HCT 28th Annual "A Christmas Carol"

HCT 28th Annual "A Christmas Carol"
The Magic of Charles Dickens' Classic

Community Tradition Celebrates the Meaning of the Season with Original Musical Score and Script that is True to Dickens’ Intent.

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s Premiere Family Theatre, will perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the 28th straight year December 8-22.

Dickens’ classic story from 1843 is a holiday tradition that HCT founders Ruth and Nathan Hale started in 1964 at the family’s Glendale, Calif., theatre. The Glendale version of “A Christmas Carol” was rewritten for its Salt Lake HCT debut in 1985 and has continued to evolve over the years to more accurately recount the classic tale.

“‘A Christmas Carol’ is not only a Hale Centre Theatre tradition, it’s a tradition for the entire community,” said Mark Dietlein, HCT executive producer. “We take great pride in presenting this revered piece in its purest form and in a manner consistent with Dickens’ writings and notes.”

Richard Wilkins, a former Brigham Young University professor and Dickens scholar, helped HCT weave actual text from the 1843 story into the script and narration. He has portrayed the antagonist-turned-protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge for the past 27 years.

Wilkins’ scripting, along with original scoring and carol arrangements by noted Utah composer Barlow Bradford, works with the elegant costumes and sets to create a magical holiday experience.

The production has been refined under different direction over the years. For the past eight years, director John Sweeney has challenged himself to add depth and detail to the production without losing the true message.

“Each year we share the Christmas spirit with the community and soften hearts with Dickens’ story of redemption,” Sweeney said. “This year we continue that tradition and hope our audience will be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.”

This year’s cast includes both new faces and familiar ones playing different roles than in years past.

HCT’s “A Christmas Carol” is directed by Sweeney and features Wilkins and David Weekes as Scrooge, David Stensrud and Stephen Kerr as Ghost of Christmas Present; Brad Charon and David Petersen as Bob Cratchit; Olivia Smith-Driggs and Anne Burton as Ghost of Christmas Past; and DRU and Anthony Lovato as Jacob Marley. The production’s musical director is Anne Puzey with choreography by Marilyn May Montgomery, set design by Kacey Udy, lighting design by Spencer Brown, sound by Dan Morgan and production assistance from Rachel Sanderson.

In conjunction with the production, HCT is honoring Spectrum Academy as part of its “HCT Applauds” program to spotlight other non-profit organizations making a difference in the community. Spectrum Academy is a unique charter school serving students from preschool through high school with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning disabilities. Much like the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future who visit Ebenezer Scrooge with tales tailored to change his heart, Spectrum Academy has developed strategies that will help students reach their full potential and enjoy productive and successful futures.

“A Christmas Carol” typically sells out, and early reservations are recommended. Performances are at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Dec. 8 through 22, with an additional evening performance each night at 5 p.m. Matinées run each Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Admission prices start at $28 for adults and $18 for children ages 5-11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at 801-984-9000, or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

Hale Centre Theatre
3333 South Decker Lake Drive
West Valley City, Utah
801-984-9000


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