ACT's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Begins 11/23

ACT – A Contemporary Theatre presents its 37th annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Gregory A. Falls. This year, A Christmas Carol is directed by John Langs, who was recently named ACT's new Associate Artistic Director. Stage veterans and Seattle favorites R. Hamilton Wright (Recent winner of The Gregory Falls Award, for lifetime achievement; returns for his 4th run as Scrooge) and Jeff Steitzer (has performed Scrooge thrice at ACT; Broadway credits: Inherit The Wind; Mary Poppins; also, Voice of God Multiplayer Announcer for all HALO video games) alternating in the role Ebenezer Scrooge. In 2012, Charles Dickens is celebrated for his 200th year.

New this year, Leslie Law will play the role of The Ghost of Christmas Present. Leslie Law is the first female to be cast in the part (with the exception of one actress playing all spirit roles more than 20 years ago). Audiences can expect plenty of magic, with the action being staged in-the-round with trap doors, hydraulic lifts, fog machines, automated luminaries, vanishing acts, pyrotechnics, video projections, snow, glitter, flying scenery and more. This year acclaimed director Langs is at the helm, bringing new spirit and perspective to Gregory A. Falls' time honored adaption.

"I'm familiar with this adaptation and I know how special it is to ACT. With this show, more than any other I've ever worked on, you really get to watch the audiences' eyes light up," says Langs. "It's as if the ritual of seeing Dickens' classic masterwork on stage is a chance for people to reinvigorate their passion for the season and remember that kindness and giving are at the heart of the holiday."

A Christmas Carol is recommended for ages five and up. Dickens' A Christmas Carol tells the story of curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who refuses to get into the holiday spirit until three ghostly visitors lead him on a trip through Christmases past, present and future. ACT's production has become a tradition for many Northwest families. Since its beginning in 1976, hundreds of thousands of people have celebrated with Ebenezer Scrooge as he rediscovers the joy of Christmas.

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