BEVERLY — The North Shore Music Theatre announced on Friday that its brightest holiday tradition — the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” — is celebrating 30 years this season and will run through Dec. 23.
“It’s a big, grand production,” said Bill Hanney, who has owned the North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) since 2010. “People just love it. It starts their holiday tradition, I am told by everybody.”
This original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. The musical features traditional songs like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” “The Boar’s Head Carol,” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”
Hanney said that NSMT tells the story in a special way — on a round stage, through great music, dazzling technical effects, pyrotechnics, amazing costumes and sets and a great cast. David Coffee plays the lead part of Scrooge.
“He is truly Scrooge. He does the best job,” said Hanney.
The award-winning ghost story was created specifically for NSMT and has been seen by more than 1 million people since its debut in 1989.
“This is a proven hit,” said Hanney. “People come and enjoy it. They love the theatre, they love the way we decorate the theatre. It is a terrific, beautiful, colorful, technically wonderful production.”
The theatre asks guests to wear COVID-compliant masks over the nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status, while in the lobby and in the theatre as well as any indoor public spaces. Masks can be quickly adjusted while actively consuming food or beverages. Those who wear the most creative masks will receive prizes at each performance.
The North Shore Music Theatre opened its doors in 1955 and has become one of the most attended theatres in New England, with approximately 250,000 patrons annually. Its show “Memphis” went on to win four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
NSMT has received numerous other industry awards including Elliot Norton Awards, IRNE Awards, the Rosetta LeNoire Award from Actors’ Equity, and the Moss Hart Award.
NSMT continues to annually produce a musical subscription series and an annual production of “A Christmas Carol” along with celebrity concerts, children’s programming and year-round education classes for children and adults.
For tickets and information call 978-232-7200, visit nsmt.org, or visit the box office at 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, Mass.
