Meadow Brook Theatre celebrates the return of A Christmas Carol

Running Nov. 19 through Dec. 23, 2021, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

One of southeast Michigan’s favorite holiday traditions returns for the 39th year when Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and a handful of ghosts raise your spirits in A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre this November and December.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, original adaptation and staging by Charles Nolte, runs at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester from November 19 through December 23.

MBT favorite Thomas D. Mahard returns as Ebenezer Scrooge this year. Chris Bertini from St. Clair Shores is Tiny Tim. The cast also includes Jeff Thomakos (Ghost of Jacob Marley), Olivia Ursu (Spirit of Christmas Past), Anthony Guest (Spirit of Christmas Present), Scott Anthony Joy (Spirit of Christmas Future), and Stephen Blackwell and Kristina Riegle as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit.

Thomas D. Mahard as Ebenezer Scrooge. Chris Bertini as Tiny Tim.

Courtesy Sean Carter Photography

“We love A Christmas Carol,” says Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. “We couldn’t perform it last year, but we’re thrilled to be back. We’re making things as safe as possible. Everyone in the cast is vaccinated, they’re tested three times a week, and audience members are required to wear masks, per Oakland University’s policy.”

The Meadow Brook Theatre adaptation was written and originally staged by Charles Nolte. MBT Associate Director Terry W. Carpenter directs this season’s production, with original choreography by Jan Puffer. Scenic design is by Peter W. Hicks, lighting design by Reid G. Johnson, costume design by Mary Pettinato and sound design by Mike Duncan.

“We know things everywhere are different this year,” says Travis Walter, MBT’s artistic director. ”I hope that people will find comfort and joy in the familiarity of A Christmas Carol.”

Illustration by Chet Johnson

Tickets range from $35 to $49 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group discounts.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy A Christmas Carol, so we have our family weekend again this year. November 19, 20 and 21, children 5 to 12 are half price,” says Cheryl Marshall.

This production of A Christmas Carol is made possible through the generous support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

A special note: As Covid-19 is a constantly changing situation, MBT will be monitoring and adhering to the guidance given by the CDC, the State of Michigan, the Actor’s Equity Association, and Oakland University. Check the Meadow Brook Theatre website at www.mbtheatre.com for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution proudly serving southeast Michigan for more than 50 years. For additional information, visit www.mbtheatre.com.

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Performance Schedule with Ticket Prices

36 Total Performances

Family Weekend Nov 19-21: Half price for Kids 5-12

Friday, Nov 19
8pm $35

Saturday, Nov 20
2pm $35
6:30pm $35

Sunday, Nov 21
2pm $35

Friday, Nov 26
8pm $45

Saturday, Nov 27
2pm $43
6:30pm $48

Sunday, Nov 28
2pm $43
6:30pm $39

Wednesday, Dec 1
2pm $38

Thursday, Dec 2
8pm $41

Friday, Dec 3
8pm $45

Saturday, Dec 4
2pm $43
6:30pm $48

Sunday, Dec 5
2pm $43
6:30pm $39

Wednesday, Dec 8
7pm $38

Thursday, Dec 9
7pm $41

Friday, Dec 10
8pm $45

Saturday, Dec 11
2pm $43
6:30pm $48

Sunday, Dec 12
2pm $43
6:30pm $39

Tuesday, Dec 14
7pm $38

Wednesday, Dec 15
7pm $38

Thursday, Dec 16
7pm $41

Friday, Dec 17
8pm $45

Saturday, Dec 18
2pm $43
6:30pm $48

Sunday, Dec 19
2pm $43
6:30pm $39

Monday, Dec 20
8pm $44

Tuesday, Dec 21
8pm $44

Wednesday, Dec 22
2pm $44
8pm $46

Thursday, Dec 23
2pm $49

Cast and Crew

Ebenezer Scrooge: Thomas D. Mahard

Ghost of Jacob Marley: Jeff Thomakos

Spirit of Christmas Past: Olivia Ursu

Spirit of Christmas Present: Anthony Guest

Spirit of Christmas Future: Scott Anthony Joy

1st Charity Man: Chip DuFord

2nd Charity Man: Phil Powers

Bob Cratchit: Stephen Blackwell

Mrs. Cratchit: Kristina Riegle

Martha Cratchit: Olivia Kucemba (Rochester Hills)

Peter Cratchit: Vincent Farrehi (Rochester)

Belinda Cratchit: Elli Hoener (Rochester)

Matthew Cratchit: Finn Francis (Rochester Hills)

Tiny Tim Cratchit: Chris Bertini (St. Clair Shores)

Fred: Grant Cleaveland

Fred's Wife: Lexie Farrer

Turkey Boy: Ethan Sharp (Clarkston)

Scrooge as a Boy: Ethan Sharp (Clarkston)

Fan: Sky Seedman (Rochester Hills)

Fezziwig: Chip DuFord

Scrooge as a Young Man: Scott Anthony Joy

Dick Wilkins: Grant Cleaveland

Mrs. Fezziwig: Stephanie Nichols

Belle: Katy Kujala

Belle’s Husband: David Moan

Ignorance: Chris Bertini (St. Clair Shores)

Want: Lucy Silver (Oakland Township)

Merchants: David Moan, David Schoen, Jeff Thomakos

Old Joe: Phil Powers

Charwoman: Kai Stidham

Laundress: Stephanie Nichols

Undertaker: Chip DuFord

Londoners: Katie Akers, Chris Bertini (St. Clair Shores), Stephen Blackwell, Grant Cleaveland, Lexie Farrer, Anthony Guest, Scott Anthony Joy, Katy Kujala, Chip DuFord, Vincent Farrehi (Rochester), Finn Francis (Rochester Hills), Elli Hoener (Rochester), Olivia Kucemba (Rochester Hills), David Moan, Stephanie Nichols, Phil Powers, Kristina Riegle, David Schoen, Sky Seedman (Rochester Hills), Ethan Sharp (Clarkston), Lucy Jane Silver (Oakland Township), Kai Stidham, Jeff Thomakos, Olivia Ursu

Director/Stage Manager: Terry W. Carpenter

Adaptation & Original Staging: Charles Nolte

Assistant Stage Manager: Brittanie Nichole Sicker

Choral Director: Stacy White

Choral Arrangements: Caitlin Burke

Choral Director: Stacy White

Dance Mistress: Ann Acheson

Original Choreography: Jan Puffer

Dialect Coach: Lynnae Lehfeldt

Lighting Design: Reid G. Johnson

Costume Design : Mary Pettinato

Sound Design : Mike Duncan

Nov 11, 2021, Rochester.Life Staff