BEVERLY ― An original adaptation of a beloved Christmas story has found its home on the North Shore, and this year the production is celebrating a special milestone.
North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) will present “the area’s largest and most beloved production of ‘A Christmas Carol'” for its 30th run this holiday season, an award-winning and totally original musical that could be considered the theater’s mainstay.
“With everything we have been going through these past few years, I am sure that even though the show itself has not been changed, it will feel a little different for everyone,” said NSMT’s owner and producer, Bill Hanney. “We will all find new moments in the show that touch our hearts a little differently and messages that will resonate a little louder.
“The show has been incredibly important to so many over the years and it continues to be an honor to produce something that is such a big part of so many people’s holiday traditions.”
The show was adapted into a musical for the NSMT stage in 1989, but the rendition is faithful to Charles Dickens’ classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley, and the infamous ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.
“A Christmas Carol” will play 15 performances from Thursday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 23.
The brainchild of NSMT Artistic Director Jon Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff, the musical follows Ebenezer Scrooge “through a series of strange and magical ghostly encounters, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season,” NSMT said.
In keeping with tradition, David Coffee will return for his 27th year playing Ebenezer Scrooge; he is joined by almost 40 other members of the cast and crew.
Additionally, throughout the run of “A Christmas Carol” NSMT will be collecting toys in the lobby for Tiny Tim’s Toy Drive. NSMT will be accepting unopened, unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 2-12. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.
Tickets range from $78-$93. Kids 18 and under save 50 percent, and student rush tickets are available for $25 with a valid student ID starting one hour prior to curtain time. Tickets can be purchased by calling the NSMT’s box office at 978-232-7200, via the website at www.nsmt.org, or in person at 54 Dunham Road in Beverly.
Performances will run from Dec. 2-23, with evening shows Dec. 2-4, 10-11, 17-18, and 22-23 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees shows will take place on Dec. 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19 at 2 p.m.
“A Christmas Carol” is sponsored by American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care.
