A Christmas Carol returns to Tulsa for the 38th time

American Theatre Company’s 44th season features the return of Tulsa’s favorite family musical, A Christmas Carol. This family tradition, which has captivated Tulsa for 37 years, returns for its 38th musical rendition of the Dickens story. ATV’s production is the second longest running in the U.S.  

A Christmas Carol, a Christmas ghost story, was written by Charles Dickens in a six-week period in October and November in 1843. Dickens tells a story that offers hope through the heart-warming tale of one lonely humbug who is given the rare chance to change his life and find his heart. It's a story of generosity, family, and goodwill. American Theatre Company's A Christmas Carol is the second oldest production in the country, predated only by Minnesota’s Guthrie Theatre, according to American Theatre Magazine.

Returning this year are Karl Krauss as Ebenezer Scrooge and John Knippers as the Spirit of Christmas Present. Also returning to this year's production are Tamara Faylor as Mrs. Cratchit, Rick Reiman as Jacob Marley, Matt Lindsey as the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come, Zadok Ontko as John Cratchit, and Paul Henry as the Gentleman.  

A Christmas Carol is made in Oklahoma. It was written, composed, designed, acted, directed, and produced in Tulsa by Tulsans. ATC company members Robert Odle and Richard Averill adapted the novel and composed the music. Scenery and costumes were designed by ATC company members Richard Ellis and Jo Wimer. The production has been produced each year by Kitty Roberts.

Many individuals as well as families have grown up with and in A Christmas Carol. Children who were brought to see A Christmas Carol are now bringing their children and even their grandchildren to visit or revisit the family tradition of A Christmas Carol.

American Theatre Company's A Christmas Carol will play at Tulsa's Performing Arts Center in the Williams Theatre. Show dates are December 11 through 23. Curtain time is 7:30pm with Sunday matinée curtain time at 2pm. Ticket prices range from $20 to $32 with half price children's tickets. Tickets can be purchased at MyTicketOffice.com, at the PAC at 3rd and Cincinnati, or charged by phone at (918) 596-7111.

A Christmas Carol is presented through the assistance of Crafton Tull, Tri Arch, Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Saied Music Company, Tulsa People Magazine, GuRuStu, KTUL TV, and Tulsa People Magazine.

For more information, contact American Theatre Company at (918) 747-9494 or info@americantheatrecompany.org.

The Gayly – December 9, 2014 @ 9:40am