Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic returns to Princeton with McCarter Theatre Center's annual production of A Christmas Carol. Adapted by David Thompson and directed by Michael Unger, the production runs December 4 through December 24.
A Christmas Carol is Charles Dickens' timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his magical journey into Christmas past, present, and future. McCarter's critically acclaimed production has been called "a must-see" by The New York Times and "a glorious two hours of spectacle and joy" by The Princeton Packet.
"This production is truly a gift not only to our audiences but to everyone involved," said McCarter Producing Director Mara Isaacs. "Whether you are nine or ninety-nine, the play never ceases to delight and amuse with its large cast of characters and timeless theme of redemption."
The 2011 production welcomes back Broadway veteran Graeme Malcolm, leading a cast of 40 in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Mr. Malcolm's Broadway credits include Equus; Translations; The King and I; Aida; and M. Butterfly (First National Tour). His other credits include Translations and Betrayal at McCarter, as well as productions at Arena Stage, Yale Rep, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf, and others. He has also narrated over 300 audio books.
This year's cast will also feature familiar faces including Justin Blanchard (Jacob Marley), Piper Goodeve (Fan), Michele Tauber (Mrs. Fezziwig), and James Ludwig (Fred). Returning to the role of Christmas Present will be Ronica Reddick who appeared in the 2007 and 2009 productions, and Price Waldman will revisit the role of Bob Cratchit having played that role in the 2004 and 2005 productions. After a two year absence, the production welcomes back Anne O'Sullivan in the role of Mrs. Dilber. Ms. O'Sullivan has been associated with the show since 2001.
The production will also boast several new faces: Tom Riis Farrell (Mr. Fezziwig), Andrea Goss (Lilly/Belle), David Kenner (Young Scrooge), and Christina Rouner (Mrs. Cratchit).
The highlight of every McCarter production of A Christmas Carol are the fourteen area children who fill the stage in a variety of roles. This year's Young Ensemble members are Kate Fahey (Richboro, PA), Annika Goldman (Princeton), Danny Hallowell (Skillman), Noah Hinsdale (Princeton Junction), Matthew Immordino (Pennington), Samantha Johnson (Somerset), Matthew Kuenne (Princeton), Adam LaCompte (Lawrence Township), Natalie Mehl (Califon), Benjamin Palmer (West Windsor), Jackie Patterson (Princeton), Sophia Sharma (Princeton), Olivia Sheridan (Lawrenceville), and Emma Ventola (East Brunswick).
Members of the Adult Ensemble include William Carlos Angulo, Rachel Baker, Eric Brathwaite, Mike Faist, Justin Henry, Stacey Jackson, Emma Ritchie, Arianna Rosario, Ryan Steer, Jessi Trauth, and J. Morgan White.
Michael Unger happily returns to McCarter for his 14th year of directing A Christmas Carol. His other directing credits include new versions of Kander & Ebb's The Happy Time (Signature, Arlington, VA) and The Rink starring Leslie Uggams and Janet Metz. World premieres include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barrington Stage); Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin (New York Stage and Film and New York Musical Theatre Festival), Caligula (New York Music Festival, Audience Favorite Award). This season, he directed Menotti's The Consul for Opera New Jersey. He has also created Audition Connection, an online casting resource for theater, opera, film, and TV.
