Annual Favorite, 'A Christmas Carol' Opens Hedgerow Theatre's Holiday Season
Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed directs 15th Year of this Holiday Favorite

Producing Artistic Director, Penelope Reed, and the Hedgerow Theatre Company invites area audiences to celebrate the holiday season with Hedgerow's 15th "Annual Holiday Gift to the Community" Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, adapted by international director/playwright Nagle Jackson, Nov 28-Dec 28. Part of the Heritage Series, this year's Carol continues Hedgerow's tradition of producing classics that feature generations of veteran and emerging artists in its intimate 1840 Gristmill Playhouse.

Adapted by Nagle Jackson, A Christmas Carol abounds in much of Dickens' original language. Audience and actors of all ages join Scrooge on his Christmas Eve journey in a lively production that features story and song that resonate afresh every year. Themes of redemption, guidance, light in darkness -- all have had their particular focus in production. As leading actress when Jackson was Artistic Director of McCarter and Milwaukee Repertory theatres, Reed originated the role of Christmas Past and Miss Emily. "What joy to reconnect and regain one's balance every year with this magnificent work of art. Some say, "Why do A Christmas Carol every year. It's so popular!' I say, "That's right! It the people's story - each presents a new theme that serves as plumb line for fresh interpretation. This year with world wide hardships, conflicts and isolation, we see a particular need to respect differences, work together and help each other. Dickens' magnificent Carol sings across a century and a half reminding us through songs we sing, the stories we share, the ideas we aspire to, we together can improve the world."

Theatre veterans Zoran Kovcic (as Scrooge) and Susan Wefel (as Mrs. Dilber) return for the 15th year to romp onstage with other ensemble members Sarah Gafgen, Brian Gallagher, Cosmo Marino, alongside resident fellows (Ashley Bloom, Clyde Brooks, Maggie Cogswell, Michael Chittenden, Mellitta McKethan and Carl Smith) and a host of (over 60) Hedgerow students and local actors of all ages. In recent years, Ms. Reed has staged productions of Mr. Jackson's plays Kafka in the Hedgerows, This Day And Age, In The Family Room and A Hotel On Marvin Gardens. As part of Hedgerow's Signature Series, Hedgerow will produce a world premiere comedy/thriller by Mr. Jackson, The White Room April 17-May 10, 2009.

There will be a pre-show Christmas tea at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, followed by the 2 p.m. matinee. The theater is also offering a Sunday package ($44) which includes tickets to any 2 p.m. Sunday matinee at Hedgerow followed by dinner at the Towne House Restaurant in downtown Media. Performances are Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Nov. 23-Dec. 30; Saturday, Dec. 13, 20 and 27 at 4 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 14, 21 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. There are additional performances Christmas week, but no show on Dec. 25. Tickets are $22-$30 for adults with discounts for seniors and students. Tickets are $12 for those age 18 and younger. Call for information on group discounts. The show has a running time of two hours. Call (610) 565-4211 for reservations. Hedgerow Theatre is located at 64 W. Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley, PA. Visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org for more information.