New Set Elevates Theatre Memphis Old Favorite A CHRISTMAS CAROL Performing 12/3-12/23

The 33rd annual production of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis is getting a facelift. After more than three decades of performing on the original set (designed Jay Ehrlicher and Elinor Hawkins) the 2010 cast will be scurrying around on a new set that current resident scenic designer at Theatre Memphis, Christopher McCollum, has partnered with returning director Jason Spitzer to re-envision the traditional holiday classic.

Always a family favorite in Memphis, A Christmas Carol tells of Ebenezer Scrooge who is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and then sets out on a journey of exploration that ultimately results in Scrooge's enlightenment. This year Barry Fuller returns to play Scrooge for his 10th time at Theatre Memphis. Fuller was the original Scrooge in the first TM production in 1978.

Spitzer, who has directed A Christmas Carol at TM twice before, has traveled to other cities to see their productions of the show to inspire his direction for this year on this redesigned set. "Having seen some of the other productions," Spitzer says, " I am very confident and feel good about what we are doing and where we are with this concept. And I am pleased to be working with Barry, the original Scrooge. He is the Scrooge to end all Scrooges!"

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch agrees. "What could be more special than to re-create a show that is so dear to so many Memphis families with the man that started it all for us as Scrooge? Barry is a true gentleman and professional and we are very proud that we are able to continue to bring back this gift of ours to the community ...with him"

The new set is something Litch is proud of as well. After the many years of use the old set pieces were beginning to fall apart. She says, "That original set was not meant to be used for over 30 years, but it was. Creating this new "London" environment has been a true labor of love by our staff ... and they ARE building it to last. It is such a testament to how popular this show has been and how we are committed to keeping it going."

As for the new production of A Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis, Fuller is excited to be a part of that debut, too. "I am fascinated at the creative work that has gone into the new set and costumes," he laughs. "And, my new costume is all black!" He is eager to see how the new set will work, but he knows one thing. The favorite part of the old set will still be there, The Bed. "Everything old is new again," he says.

Performance dates for A Christmas Carol are December 3 - 23, 2010.

Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm

Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm

Sundays at 2pm (and 7pm on 12/19)

December 20-23 at 7pm

Tickets are $28 for adults, $15 for students with a valid ID, $10 for children under 12. Call 901.682.8323 to purchase tickets or go online to www.theatrememphis.org.

Theatre Memphis is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization located at 630 Perkins Extended (corner of Perkins and Southern) and is a community theatre whose mission is to provide outstanding theatrical experiences to enrich the lives of our audiences and participants.

Visit our website at www.theatrememphis.org.

Theatre Memphis receives funding from ArtsMemphis, Tennessee Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts.

A Christmas Carol
December 3 - 23
Charles Jones' adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic

Directed by Jason Spitzer

Sponsored: Merrill Lynch/Bank of America

Media Sponsor: The Best Times, Valpak

Season Presenting Sponsor: SunTrust

Season Sponsor: The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation