chacon (Shrek the Musical Jr.) and Sound Designer Ryan Peavey (Stinky Cheese Man). Sarah Mitchell and Susie Benitez, this season’s costume apprentices, complete the team, creating a fantastic, 1840s Victorian wardrobe.
Mark Collmer, native to the Philadelphia area, is eager to return to the cast as the “humbug”-ing old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Joining Collmer on the stage are local actors who are members of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre; Jura Davis, Tyler Houchins, Matthew Mastronardi, Amanda Jill Robinson, Connor McAndrews and Jamie Beth Weist of Philadelphia, PA; Samantha Deutsch of Wyndmoor, PA; Aren Duffy of Marlton, NJ; Rayna Farr of Haddon Township, NJ; Giacomo Fizzano of Media, PA; Mackenzie Maula of Henryville, PA; Maggie McPherson of Downingtown, PA and Daniel Previglian of Stratford, NJ. Current Walnut acting apprentices Katy Miller, Donovan Lockett, Devon Fields and Jared Calhoun complete the cast.
Director of Education, Thomas Quinn, enjoys sharing this musical not only with families, but with teachers and their students. “Live theatre helps transform Dickens’ powerful and magical story into a memorable educational experience. It allows students to see the novel they’ve read spring to life right before their eyes. We provide teachers with study guides that help begin a conversation about the work before students enter the theatre. Through the familiar characters, period fashion and bright, holiday music, A Christmas Carol is an exciting, engaging outing the whole classroom can enjoy.”
A Christmas Carol has matinee performances on November 28, December 4-6, 9-13, and 15-20. The Wednesday, December 9th performance will be ASL interpreted and Audio Described. Tickets are $14 - $16. For tickets and information, please call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets can also be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by visiting the Walnut’s website at walnutstreettheatre.org.
