Scrooge returns for annual holiday classic at High Point Theatre

The High Point Enterprise, N.C.
·3 min read

Dec. 6—HIGH POINT — Everybody's favorite humbugger, Ebenezer Scrooge, returns to High Point this week with High Point Community Theatre's ninth annual "A Christmas Carol: The Musical," a production that combines the nostalgia of the holidays with the splendor of a Broadway-style musical.

Shows will be presented Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. All performances will be at the High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave.

"The 'Christmas Carol' story has been told on stage in hundreds, maybe even thousands, of variations," said Courtney Lowe, president of High Point Community Theatre.

"All of the versions share the same heart — a story of redemption, forgiveness and renewal — but they each have their own brand of storytelling. High Point Community Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol: The Musical' remains true to Charles Dickens' classic tale, while the addition of music adds an element of fun and whimsy. You will leave the theater with a song in your heart and a smile on your face."

The musical originally opened in 1994 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It is filled with beautiful melodies by Alan Menken and memorable lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (the creators of "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid"). HPCT's production has a cast of 62 local actors and a 12-musician orchestra.

Director and music director Mike Lasley, who has been on the production team of HPCT's show since it debuted in 2015, says one of the most exciting things about coming back to the show year after year is finding ways to make adjustments to the annual production.

"Some of my favorite changes are the very small ones — a different way of delivering a line that can change the meaning, a different movement of one's body to change their character's intent or changing the tempo of a song to change the mood," he says. "This year we have added several digital projections to our collection of classic backdrops to enhance the visual storytelling."

The show runs about 90 minutes. Although it's family-friendly, it does use some mild adult language to help illustrate Scrooge's transformation from miserly to merry.

Tickets range from $20 to $25 and can be bought online at www.highpointtheatre.com or www.hpct.net. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the theater box office at 336-887-3001.

There will also be a special pay-what-you-can option at the door at 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 7. This production will be the cast's final dress rehearsal. No playbills will be distributed that night, and seating is first-come-first-served.

This year, HPCT is also introducing Scrooge's Socks, an initiative that will benefit the homeless in High Point. For each production, audience members are encouraged to bring new pairs of socks to place in a collection box in the theater lobby. The socks will be given to Open Door Ministries to distribute to those in need.

For more information, visit www.hpct.net.