Friends of Niagara University Theatre host 'Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol'

Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, kindly Bob Cratchit, lovable Tiny Tim and the haunting ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will vividly come to life in "Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25, at Niagara University's Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall.

Sponsored by the Friends of Niagara University Theatre, this family-friendly production features a critically acclaimed solo performance by WKBW-TV Chief Meteorologist Mike Randall. The matinee performance will be immediately followed by a reception in the theater lounge where audience members can meet Randall and sample holiday cookies.

Celebrated for his one-man show, "Mark Twain Live!," which has received standing ovations at NU and at theaters around the country, Randall has also performed the role of British author Charles Dickens about 75 times with his one-man show, "Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol." The show premiered to rave reviews in 2007 at Buffalo's MusicalFare Theatre.

A lover of Buffalo history, Randall discovered that Dickens had actually performed in Buffalo in 1868. A wildly popular Victorian-era author who had once considered acting as a career, from 1858 through 1870, Dickens presented readings of his most popular books throughout England and North America. Dickens relished the opportunity to perform his works and to meet his readers. He was a hit - reportedly throwing himself into his readings, becoming the characters in his books and acting out scenes, from "Oliver Twist" to "A Christmas Carol," his most well known tale.

As chief meteorologist for WKBW-TV's "Good Morning Western New York," Randall is also an award-winning feature reporter who has interviewed such celebrities as Willie Nelson, Steve Allen, Bill Cosby, Gregory Peck and Red Skelton. In addition to his celebrated one-man shows, Randall is a magician and member of the Puppeteers of America.

Tickets for "Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol" are $20 for adults and $10 for children (age 12 and under). Purchase them at http://theatre.niagara.edu/boxoffice/, visit the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, call 716-286-8685 or email [email protected].