A.C.T.’s “A Whynot Christmas Carol” Brightens the Holiday Season!
From Obie Award-winning playwright Craig Lucas and Tony Award winner and A.C.T. Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon comes “Whynot Christmas Carol”, a joyous and puckishly funny adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic. It is currently being performed at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater now through Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
A small theater troupe in the town of Whynot has gathered to put up their director’s new version of “A Christmas Carol”. From the first rehearsal to opening night, we follow these sometimes-reluctant comrades on their quest to put on a great show with too little time and money but no shortage of opinions. An ingenious set and costume design by Tony Award winner David Zinn (A.C.T.’s The Wizard of Oz) and choreography by Erika Chong Shuch transports us behind the curtain as our ragtag cast boldly tackles prop mishaps and dance blunders, collaborating against all odds in hopes of a holiday miracle: real change. With festive music, magical ghosts, an effervescent cast of kids, and ample hijinks, this new Bay Area holiday tradition brings Dickens’ timeless message of generosity to life, reminding us to embrace kindness throughout the year.
The cast of “A Whynot Christmas Carol” features Catherine Castellanos (Fran), Devin A. Cunningham (Chima), Michelle Drexler (Fran/Karen Understuy), Dan Hiatt (Phil), Rosie Hallett (Karen), Patrick Kelly Jones (Holts), John R. Lewis (Jess/Chima Understudy), Sarah Toby Moore (Swan), Jenny Nguyen Nelson (Simone), Carrie Paff (Aubrei/Swan Understudy), Gianna DiGregorio Rivera (Lark), Stacy Ross (Aubrei), Michael Shipley (Holts/Phil Understudy), Alyssa Leanne So (Simone/Lark Understudy), and Jomar Tagatac (Jess).
“A Whynot Christmas Carol” brings together everything we love about the season – ghosts, music, magic, humor, and a fresh take on a beloved story that speaks to our times,” said director Pam MacKinnon. “It’s a celebration of the common good and the importance of community that resonates with audiences of all ages.”
For tickets or more information please visit act-sf.org or phone (415) 749-2228.
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Photo caption: Dan Hiatt (Phil) in the world premiere of “A Whynot Christmas Carol” performing at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater now through December 24, 2024. (Photo credit: Kevin Berne)