NU Theatre presents retelling of Dickens' holiday classic 'A Commedia Christmas Carol'

God bless us everyone! Niagara University Theatre offers a new twist on a beloved holiday classic from Dec. 4-14 with "A Commedia Christmas Carol" by playwright Matthew R. Wilson. The production will be directed by adjunct professors Robin Patterson and Terry Judd, founding members of Canada's Theatre Beyond Words, an international touring theater ensemble specializing in mask, clown, modern commedia dell'arte and visual theater.

This retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" will feature fantastically imagined masks, clowning and acrobatics. When Scrooge is visited by his old business partner, Marley, an unforgettable journey filled with ghosts, yuletides and premonitions sets the covetous old man on a path to salvation.

"A Commedia Christmas Carol" promises to be a treat for the whole family and a hilarious, heartfelt celebration of the holiday season.

The show will be on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7 pm on Thursdays, Dec. 4 and 11, and at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12, and Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13. Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14.

Set design is by David Dwyer, associate professor/design-technology and scenic designer/production manager. Costume, hair and makeup design is by Maureen T. Stevens, associate professor/costume, hair and makeup designer. Light design is by Patty Rihn and sound coordination is by adjunct faculty member Glenn Bernardis. Assistant director of the production is theatre performance student Brittany Shannon, Class of 2015 of Watertown. Stage manager is theatre design/technology alumna Stephanie Schmidt, '13, of Rochester. Assistant stage managers are theatre design/technology major Andrew Hayes of Buffalo and theatre performance major Clarissa Maloy of Kenmore.

Niagara University theatre performance majors who are in the cast include: Matthew Gilbert (Scrooge) of Berea, Ohio; Dylan Zalikowski (Bob Cratchit) of Springville; Phoebe Wright (Mrs. Cratchit) of Fairfield, Connecticut; Arianne Davidow (Dottore Solicitor) of Clarence Center; Kaylee LeRoy (Pantelone Solicitor) of Solvay; Preston D. Williams (Marley/Mr. Fezziwig) of Rabun Gap, Georgia; Jennel Nadine Pruneda (Mrs. Fezziwig) of Von Ormy, Texas; Anna Krempholtz (Ghost of Christmas Past) of East Aurora; Jessica Yagoda (Ghost of Christmas Present) of Oneida; Mark Pietruszka (Fred) of Lancaster; Kayla Storto (Clara) of Orchard Park; Shelby Ehrenreich (Belle) of North Tonawanda; Ian Francis LaLonde (Young Scrooge) of Buffalo; Christina Scott (Young Fan) of Niagara Falls; and Andy Buscaglia (Tiny Tim) of Grand Island.

For tickets, visit http://theatre.niagara.edu/; stop by the box office in the lobby of the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall (Monday-Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain); call 716-286-8685; or email [email protected].