Local production of 'A Christmas Carol' brings holiday cheer to families for 35 years | Arts & Culture

For 35 consecutive years, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visions in A Christmas Carol continues to take the stage at one of the oldest community theaters in the nation.  

This holiday production at Theatre Memphis is a family tradition in the Mid-South.

"Third generations are coming in with their grandchildren, and they have brought their children and it continues with their children's children. And we see a lot of families plan around it, as a way to kick off their holiday event," said Theatre Memphis Director of Marketing and Communication Randall Hartzog.

After record breaking attendence in 2011, the 2012 cast is scurrying around a London-scrim set that Christopher McCollum, current resident scenic designer at Theatre Memphis, designed for the traditional holiday classic.  

"Two years ago was the best year ever for us, from a sales standpoint. (This season) we surpassed last year's sales and are about 200 seats shorts to meeting sales two years ago," said Hartzog.

"Each new production is as fulfilling as the last,” said Barry Fuller who is playing Scrooge for his 12th year.

Fuller was the original Scrooge in the first Theatre Memphis production in 1978.

“What could be more special than to re-create a show that is so dear to so many Memphis families with the man that started it all for us as Scrooge? Barry is a true gentleman and professional and we are very proud that we are able to continue to bring back this gift of ours to the community...with him," said Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch.

Performance dates for A Christmas Carol are November 30 - December  23, 2012.

• Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m.
• Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sundays at 3 p.m. and on December 16 also at 7 p.m.
• Added performances December 18 and 19 ( Tuesday and Wednesday), at 7 p.m.
• Tickets are $28 for adults, $15 for students with a valid ID, $10 for children under 12

Call 901.682.8323 to purchase tickets or go online to www.theatrememphis.org