‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to ACT

  • By Theresa Goffredo Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, November 23, 2011 2:27pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

“A Christmas Carol”: Let’s face it, Christmas is not really Christmas without Charles Dickens.

ACT Theatre has been giving families a way to relive the Christmas message since 1976 by presenting Dickens’ classic tale, “A Christmas Carol,” as its annual holiday production.

Dickens, whose story was published in 1843, wanted to call attention to the plight of the poor, especially the children of the poor, when he wrote “A Christmas Carol,” about Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformational journey to selfless goodness, guided by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

This show runs for 90 minutes with veterans David Pichette and Jeff Steitzer alternating the Scrooge role.

“A Christmas Carol” opens with previews at 7 tonight at ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle. Shows at various times through Dec. 24. Tickets are $27 to $49 for adults and $27 to $42 for children. Call 206-292-7676 or go to www.acttheatre.org. For ages 5 and up.

“Cinderella”: With songs such as “The Prince is Giving a Ball,” “In My Own Little Corner” and “Impossible,” the production “Cinderella” parks its musical carriage at the 5th Avenue Theatre for performances that promise to be a ball.

The 5th Avenue’s winter production stars pint-sized powerhouse Jennifer Paz as Cinderella. Paz was recently seen in Village Theatre’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Joining Paz is Broadway star Kendra Kassebaum as the Fairy Godmother. Kassebaum originated the role of Glinda in the first national tour of the musical “Wicked.”

To review, Rodgers &Hammerstein’s Cinderella is living as a servant for her awful stepmother and stepsisters who plan on going to the royal ball without her. Cinderella is visited by her Fairy Godmother who promises a complete make-over. At the ball, Cinderella and Prince Christopher fall madly in love but this magic ends at midnight and Cinderella flees the palace. She loses her glass slipper, however, and the prince goes on a quest to find his true love who fits this shoe.

“Cinderella” opens with previews at 8 tonight at The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. Shows are at various times through Dec. 31. Tickets start at $29. Call 206-625-1900 or go to www.5thavenue.org.

“Beasley’s Christmas Party”: Taproot Theater presents a little Christmas Americana with this story set in the Midwest in 1909. A curious journalist moves to a small town and becomes enthralled with his eccentric next-door neighbor, gubernatorial candidate David Beasley.

This is a tale of hope and surprising twists as audiences discover that politicians can possess goodness and still believe in the Christmas message.

“Beasley’s Christmas Party” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 30 at Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. Tickets start at $27. Call 206-781-9707 or go to www.book-it.org.

“Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant”: This is Book-It Theatre’s adaptation of the John Irving story about a pint-sized kid with a giant-sized Messiah complex.

Take-charge Owen Meany is determined to play the baby Jesus in the church Christmas pageant at Christ Church of Gravesend, N.H. His determination leads to a power struggle with the pastor’s wife that reaches almost biblical proportions.

“Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant” opens with pay-what-you-will previews Nov. 29 and 30 and continues with a subscribed preview Dec. 1 and opening night Dec. 2 at Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. Tickets start at $22. Call 206-216-0833 or go to www.book-it.org. Runs for 70 minutes with no intermission.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.