CSC Announces Return to Indoor Performances
CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE HOLIDAY RETURN OF
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Baltimore, Md. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will reopen its doors for public performances this holiday season by mounting a brand-new version of its annual production of A Christmas Carol. This will be the seventh staging of the classic story at the company’s Downtown Baltimore City theatre, having been shuttered last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A Christmas Carol runs Dec. 1-23, with previews Dec. 1-2, and press night Dec. 3.
The original novella by Charles Dickens was first adapted for the CSC stage by Artistic Director Ian Gallanar in 2014. For 2021, the show has been streamlined but still honors the spirit of both the original story and the CSC adaptation—with a Baltimore twist. In story and song, this adaptation celebrates Baltimore charm and Chesapeake culture, as the beloved tale unfolds in Victorian Baltimore’s familiar neighborhoods, including Fells Point and Mount Vernon.
Resident Company Member Gregory Burgess returns for a seventh time as Ebenezer Scrooge, the grumpy Baltimore miser whose cold, stingy heart must thaw if he wishes to save the life of sickly Tiny Tim. Lizzi Albert and Erin Bone Steele direct a diverse and musical cast featuring local professional actors and children recruited from area schools and acting programs, including The Studio at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.
Changes were made to the production in order to ensure a smooth return to the theatre for both audiences and artists alike, explains Producing Executive Director Lesley Malin: “We knew we had to make sure A Christmas Carol was back on stage this year—it wouldn’t feel like Christmas time without it; it certainly didn’t last year. We also knew we’d have to make some adjustments to ensure everyone feels as comfortable as possible so they can get into the holiday spirit.”
The show itself has been trimmed to a “nimble and energetic” 90 minutes (with no intermission) that packs in all the highlights, according to Malin. And in addition to a fully upgraded HVAC system, the company is also taking other measures to reduce potential exposure and enhance safety, like offering socially-distanced seating options at all performances.
A Christmas Carol opens Friday, Dec. 3, with previews Dec. 1 and 2, and closes the Thursday before Christmas, Dec. 23. Visit www.chesapeareshakespeare.com for more information, or call the box office at 410-244-8570. Press night is Friday, Dec. 3.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
A Christmas Carol
Adapted from the Charles Dickens novella by Ian Gallanar
Directed by Lizzi Albert and Erin Bone Steele
CAST LIST (in alphabetical order)
Gregory Burgess** – Ebenezer Scrooge
Kathryne Daniels** – Mrs. Fezziwig, Mary Pickersgill, and others
Diana Gonzalez-Ramirez – Young Belle, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, and others
Jonas Connors-Grey** – Christmas Present, Mr. Fezziwig, and others
Jose Guzman** – Bob Cratchit and the Ghost of Marley
Isaiah Harvey – Fred, Young Scrooge, and others
Carolyn Kashner – Christmas Past, Laura, and others
Brendan Kennedy** – Topper, Robert Cary Long, Josiah, and others
Molly Moores** – Mrs. Cratchit, Second Gentleman
B'Jion Wright – Miss Winthrop, Dorothy, and others
YOUTH CAST (in alphabetical order)
Alex Jones - Schoolboy 1/ Want/ Cratchit kid/ Child 1
Vivian Klepper - Party Guest/ Martha Cratchit/ Townsperson
Ryan Macdonald - Schoolboy 2/ Cratchit kid/ Child 2
Jaylen Palmer - Schoolboy Scrooge/ Peter Cratchit/ A Boy
Gennie Bone Steele - Fanny/ Mary Cratchit
Penny Bone Steele - Ignorance/ Fanny
** Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Resident Actor
IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION:
CSC will continue to follow all Baltimore city and Maryland state regulations and restrictions, as well as health and safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control. Visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com before purchasing tickets or attending a performance for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 procedures and precautions being taken.
- Regardless of age, masks required at all times when in the theatre.
- Proof of vaccination or negative PCR test from 72 hrs. prior to the performance required.
- Socially-distanced seating options are available. To ensure there is appropriate space between each party, these seats must be purchased by calling the Box Office directly.
- No cash will be accepted; no food or drinks available for this production.
- Full production programs will be made available digitally. Printed cast lists will be available onsite upon request.
- All Chesapeake Shakespeare Company staff and artists have been vaccinated.
LOCATION:
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is located at 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, two blocks north of the Inner Harbor. Parking is available for the discounted rate of $5 at the Arrow Parking covered lot on 204 East Lombard Street. The theatre is also accessible using the FREE Charm City Circulator and is located on the Purple Route. For more detailed information about directions, parking, and public transportation, click here.
TICKETS:
Adult tickets range from $45-$75, tickets for youth under 25 range from $20-$40, and preview tickets are $22. To purchase tickets, visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com, or contact the Box Office directly by calling 410-244-8570 or visiting in person at 7 South Calvert Street. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more, active duty military, seniors, and anyone age 25 or younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
DATES AND TIMES:
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 8:00 pm PREVIEW
Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm PREVIEW
Friday, December 3, 2021 at 8:00 pm OPENING NIGHT
Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Friday, December 10, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Wednesday, December 15, at 1:00 pm
Thursday, December 16, at 7:30 pm
Friday, December 17, at 8pm
Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 7:30 pm
ABOUT CHESAPEAKE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY:
Founded in 2002 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company brings great classic theatre to Baltimore, Howard County, the state of Maryland, and beyond. We offer performances of Shakespeare and other plays of classic stature that are unforgettable and create experiences that are engaging and exciting, challenging and innovative. In 2012, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company acquired the Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust Company building in downtown Baltimore, renovating it into a modern Globe Theater for indoor performances, while continuing to produce outdoor Shakespeare every summer at the PFI Historic Park in Howard County. The organization regularly serves 30,000+ people annually through artistic projects and community engagement initiatives, and vibrant and continually growing education activities. CSC’s education program includes both an extensive matinee series, camps, classes, and in- and out-of-school residencies. We invite our patrons, our students, and our neighbors to become part of the creative collaboration that generates powerful, magical theatre and a more purposeful, more engaged, and more connected community.