Hartford Stage's 'A Christmas Carol' Includes Some New Features

By Jessie Sawyer

The Hartford Stage continues a holiday tradition with its 16th annual production of a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol — A Ghost Story of Christmas.
The show opened Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 28. 
"A Christmas Carol’s world of flying ghosts, Tiny Tim, and Ebenezer Scrooge will dazzle anew with a refurbished set; many redesigned costumes; enhanced flying effects and choreography for the ghostly apparitions; the introduction of additional characters; and the latest in lighting design technology," a press release from the Hartford Stage states. "Over the past 15 years, more than 250,000 Connecticut families have been thrilled by Dickens’ supernatural tale, which introduced the exclamation 'Bah! Humbug!' and popularized the perennial greeting 'Merry Christmas.'"

Bill Raymond reprises his role as Ebenezer Scrooge for evening shows and Charles Turner will take on the role for the student matinee performances. 

Maxwell Williams directs this year's show. Original director Maxwell William, who created the adaptation, supervised the production. United Technologies sponsors the show. 

The Hartford Stage is also offering special events to enhance the theatrical experience:

• 'A Christmas Carol Experience' package: These special tickets include "unlimited hot cocoa," candy bars, cookie decorating and photo opportunities with costumes from the production, according to the press release. This package is $10 on top of the ticket price for matinee performances on Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22.

• 'Behind the Magic' behind the scenes experience: The cast hosts a behind-the-scenes look at the making of A Christmas Carol and the special effects that "make ghosts soar through the air" and make "snow fall," the press release states. This costs $5 on top of the admission price for the Dec. 15 show. 

• Family Fun Night: The ghosts from A Christmas Carol will be greeting families and "kids of all ages" at the Thursday, Dec. 19 performance at 6:30 p.m. The actors will be available after the show for autographs. The event is free with the purchase of a ticket.

• Market Days: Local vendors will be selling gift items for your holiday shopping from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the lobby at the Sunday, Dec. 15 matinee show. 

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas runs through Dec. 28 in the evenings on week and weekend nights at 7:30 p.m. and for matinee performances on Saturdays, Sundays and certain weekdays at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at  860-527-5151 or visit www.hartfordstage.org.