“A Christmas Carol” at The Metropolis by Jeff Brody

[rating=3]A Christmas Carol is being presented by The Metropolis Theatre for the 10^th year.  This Holiday tradition features an all new adaptation of this cherished and warm holiday story.  Scott Waldman, Resident Playwright, has found a new way of teaching Scrooge how to love.  He takes us through the adventure and the story of how this character changes his outlook on life.  This years production begins with the Cratchit family in their home waiting for Dad, Bob  Cratchit, to come home.  He tells the family a story that they find hard to believe and so the saga begins with this tale about Scrooge. The music by Micky York  and direction of Brad Dunn makes A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens come to life.

This is a Holiday must for the entire family to enjoy together.

 The Metropolis Theatre is a charming place to see live entertainment.  This venue is a 350 seat room that makes you feel like the performance is happening in your own living room.  TheVillageofArlington Heightspurchased this theatre in Jan 2005 and is bringing over 50 different productions for the 2011 & 2012 season.

The production has given many local talents a place to show off their hard work.  The home town cast included:  Alex Adams of Saint Charles, Emilia Antonik of Palatine, Tyler Bednar of Prospect Heights, Adam Horn of Sleepy Hallow, Robin Hughes of Grays lake, Nicole Karkazis of Lake Forest, Emily Neuberger of Lake Forest, Clare Oehler- O’ Sillivan of Palatine, Ave Rukstales of Inverness, Emily Whaley of Schaumburg and Brook Whitlock of Northbrook.

 Three Tiny Tim’s are sharing the  role this year, Emilia Antonik, Tyler Bednar and Clare Oehler- O’ Sullivan over the 34 performances.  Eamonn McDonagh (Scrooge), Andrew Pond ( Bob Cratchit), Robin Hughes ( Mrs. Cratchit), Joshua Harris ( Marley) all give show stopping  performances.Eamonn McDonagh plays Scrooge the major character in the play.  Scrooge is visited by his deceased partner Jacob Marley and all three of the ghost’s, past, present and future.  They lead him on the path to bring this play to a joyful and happy ending. After the visit of the three visions, Scrooge  becomes a better person and treats his fellow man with compassion, kindness and generosity, including medical help for Tiny Tim. Andrew Pond plays Bob Cratchit and tells the story that brings his family and the rest of the people in the town to have a Very Merry Christmas.

 The Origional Christmas Carol was a Novella by English author Charles Dickens and published on December 17 in 1843.  The costumes and settings are from the early Victorian era.  Scenic designer John Holman and costume designer Lisa Hale do a good job bringing the time to life.

A Christmas Carol  runs through December 24^th.  Tickets are $28.50 for adults and $15.50 for children 12 and under.  Tickets can be purchasedOn line at Metropolisarts.com or by calling the Box Office 847 577 2121.

Specific Dates and Times:

11/25- 6PM, 11/26- 3PM, 11/27- 4PM, 11/30- 10:30AM, 12/2-9:15AM 11:30AM & 7PM, 12/3- 4PM, 12/4- 1PM & 4PM, 12/7- 10:30 AM & 2 PM, 12/9- 9:15AM 11:30AM & 7PM, 12/10- 1PM & 4PM, 12/11- 1PM & 4PM, 12/12- 10:30AM, 12/14- 10:30AM, 12/15- 10:30AM, 12/16- 9:15AM 11:30AM & 7PM, 12/17- 1PM & 4PM, 12/18- 1PM, 12/19-11:30AM & 7:30PM, 12/21- 3PM, 12/22-3PM, 12/23-2PM & 12/24- 3PM.

Metropolis Performing Arts Center is located at 111 W.Campbell,Arlington Heights, with plenty of free parking