Audiences are transported to 1840’s London, where they meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man who greets holiday cheer with a “Bah, Humbug.” However, on one unforgettable Christmas Eve, he is visited by three ghostly visitors determined to change old Scrooge’s ways forever. Traveling through his past, present, and possible future, Scrooge is awakened to the magic of Christmas and truly learns what the holiday season is all about: family, generosity and love.
Filled with joy, laughter, and whimsical spirits, WST for Kids’ A Christmas Carol stands not only as a Walnut tradition, but also as a Philadelphia tradition. Now in its 18th year, the production has received a new script adapted from Dickens’ holiday tale by Walnut stage veteran Bill Van Horn. Van Horn worked with Musical and Vocal Director Chris Burcheri to select new and traditional songs for this festive show.
“This year, we’re thrilled to give audiences a refreshed take on Dickens’ classic tale that draws almost completely from the original text,” Van Horn noted. “We look forward to introducing a new generation of families to this timeless classic.”
In addition to penning the new adaptation of the holiday tale, Van Horn will also direct the production. At the Walnut, he recently directed Peter and the Starcatcher, Around the World in 80 Days, and The Glass Menagerie. He has also appeared on stage in numerous other Walnut productions, including: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Story, Mary Poppins, Elf, and Fiddler on the Roof.
The show will be choreographed by Billy D. Hart, who was also recently seen in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Hart will be dance captain and performing in the Walnut’s upcoming production of Annie and has appeared in several other Walnut productions, including: Saturday Night Fever, Wizard of Oz, South Pacific, Sister Act, High Society, 9 to 5, and Memphis.
Walnut Street Theatre welcomes back Music and Vocal Director Chris Burcheri, who previously worked on WST for Kids’ productions of Honk! Jr., Shrek the Musical Jr., and Beauty and the Beast Jr. Additional members of the creative team include Set Designer Glen Sears (Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, Always…Patsy Cline), Lighting Designer J. Dominic Chacon (Honk! Jr., Peter and the Starcatcher) and Sound Designer Ryan Peavey (Honk! Jr., South Pacific). Morgan Porter completes the production as costume designer, creating the iconic Victorian wardrobe of 1840’s London. Porter is a member of this season’s Walnut Street Theatre apprentice class.
John Basiulis, a Philadelphia actor who performed with People’s Light, Quintessance Theatre Group, and at the Springer Opera House, takes on the role of the “humbug”-ing old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. He is joined by William Edward Bromage, who will make his Walnut and stage debut as Tiny Tim. A West Chester resident, Bromage attends West Chester Friends School and is in the first grade.
Joining Basiulis and Bromage on the stage are local actors who are members of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre: Michael Fuchs, Nate Golden, Ella Hampton, Fionnaula Meister, Aaron Roberge, Amanda Robinson, and Jamie-Best Weist of Philadelphia; Sean O’Neill of Wallingford, PA; Sammi Deutsch of Wyndmoor, PA; and Josiah Jacoby of Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Current Walnut Acting Apprentices Hallie Hargus, Sarah Owens, Ladarreun Taylor, and Dan Wisniewski complete the cast.
For students, Walnut Street Theatre’s Education Department helps to transform Dickens’ powerful and magical story into a memorable educational experience. In addition to giving students the opportunity to see the novel they’ve read spring to life right before their eyes, the Walnut provides teachers with free online study guides to spark meaningful conversation about the show before students enter the theatre. Exploring the content of the story in the classroom not only further engages students but also adds excitement to the experience of seeing the familiar characters and period fashion and hearing the bright holiday music of A Christmas Carol on stage.
A Christmas Carol has matinee performances on November 25-26, December 2-3, 8-10, 12-17, 19-21, and 23. The Tuesday, December 19th performance will be ASL interpreted and Audio Described. Tickets are $15.00 - $18.00. 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.
