(TRENTON, NJ) -- What's scarier than being visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve? Trying to put up a production of A Christmas Carol featuring only two actors! Utilizing theatrical storytelling (and a whole lot of props and puppets), you'll be drawn into another world as you experience this lively and heartwarming adaptation of Dickens' classic tale. Back by popular demand, Passage Theatre Company in Trenton, New Jersey is bringing back the two-person version of the holiday classic, with more rehearsal time, more elements of design, and even more laughter! The show comes to the Mill Hill Playhouse (205 E. Front Street, Trenton) from December 9 through December 11, 2022.
Managing Director Brishen Miller encourages audiences to celebrate the holidays at the Mill Hill Playhouse. “In the past, Passage Theatre Holiday Events have only been one night, but when we premiered this new, exciting 2-person version of A Christmas Carol last year, it sold out! We are thrilled to offer this expanded version of a Passage tradition.”
Artistic Director Ryanne Domingues adds, “Playwright James Armstrong wrote a version of this story that is distinctly “Passage.” Funny, fresh, and performed by two actors that our audiences have come to know and love, the show will help those in our community welcome in the holidays with a bit of fun and laughter.”
A Christmas Carol tells the traditional tale of Ebenzer Scrooge, a cold-hearted miser, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Throughout their adventures, Scrooge comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas, and how he can play a heartwarming role in making the world a better place. Based on the original novel by Charles Dickens, Passage’s production uses only two actors, one playing Scrooge, the other playing Charles Dickens. Dickens then transforms himself into all of the other characters, interacting with Scrooge while also conjuring up each new scene. Utilizing puppetry, costumes, and classic storytelling, the play draws the audience into another world and allows them to experience a well known story in a new way. The playwright, James Armstrong, has authored productions such as Capital, Meucci’s Message, and Foggy Bottom which have been seen in Detroit, Memphis, and New York.
A Christmas Carol will be directed by Aaron Oster, and feature Peter Bisgaier as Scrooge and Rich Bradford as Charles Dickens.
Audiences are encouraged to contribute to Scrooge’s ultimate legacy by donating items to Trenton Area Soup Kitchen upon attending the performances. A full list of requested items will be available here. Additionally, Passage Theatre will be open on December 2nd from 6:00pm-9:00pm for a Holiday Open Mic and an opportunity to visit the lobby visual arts gallery. This event is free and open to the public.
Tickets for A Christmas Carol are currently on sale by visiting passagetheatre.org.
COVID HEALTH AND SAFETY: Passage Theatre is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our community. We are actively monitoring the current trends in the COVID-19 Pandemic, and currently require that patrons wear masks when in the theater. Masks are available free upon request. Please social distance when consuming food or drink.
Contactless Transactions: When possible, Passage encourages patrons to purchase tickets in advance to reduce wait time at the box office. Both virtual and paper programs will be available.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer will be available at several locations throughout the facility.
Refunds and Exchanges: If Passage needs to cancel a performance, a patron’s ticket will be fully refunded. If a patron needs to reschedule a visit for health reasons, they may do so for any performance throughout the season with a ticket of equal or lesser value.
