​Need the perfect gift for a theatre fan in your life? Here are a few holiday gift ideas!

1. Build Your Own 3 (BYO3) Ticket Package: Gift three productions from our
exciting season with a BYO3 package! Recipients can select any of our six remaining productions including the Indy holiday classic A Christmas Carol, ultimate whodunit
Murder on the Orient Express, and the beloved romance Sense and Sensibility.

2. Hoosier Holiday Pack: The IRT, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Newfields have teamed up to bring you their three holiday traditions for one great price! A Pack includes one ticket to select showings of A Christmas Carol, Yuletide, and Winterlights.
Don't wait—this special offer expires November 15!

3. Offscript: IRT Young Professionals Group: Gift an annual $50 membership that
includes top-quality theatre, access to special events and IRT Artisans, $25 tickets
to our productions, and various volunteer opportunities around the city.

4. Encore College Card: College students can experience IRT entertainment all
season long—even on a college budget. This membership allows them to see any
production of our season as many times as they want for only $70!

5. Tickets for The Little Choo-Choo That Thinks She Can | February 18 - March 1:
The Little Choo-Choo returns to the IRT this spring for our youngest audiences!
This makes the perfect gift for children ages 3-8 and their families to enjoy the
experience of live theatre and the creativity of play. Tickets start at $8.

6. IRT Gift Certificates: Give the gift of a night out to family and friends. You choose
the amount and recipients can choose the production, date and time of their show.

7. Sweet Seats at A Christmas Carol: Sweeten your holiday outing to the Theatre with Sweet Seats! Buy tickets in rows A-F of the center section and receive a special
treat from the IRT and The Best Chocolate in Town to enjoy during the show!

8. Book Bundle of IRT Plays: This season, the IRT is doing multiple literary-based productions, including The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963,
Murder on the Orient Express, and Sense and Sensibility. Stop the by IRT
Gift Shop to put together a book bundle of these titles and pair it with a gift certificate!

9. Kyle Ragsdale artwork, local goods, cards and more: Visit the IRT Gift Shop for a selection of season cards and magnets by Kyle Ragsdale, locally-made metal works,
candles, artisan soaps, books, scarves, Indiana-themed gifts, and more.

10. IRT's INclusion Series: New this year, the IRT has introduced a series celebrating diverse storytelling, the INclusion Series. An INclusion Series package lets the recipient see the two remaining productions in the series, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 and The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin, and then select a third production from the rest of our season.

Indiana Repertory Theatre’s A Christmas Carol dons a new ‘holiday best’
Decades-old tradition freshens up with redesigned costumes, additional carols

Indianapolis, Ind.—Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Tom Haas, returns to the Indiana Repertory Theatre this holiday season. This snowy tradition, on stage November 16 - December 26, will feature additional carols and all-new costumes for the first time in more than twenty years.

The Victorian London costumes have been reimagined, redesigned, and rebuilt by Costume Designer Linda Pisano and the IRT Costume Shop. Pisano, who designs for theatre, dance, and opera throughout the United States, was inspired by the original illustrations by John Leech. The costumes—with a special focus on the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future—will closely reflect Dickens’ era and character descriptions.

“Linda Pisano's new costume designs are beautiful and her research and attention to detail lifts this important story in a magical way,” Director and IRT’s Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna said. “Additionally, there will be new songs along with our favorite carols.  All of these new investments of time and love to A Christmas Carol come from our commitment to keeping the production fresh, accessible and relevant for our community each year.”

While A Christmas Carol was written more than 170 years ago, its themes of empathy, hope, generosity, and change make it relevant still today and an important invitation to reconnect, reunite, and reflect this–and every–season.

“Holidays offer us the opportunity to define and explore our traditions—as a culture and as individual families,” Executive Artistic Director Janet Allen said. “We hope that what you experience at the IRT may become a part of your family’s tradition, as well as provide you with many things to discuss and think about as you engage with your other family traditions throughout the holiday season.”

Returning for his tenth year as Ebenezer Scrooge is Ryan Artzberger, and he will be joined on stage by returning cast members Ashley Dillard, Jennifer Johansen, Rob Johansen, Aaron Kirby, Stephenie Soohyun Park, and Milicent Wright, along with A Christmas Carol newcomers Elyakeem Avraham, Jesse Bhamrah, Ivy Moody, Emma Rosenthal, and Scott Van Wye. This production also consists of two youth actor teams made up of five children each who split performances throughout the run.

As a part of the run of A Christmas Carol, IRT will again offer special programming with post-show discussions, a Sensory Friendly performance designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities, and a variety of Holiday Hoopla festivities. Take family photos, meet the cast for autographs, pet Santa’s reindeer, shop the IRT Artisan Market, and more!

Tickets are available now for this Indianapolis tradition on the OneAmerica Mainstage November 16 - December 26.

DETAILS

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

RUN DATES: November 16 - 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:

RYAN ARTZBERGER | Ebenezer Scrooge
ELYAKEEM AVRAHAM | Schoolmaster, Belle’s Husband, Topper, Undertaker
JESSE BHAMRAH | Bob Cratchit
ASHLEY DILLARD | Mrs. Cratchit
JENNIFER JOHANSEN | Lady of Charity, Mrs. Fezziwig, Lamplighter, Pawnbroker
ROB JOHANSEN | Marley, Fezziwig, Christmas Future
AARON KIRBY | Fred, Young Marley, Broker
IVY MOODY | Felicity, Adult Fan, Martha
STEPHENIE SOOHYUN PARK | Lady of Charity, Belle, Prudence, Laundress
EMMA ROSENTHAL | Waitress, Christmas Past, Penelope
SCOTT VAN WYE | Young Scrooge, Nutley, Broker, Poulterer
MILICENT WRIGHT | Christmas Present, Charwoman
 
VIVIAN ABDALLA | Belinda Cratchit
EVIE BERRY | Tiny Tim
JACOB BREWER | Peter Cratchit
SADIE COHEN | Betsy Cratchit
JOCYLON EVANS | Belinda Cratchit
QUINTIN GILDDON JR. | Henry Cratchit
AUDREY GUAY | Tiny Tim
IAN LYNAM | Peter Cratchit
MARNIE MOORE | Betsy Cratchit
TOBIN SEIPLE | Henry Cratchit
 
BENJAMIN HANNA | Director
RUSSELL METHENY | Scenic Design
LINDA PISANO | Costume Design
MICHAEL LINCOLN | Lighting Design
ANDREW HOPSON | Composer
TODD MACK REISCHMAN | Sound Design
MARIEL GREENLEE | Choreographer
BRENT E. MARTY | Musical Director

SPECIAL EVENTS:

FIRST RESPONDERS $10 OFF DISCOUNT
November Performances + December 26 | Varied Performance Times
The IRT honors police, fire & first responders with a $10 off discount to this production for all November performances, excluding November 30 at 7PM. Discount can also be used for the 1PM performance on December 26. Valid ID must be presented to redeem.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Saturday, November 23, 2019 | 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! 

REINDEER VISIT
Friday, November 29, 2019 | Performance at 5 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 4:00 to 5:00 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Saturday, November 30, 2019 | Performance at 3 PM
From 2:15 – 2:45 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.

OPENING NIGHT
Saturday, November 30, 2019 | Performance at 7 PM
Raise a glass and cheers to the cast and crew at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, delight in a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and mingle with IRT Artisans.

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, November 30, 2019 | Performance at 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Sunday, December 1, 2019 | Performance at 1 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 

MEET THE DIRECTOR | Benjamin Hanna
Friday, December 6, 2019 | Performance at 7 PM
Starting at 6:15 PM, meet the director of A Christmas Carol, Benjamin Hanna, for a special pre-show chat about this treasured Indy holiday tradition.

HAPPY HOUR
Saturday, December 7, 2019 | Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM | Performances at 4 & 7 PM
Start your evening at the Theatre with IRT’s Happy Hour! Beginning at 5:30 PM, sample drinks from local distilleries, breweries and more before the performance. Sip, savor, and save with half-price drinks at the bar available throughout the evening.

REINDEER VISIT
Sunday, December 8, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 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 8, 2019 | Following the 2 PM performance
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
Sunday, December 8, 2019 | Performance at 6 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 5:00 to 6:00 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, December 13, 2019 | Following the 7 PM performance
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.

IRT ARTISAN MARKET
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | Performances at 1 PM, 4 PM, & 7 PM
Surrounding each performance this day, stroll through the Grand Lobby 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.

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | Performances at 1 PM & 4 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 2:30 to 4:00 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

PETTISVILLE CHOIR CAROLING
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
From 1:00 to 1:45 PM, enjoy the Pettisville Show Choir as they perform holiday carols in the Grand Lobby before the 2 PM show.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | Following the 2 PM performance
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
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | Performance at 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 | Following the 7 PM performance
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
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 | 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! 

REINDEER VISIT
Thursday, December 19, 2019 | Performance at 7 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Thursday, December 19, 2019 | Following the 7 PM performance
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.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION with Costume Designer Linda Pisano
Friday, December 20, 2019 | Following the 7 PM performance
Stay after the performance for a post-show discussion with Costume Designer Linda Pisano, the designer behind the all-new costumes for A Christmas Carol. Pisano serves as chair of the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance at IU Bloomington, where she is a professor of costume design. Hear about her inspiration and her design process for this exciting redesign.

MEET THE ARTIST | Kyle Ragsdale
Saturday, December 21, 2019 | Performance at 1 PM
For the past six seasons, the IRT has collaborated with Kyle Ragsdale, one of Indianapolis' most prolific artists, to create our production artwork. Before the show, meet Kyle and have him sign your program or the coloring page he’s created just for IRT’s A Christmas Carol.

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, December 21, 2019 | Performances at 4 PM & 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 5:30 to 7:00 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Sunday, December 22, 2019 | Performance at 1 PM
From 12:15 – 12:45 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
Sunday, December 22, 2019 | Following the 1 PM performance
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
Monday, December 23, 2019 | 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! 

REINDEER VISIT
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 | Performances at 1 PM & 4 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 2:30 to 4:00 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Thursday, December 26, 2019 | Performance at 1 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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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.