ROSE VALLEY, PA — Back by popular demand, A Christmas Carol Comedy returns to Hedgerow this Holiday Season. Leap into the holiday spirit with Katie Leamen’s fun and festive adaptation of A Christmas Carol featuring performing veterans and regional favorites Brian Anthony Wilson and Christopher Patrick Mullen. Wilson assumes the iconic role of Ebeneezer Scrooge and Mullen returns to take on Everybody Else with his renowned comic dexterity. Celebrated and versatile Philadelphia theatre artist Pete Pryor, who helmed the US Premiere at Hedgerow last year, returns to direct this gleefully inventive take on the classic tale that will delight the whole family. This year, A Christmas Carol Comedy runs November 22-December 24. Opening Night is Friday, November 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20-35, plus fees, and are available online at www.hedgerowtheatre.org.
Playwright Katie Leamen is excited for the return of her highly anticipated play to the Hedgerow stage. “It brings me immense joy to see A Christmas Carol Comedy so warmly received by the team at Hedgerow Theatre and the larger community that supports this historic company,” said Leamen. “Last year’s American premiere was a huge gift; but for that excellent production to sell out, extend, sell out again, and then be welcomed back for a second season is the stuff of dreams. Like Scrooge, every visit with these wise and mischievous ghosts cracks open my mind and heart a little wider, to see the world a little more clearly to where hope, joy, humor, and generosity can best serve.”
Director Pete Pryor also recognizes the timeliness of communal recognition and celebration. “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a beloved story about redemption and the opportunity and responsibility of learning how-to live-in celebration with humanity,” observes Pryor. “It has been celebrated and presented in myriad forms for ages but It could not be more relevant in our current time. I am excited about this opportunity to explore these most important themes with two wonderful actors and our great creative team.”
Comic virtuoso Christopher Patrick Mullen eagerly returns to what he describes as a “heartfelt, madcap, Dickensian romp.” He professes that “it’s a blast to rehearse and perform!” and recalls that “Hedgerow audiences couldn’t get enough of this hilarious little holiday gem last holiday season; many of them returned a second and a third time! Me too! I want seconds! And this time I’m coming back with the BAW [Brian Anthony Wilson]!”
For Brian Anthony Wilson, known for his gravitas and big stage presence, stepping into this larger-than-life role feels like a homecoming of sorts. “I got my Equity Card portraying the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol at The Actors Theatre of Louisville in 1996 and I have seen many different versions of A Christms Carol at Hedgerow, usually on Christmas Eve, kind of a tradition,” said Brian Anthony Wilson. ” So now, playing Scrooge at Hedgerow, working with Pete Pryor and Christopher Patrick Mullen, two phenomenal artists that I admire greatly, feels ‘full circle.’ I am beyond thrilled!”
To create the world of Dickens’ famed ghost story, as well as meet the madcap pace of the play, Sarah Stryker and Lily Fossner return to the challenge as Scenic Designer and Lighting Designer, respectively. They collaborate once again with Jamel Baker, this time as Sound Designer, and are joined by Elizabeth Hanson as Costume Designer and Susan Wefel as Props Coordinator. Ali Caiazzo Stage Manages and Kate Fossner helms as Production Manager.
To crack open and widen the welcome for the care and joy this story embodies, Hedgerow continues to create space and access for the community. This production features American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation by Hands UP Productions on Dec 9th at 3pm, which is also a Relaxed and audio described performance. Open Captioning will be offered during an entire week of performances, and Hedgerow hosts a family-friendly LGBTQ+ Pride Night offered in partnership with Swarthmore Pride on December 7th. This warm welcome includes a lobby display featuring an exhibit of winter-themed artwork by students from the School in Rose Valley, and pre-show gatherings and receptions, plus music in the lobby by folk duo “Last Chance” and other musicians throughout the run.
This holiday season, Hedgerow leads with mirth, laughter, generosity, and communal celebration. With seasoned artists at the helm, A Christmas Carol Comedy promises to be a memorable experience of unbridled merriment for the whole family.
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