‘Scene Changes, by Donald Tongue, is a romantic dramedy revolving around a traveling production of A Christmas Carol in Concord. 

It’s a Broadway traveling show, a theatrical purgatory, and the only reason any of us are here is that we failed to land a role in a production without wheels! So explains Samantha Wheelwright, ex-Brit, star of stage and film, but whose faltering career has landed her in the role of Mrs. Cratchit in a traveling production of A Christmas Carol.

Her co-star playing Bob Cratchit has taken ill and is in hospital in Burlington, VT. When the show arrives in Concord, the producer is forced to hire a young local actor. Enter Matthew Simmons, whose presence creates an unlikely pairing that immediately erupts into a colossal clash of wills as star-struck youthful enthusiasm slams headlong into mid-life cynical realism – and the scene changes.

Scene Changes is a hilarious poignant look at what happens when memories and passions get all tangled up, and we are left wondering, is it true love or simply a midwinter night’s phantasm?

This production is directed by Donald Tongue and is performed by a highly talented cast that includes Concord resident Alex Picard (Samantha), and Weare resident Ian Allan (Matthew).

Donald Tongue is a New Hampshire-based playwright with four published plays and numerous productions to his credit. More information and a full bio are available at donaldtongue.com.

New World Theatre is a production company devoted to fostering, developing, producing, and publishing new theater works. Since its inception in 2015, NWT has produced over a dozen full productions and numerous workshop presentations. More production info is available at newworldtheatre.org/scene_changes.

The production runs from Jan. 6 to 22 at Hatbox Theatre, located at the Steeplegate Mall (by Bon Ton’s), Concord. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $22 for adults, and $19 for seniors, students, and Hatbox Theatre members, and $16 for senior members. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit hatboxnh.com.

]]>