As the countdown to Christmas drops to single digits, so does your opportunity to view live adaptations of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Fortunately, you have several choices of venue to see this favorite seasonal story.
In this incarnation, Jill Pinard of Three Witches Productions takes the helm directing the script she adapted for Hatbox in 2016. In this original adaptation, Hatbox Theatre focuses on how the dream-like qualities of the ghost story aspect of Dickens’ work can bring about redemption. Is it “an undigested bit of beef” – a line in the original story – that leads Scrooge to have bad dreams or is he really being visited by ghosts intent on helping him redeem himself? Audience members, too, will wonder if they are dreaming when they are immersed in sound, lights and projections that bring out these eerier aspects of Scrooge’s fateful night. In creating this script Pinard set out to leave as much of Dickens’ original as undigested as possible.
Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Hatbox Theatre in Concord. Tickets are $22; $19 for members, seniors or students; and $16 for senior members. More information at hatboxnh.com.
NCCA at Jean’s Playhouse and Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative team up to bring this holiday classic back to Laconia. This original adaptation by NH native Joel Mercier features a bright score, some twists and turns in the plot, stunning costumes and special effects, and some frightful ghosts, all while staying true to Dickens’ original novella.
There will be four showings Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $18 for students. For more information, visit coloniallaconia.com.
Known for his penny-pinching ways, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts on a snowy Christmas Eve. These ghostly visits reveal Scrooge’s past, present and future, filling him with newfound hope and joy in the Christmas season! Filled with lively song and dance, special effects, professional actors and a live orchestra, this heartwarming tale will create family memories you will cherish forever.
Showtimes will be Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., and Dec. 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. Tickets start at $25. For more information, visit palacetheatre.org.
While this adaptation by Michael Tobin remains true to Charles Dickens’ beloved novella, action prevails over narration in this engaging production of A Christmas Carol. With over 100 costume pieces and wigs, a period set pieces and props, and numerous special effects, you will be transported to the Victorian 1800s from the very moment you step into the lobby. The show also features plenty of traditional and original music.
Shows run through Dec. 22 Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the Players’ Ring in Portsmouth. Tickets are $30 general admission, $27 for students and seniors and $17 for children under 12. For more information, visit playersring.org.