Like most holiday theater, the Playhouse in the Park's annual production of the classic A Christmas Carol went on hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic.
But Ebenezer Scrooge — and actor Bruce Cromer — are back onstage for this family favorite in 2021.
This is Cromer's 17th time playing the Christmas-hating curmudgeon, who finally remembers the reason for the season after being visited by three holiday apparitions. (Although the full version of A Christmas Carol was put on hold last year, Cromer still played Scrooge in a one-man radio play on Cincinnati Public Radio.)
Charles Dickens' tale is brought to life on the Playhouse stage this year with full costuming, characters and special effects.
“Thousands of families return each year to the Playhouse to make A Christmas Carol a part of their holiday traditions,” says Blake Robison, producing artistic director, in a release. “The enduring message of A Christmas Carol helps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of live theater.”
According to the Playhouse, "More than 659,000 people have enjoyed the story of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Playhouse over the past 29 years, comprising more than 1,100 performances (including 168 student matinees)."
A special audio-described performance of A Christmas Carol takes place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4, during which time the action onstage will be relayed to those with a closed-circuit receiver. "A small earpiece fits into one ear, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects," says the Playhouse. "The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue."
There will also be a signed performance at 2 p.m. on Dec. 5.
The show runs through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $40. Discounted tickets are available for children and teens, but children under 5 years old are not permitted. All patrons must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and wear a mask.
The Playhouse in the Park is located at 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams. Tickets and more info: cincyplay.com.
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