The finale of "A Christmas Carol,"
The Highlands Ballet Company announces the revival of "A Christmas Carol," a Highlands Ballet original, first presented in 2002.
"The only work of its kind in the immediate area, it quickly became a holiday favorite," says Deanna Cole, artistic director. "Highlands' "Christmas Carol' is a magical production of dance, theater and music all wrapped into one glorious Christmas package."
This heartwarming account of a long ago time of privation, egoism and valor stirs in everyone the same feelings of love, forgiveness and repentance that transformed Scrooge from a grumbling "Bah! Humbug!" old man to sharing Tiny Tim's happy "God bless Us, Every One!"
This story is as much a part of a traditional Christmas as mistletoe, plum pudding, carolers, holly wreaths and candlelight processions.
"A Christmas Carol" was first published in 1843 and has not been out of print since that time. It brings to the holiday season a beloved group of fictional friends. Scrooge, Marley's Ghost, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future are as familiar as Santa Claus and the Christmas tree.
Dickens himself read his heartwarming tale publicly on Christmas Eve. It evokes both the gloom and disappointment of those who lack the Christmas Spirit, and the joy of those who continually raise a wassail cup to goodwill toward all mankind.
"We have choreographed a version of this favorite holiday classic for the community. The cast of characters is immense and includes actors, musicians and vocalists, as well as local and professional dancers. "A Christmas Carol,' as a ballet, brings to the area a special holiday experience that will remind us, with laughter and tears, that the True Christmas Spirit comes from giving with love," Cole says.
Performances are at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts on the Emory & Henry College campus, Emory, Va. Matinee performances are at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. An evening performance is Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 seniors and students, and $8 for children.
