Barter presents “A Christmas Carol”

Everyday we have the choice to be a better person…that is the message as the joy of the Christmas returns with the classic ghost story of the holiday season, "A Christmas Carol" beginning Nov. 23.

Wrap yourself in the warmth of the holidays with Charles Dickens’ masterpiece made spectacular in Barter’s production full of traditional Christmas songs and exciting effects that help tell the beloved story of a man who finds the true meaning of Christmas.

Ebenezer Scrooge, a cheap old banker with a cold heart, is perfectly content to live his life in frustrated solitude, until one fateful night when he is visited by the spirit of his long-time friend and former partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, in shackles, tries to persuade Scrooge to change his ways by showing him his fate. Special spirits come to visit Scrooge and attempt to express to him the true meaning of Christmas.

Barter’s telling of the classic is set in a warehouse in London where a group of ghosts gather together each Christmas Eve to tell the story of Scrooge’s evening of dreams that transformed an angry miser into a kind, caring and giving gentleman. Nicholas Piper, the director of "A Christmas Carol," said that this story is to “remind us that if mean old Ebenezer Scrooge can change, surely it’s not too late for us.”

With incredible sound effects and a giant Ghost of Christmas Future that is a spectacle to see, Barter’s "A Christmas Carol" is a perfect gathering for your friends, family or colleagues. Experience and relive the sheer exhilaration of Scrooge’s experience, the release from his small and selfish life to one of giving, brotherhood and love.

“This show reminds us that every day we wake up, and we have a new chance -- we can change,” Piper said. This spirited gift to treasure with friends and family, "A Christmas Carol," offers us all a message of hope and a delight in the season of giving.

Adapted by Barter’s producing artistic director Richard Rose, "A Christmas Carol" is one of Barter audiences’ favorites. Some of Rose’s previous adapting credits during his 15-year tenure include Barter’s successful productions of "Dracula!," "Jane Eyre," "Lear," "Frankenstein" and "It’s A Wonderful Life."

Michael Poisson, seen recently in "Dracula!" and "Driving Miss Daisy" will take on the role of the man of great transformation, Ebenezer Scrooge. Along with the ghosts of Christmas, Mary Lucy Bivins of "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Quiltmaker," and Frank Taylor Green of "Dracula!" and "It’s a Wonderful Life," Eugene Wolf of "Keep on the Sunny Side" and "Oliver!" plays the kind-hearted Bob Cratchit. Tricia Matthews, Mike Ostroski, Rick McVey and Meredith Autry Holcomb round out the adult ensemble cast. "A Christmas Carol" also includes a talented youth cast that includes Ryland Acree, Aria Binkley, Kevin O’Bryan, Adam Gambrel, Clara Gambrel, Gabriel Gounaris, Audrey Mallory and Sarah Lyn Smith.

Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend performances of "A Christmas Carol" are available beginning Thanksgiving weekend and running through the end of the year. Group and individual rates are available to this family-friendly holiday tradition.

The state theatre of Virginia, the world-famous Barter Theatre is celebrating its 74th season of producing professional non-profit theatre in the Appalachian region. Known for outstanding musicals, comedies, dramas, new and Appalachian works and award-winning educational programming, Barter Theatre, Barter Stage II and The Barter Players present programs several times a week, and patrons can see up to five shows in two days in beautiful downtown Abingdon.

Sponsored by Bristol Virginia Utilities, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Bristol Herald Courier, WWWJ Radio and Kingsport Times News, A Christmas Carol can be seen at Barter Theatre from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30. Contact Barter’s Box Office at (276) 628-3991 or www.bartertheatre.com for more information and show times.