Community, reflection a key part of the IRT’s 28th telling of A Christmas Carol

Community, reflection a key part of the IRT’s 28th telling of A Christmas Carol
Dickens’ classic tale of joy and redemption brings tradition to Indy’s holiday scene

Indianapolis, Ind.—For more than 150 years, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been told across the world. It’s a story of reflection, community, legacy; a story that the Indiana Repertory Theatre will tell for the 28th year this holiday season.

While Dickens’ Christmas ghost story remains the same, the lessons that resonate with the audience each year can take on deeper dimensions. IRT’s Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna is directing Eli Lilly and Company presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol for the first time. Hanna served as the assistant director last year and plans for his work on this version to highlight a hope for change, especially in today’s climate.

“We live in a polarized time, and we may find it difficult to empathize with those in need, to listen deeply to the stories of others and open our hearts to those who are different from us,” Hanna said. “Our communities need the ghosts of past, present and future to guide us forward.”

With the continued tradition of A Christmas Carol and a focus on community, the IRT will again offer special programming surrounding the run of the show. New this year to the production schedule is a Sensory Friendly performance on December 26, which is designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Other events include Holiday Hoopla and the IRT’s donation drive Scrooge Gives Back on November 16, planned in partnership with Indiana Blood Center, The Salvation Army and IndyHumane.

Returning to the stage is Ryan Artzberger as Ebenezer Scrooge, along with other long-time A Christmas Carol actors, Mark Goetzinger, Charles Goad, Milicent Wright, Rob Johansen and Jennifer Johansen. Joining them will be Ashley Dillard, Mehry Eslaminia, Aaron Kirby, Carlos Medina Maldonado, and IRT newcomers Stephenie Park and Reggie D. White.

“Every year in the longest, darkest, most frigid days of our calendars, we gather in the theatre to study our own hearts in hopes of doing better for each other and growing stronger together,” Hanna said. “A Christmas Carol is a story we need.”

Take part in this Indianapolis tradition, on IRT’s OneAmerica Mainstage November 17 – December 26. Tickets now available!


DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  November 17 — December 26, various times. A Christmas Carol is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
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RYAN ARTZBERGER | Ebenezer Scrooge
ASHLEY DILLARD | Felicity, Belle
MEHRY ESLAMINIA | Sister of Mercy, Adult Fan, Martha
CHARLES GOAD | Marley's Ghost, Fezziwig, Undertaker
MARK GOETZINGER | Portly Gentleman, Old Joe
JENNIFER JOHANSEN | Mrs. Cratchit, Plump Sister
ROB JOHANSEN | Bob Cratchit, Postboy, Topper
AARON KIRBY | Young Scrooge, Nutley, Broker
CARLOS MEDINA MALDONADO | Waiter, Young Marley, Belle's Husband, Broker, Poulterer's Man
STEPHENIE PARK | Christmas Past, Roses Sister, Laundress
REGGIE D. WHITE | Fred, Schoolmaster, Christmas Future
MILICENT WRIGHT | Mrs. Fezziwig, Christmas Present, Charwoman
 
BENJAMIN HANNA | Director
RUSSELL METHENY | Scenic Design
MURELL HORTON | Costume Design
MICHAEL LINCOLN | Lighting Design
ANDREW HOPSON | Sound Design/Composition
MARIEL GREENLEE | Choreographer
TERRY WOODS | Musical Director

SPECIAL EVENTS:

SCROOGE GIVES BACK
Friday, November 16, 2018 | Community Event from 3 – 6:30 PM
Join us for Scrooge Gives Back on November 16 from 3 – 6:30 PM at 140 W. Washington Street. This annual event allows our nonprofit the chance to support other nonprofits in Indy, and invites the community to donate to Indiana Blood Center, IndyHumane, and The Salvation Army as they collect their most needed items this holiday season.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Saturday, November 17, 2018 | Performance at 3 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 

FIRST RESPONDERS DISCOUNT
Friday, November 23, 2018 | Performance at 5 PM
The IRT honors police, fire & first responders with a $10 off discount to this production. Valid ID must be presented to redeem. 

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, November 24, 2018  |  Performances at 3 & 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 4:30 – 6:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, November 24, 2018 | Performance at 3 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

OPENING NIGHT 
Saturday, November 24, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres.

REINDEER VISIT
Sunday, November 25, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 1 – 2 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, November 25, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, December 1, 2018  |  Performances at 4 & 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 5:30 – 6:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, December 1, 2018 | Performance at 4 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Sunday, December 2, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Friday, December 7, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
From 6:15 – 6:45 PM, children and their families are invited to take part in a special storytime about different winter holiday traditions. Listen to a reading of the classic Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and share your own family traditions.

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, December 8, 2018  |  Performances at 4 & 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 5:30 – 6:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, December 8, 2018 | Performance at 4 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, December 9, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, December 9, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

MEET THE ARTIST
Sunday, December 9, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
For the past five seasons, the IRT has collaborated with Kyle Ragsdale, one of Indianapolis' most prolific artists, to create our production artwork. Starting at 1:15 PM, meet Kyle and have him sign your program or the coloring page he’s created just for IRT’s A Christmas Carol.

IRT ARTISAN MARKET
Friday, December 14, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
New this year, stroll through the Grand Lobby from 5:30 – 7 PM and shop our very own IRT Artisan Market! Featuring the creations of IRT staff, give the gift of their one-of-a-kind handmade work.

HAPPY HOUR
Saturday, December 15, 2018 | Performances at 4 PM & 7 PM
From 5:30 – 7 PM, help us cheer to the holiday season with a special Holiday Happy Hour featuring local libations from St. Joseph Brewery, Taxman, Hotel Tango, Ash & Elm, and West Fork Whiskey.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, December 15, 2018 | Performance at 4 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

FAMILY PHOTOS & PETTISVILLE CHOIR CAROLING
Sunday, December 16, 2018 | Performances at 2 & 6 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 3:30 – 5:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

From 3:30 – 4 PM and 5 – 6 PM, enjoy the Pettisville Show Choir as they perform holiday carols in the Grand Lobby.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, December 16, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
From 6:15 – 6:45 PM, children and their families are invited to take part in a special storytime about different winter holiday traditions. Listen to a reading of the classic Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and share your own family traditions.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

REINDEER VISIT
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 6 – 7 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Thursday, December 20, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
From 6:15 – 6:45 PM, children and their families are invited to take part in a special storytime about different winter holiday traditions. Listen to a reading of the classic Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and share your own family traditions.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Thursday, December 20, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Friday, December 21, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, December 22, 2018  |  Performances at 1 & 4 & 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 2:30 – 3:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Sunday, December 23, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 
​
REINDEER VISIT
Sunday, December 23, 2018 | Performance at 6 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 5 – 6 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

REINDEER VISIT
Monday, December 24, 2018 | Performances at 1 & 4 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 2:30 – 4 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Sensory friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of this performance may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all of our audience members.

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824

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