This year, Curio Theatre is premiering an exciting seasonal favorite, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, December 11, 2008 to January 4, 2009, adapted by Jared Reed, and directed by Gay Carducci.

Retaining much of Dickens' actual writing, Reed will bring to life all of Dickens' colorful characters, from Scrooge himself to Tiny Tim, in a one-man performance, inspired by research into the public performances performed by Charles Dickens himself.

But don't expect a mere reading! Curio's production will be accompanied by lighting effects and original music composed by Drew Peterson, and staged in the beautiful newly opened Sanctuary.

The story of notorious miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who sees nothing merry in "Merry Christmas," may be familiar, but just wait until you see this exciting new production! Critics have praised Curio's orginal adaptations for their "emotional, lyrical, narrative, musical, visual and sheer thespian power" and this new production will work the same magic on Dickens' beloved tale.

Show adapter and performer Jared Reed said of Curio's new holiday show, "It's a ghost story about redemption, about the humanity lying in wait within all of us, breaking out no matter how much we try to push it down. It's a story about the human need for something outside of us to live and strive for. It's about kindness, empathy, and understanding. It's about human frailty. It's about us."

Evening performances will be 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday (with the exception of Opening Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.), and 2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 11-Jan. 4. Opening night, Friday, Dec. 12, also includes a complimentary post-show party next door at Abbraccio Restaurant, 820 S 47th Street, Philadelphia.

Tickets are $10-$22 ($10 tickets for students) with discounts for groups of 10 or more. Groups should contact Marla Moyer, director of Group Sales, at 610-566-4024, or email mmoyer@curiotheatre.org. Performances will be staged at the Sanctuary, 4740 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia. For ticket information and showtimes, visit www.curiotheatre.org or call 215-525-1350.