Ohio University Eastern Theatre Department presents A Christmas Carol

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (November 26, 2012) - The Theatre Department of Ohio University Eastern will present Charles Dickens' heartwarming classic "A Christmas Carol" November 29, 30 and December 1, 6, 7, 8 in the Shannon Hall Theater. Adapted by Barbara Field, this version of the Dickens' novella has been a perennial hit at the famed Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Field's take on the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim is highly theatrical, filled with music and warm holiday spirit.

"A Christmas Carol" represents several firsts for the Eastern Campus' Theater Department. For the first time in almost 40 years, Ohio University is on a semester academic calendar, which means students attend classes until mid-December. The extra time afforded OUE Theatre Director Dennis Fox the necessary time needed to plan this production. "We wanted to take advantage of our very first year of semesters to give a holiday gift to our community, who has supported our program for so very long," said Fox. "The first OUE Theater production ever presented in December, "A Christmas Carol" is probably the largest and most complex production we've staged on the Eastern Campus."

The Eastern Campus Theatre cast and crew have been working tirelessly since September. Technical Director Beth Casebolt has coordinated the moving scenery and the many scene changes, a special challenge given the relatively small Shannon Hall stage. Music Director Maryann Droll has coached and rehearsed the 25 member cast on the carols sung within the production. A total of nearly 50 people are working on the holiday presentation.

Audiences who have never been on the Eastern Campus in December are in for a holiday treat. The campus has a festive look and Ponzani Lendon Florist is decorating the Shannon Hall Lobby especially for the production of "A Christmas Carol."

The OUE Theatre cast includes: Rebecca Bailer, of Martins Ferry, is playing Mrs. Grimsby; Renno M. Barnes, of Quaker City is playing Marley; Michael G. Blackwell, of St. Clairsville, is playing the Ghost of Christmas Present; Ruth Carter, of Bethesda, is playing Squeeze; Chelsey Christman, of Quaker City, is playing Blakely and Fan; Michelle Christy, of Shadyside, is playing Mrs. Fred; Derek Deal, of Barnesville, is playing Snarkers, Dick and Topper; Valerie Dobbs, of St. Clairsville, is playing Forrest; Maryann Droll, of Belmont, is playing the Ghost of Christmas Past; Rachel Hughes, of Belmont, is playing Dorothea, Grubb and the Poulterer; Aubrey Johnson, of Barnesville, is playing Tiny Tim; Cody A. Kramer, of Martins Ferry, is playing Young Ebenezer and the Ghost of Christmas Future; Nicole C. Lewis, of Bridgeport, is playing Belle; Peter J. Lim, of St. Clairsville, is playing Scrooge; Zach Lucas, of Belmont, is playing Fezziwig; Riley P. McDiffit, of Bethesda, is playing Sophia, Mrs. Dilber and the Maid; Andrew Mehler, of Morristown, is playing Bob Cratchit; Mitchell Moore, of Bethesda, is playing Fred; Mary Prather, of Wheeling, WV, is playing Anna Rose, Petunia Fezziwig and Martha/Belinda Cratchit; Jake Schwarz, of St. Clairsville, is playing Graspers and Peter Cratchit; Sarah Shepherd, of Holloway, is playing Mrs. Cratchit; Tamara Smathers, of Bridgeport, is playing Marigold Fezziwig and Martha/Belinda Cratchit; Luke Snyder, of Belmont, is playing Young Ebenezer, Tom Cratchit and Simon; Lindsey Wayne, of Moundsville, WV, is playing the Narrator; Connie J. Wendel, of Glen Dale, WV, is playing Mrs. Fezziwig and Joe.

"A Christmas Carol" will be presented by the Ohio University Eastern Campus Department of Theatre on November 29, 30 and December 1, 6, 7, 8 in the Shannon Hall Theater. Thursday evening performances begin at 7:00pm and Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00pm. Thursday evenings, all tickets are $5. Friday and Saturday evenings, general admission tickets are $7 and student and senior discount tickets are $5. Reservations are encouraged.

For more information and to make reservations, contact Fox at 740-699-2340 or foxd@ohio.edu.