By Shay Moser
Photos Courtesy of Arizona Broadway Theatre
Are you ready to see Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge like never before? Well, prepare for some holiday fun as Arizona Broadway Theatre’s (ABT) production of “A Christmas Carol The Musical” has a “Disney” feel that is bound to put you in the happiest mood.
The newest adaptation of the classic tale is reimagined and brought to life by Broadway and Disney’s Alan Menken (Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “Little Mermaid”) and Lynn Ahrens (“Seussical,” “Once on This Island”), beginning Fri., Nov. 18, in ABT’s Mainstage Theatre.
“The magic of Disney and Broadway comes to life on the stage in a different way versus if you saw ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the play,” says Michele Meyer, ABT’s director of marketing and communications.
For those who don’t know a Cratchit from a Fezziwig: “A Christmas Carol,” written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843, is about the transformation, through a series of ghostly visitations, of a wealthy businessman (Scrooge) from mean and miserly to caring and charitable. All ages will love this Broadway, Tony Award-winning musical with familiar, beloved characters. including Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, and Bob Cratchit.
“It’s one of those beloved stories from Charles Dickens, and it’s fun to do it at ABT because not only is it a musical, but during the holidays, it’s very festive,” explains Meyer. “The lobby will be decked out with a 12-foot Christmas tree.”
ABT has produced “A Christmas Carol The Musical” five times since 2006. Local ABT favorites will be returning to the stage in new roles for the 2022 production, including Jamie Michael Parnell as Ebenezer Scrooge, and Kurtis Overby, associate artistic director of ABT, will be directing the production.
Opening night on Nov. 18 will also include a special Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration with performances from ABT’s teen troupe, HyRev, a visit from Santa Claus, and the launch of ABT’s Holiday Toy and Clothing Drive. This year, the drive supports Sunshine Residential Homes, an organization that provides clean, safe, and structured homes for children who are victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect.
“Our subscribers and patrons have been extremely generous when we’ve done the toy drives,” Meyer says. “And I’m sure it will be the same this year. They’re always very giving.”
Christmas, Plain and Fancy
What could be fancier than spending the holidays at Arizona Broadway Theatre? Perhaps it’s finding the perfect accessory for the top of your Christmas tree, which can make or break any holiday celebration. After selling some old gowns and accessories, Nancy finally has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. But, when things don’t turn out the way she planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? Find out at ABT’s Theatre for Young Audiences’ super splendid production of “Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas.”
Performances include a talk-back and meet-and-greet with the cast.
ABT’s Theatre for Young Audiences will collect chapter books for readers ages 12 to 19 during this production. Please bring slightly used or new chapter books to the theatre. ABT will donate the books to Peoria Libraries.
What Makes ABT Musicals So Special?
Opened in 2005, Arizona Broadway Theatre is the premier musical theatre destination. It provides a one-of-a-kind experience with an option for dining before showtime, a fully-stocked bar, and spacious seating in its Mainstage Theatre.
“You can have dinner here or lunch during the matinee and enjoy time with your family and friends, and then you get to see a high-energy performance,” Meyer says.
ABT’s upcoming 2022-23 season includes classics “Mame” and “Wizard of Oz” and newer Broadway hits, “Escape from Margaritaville” and “Disaster.”
“We are excited to bring a new season of musicals to life here at ABT,” says Kiel Klaphake, ABT executive producer and CEO.
Whether you’re a performer, a regular patron of the arts, or have yet to attend your first show, Arizona Broadway Theatre has something for everyone and welcomes you to the show.
Ticket prices for “A Christmas Carol The Musical” start at $85 per person. Special promotions and offers will be available throughout the run. For tickets to any of ABT’s shows, visit azbroadway.org, contact Guest Services at the Box Office by calling 623-776-8400, or stop by in person at 7701 W. Paradise Lane. The Box Office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This content is sponsored by Arizona Broadway Theatre.
