WTC brings ‘A Christmas Carol: The Musical’ to stage

The Whitefish Theatre Company’s holiday production will be “A Christmas Carol: The Musical”. This Broadway hit musical from Alan Menkin, one of America’s most acclaimed composers, is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’s enduring story of hope and redemption. 

“A Christmas Carol: The Musical” has performances on Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee shows on Dec. 10 and 17 at 4 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. A general admission preview of the show will be held on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.  

Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!”, Scrooge infamously scowls his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving. On Christmas Eve, however, Scrooge is forced to face his selfish ways when he meets three ghosts who lead him through his Past, Present and Future. What happens when he gets a glimpse of how his life will turn out if he doesn't change his miserly ways? 

Brimming magic, splendid costumes, and rousing musical numbers by Alan Menkin (“Little Mermaid”, Beauty and the Beast”), “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” celebrates the importance of family, friendship, and love and is the perfect family-friendly event to kick off the holiday season.

“‘A Christmas Carol’ remains one of the longest-running, most adapted holiday tales to date,” says director Kim Krueger. “I think almost anyone over the age of 10 has seen some form of it, be it one of the many TV or movie versions, the Disney adaptation, or even the one by The Muppets! I know many who adore the 1951 version with Alastair Sim, as well as the 1988 “Scrooged” version with Bill Murray.” 

Krueger adds, “But what makes this musical adaptation so special is the way the music so beautifully intertwines with the story and creates an emotional bridge between the characters and the audience. Not to mention the dance numbers and spectacle that Alan Menkin musicals are known for.” 

This cast includes Malcolm Sharbutt as Scrooge, Michael Oaks as Cratchit, Laura Abernethy as The Ghost of Christmas Past, Rob Koelzer as The Ghost of Christmas Present, Joy James as The Ghost of Christmas Future, and Mikey Winn as Jacob Marley. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of 34 talented actors, ages 10 to 77, all playing multiple characters to bring the city streets of 1800s London to life. 

“For 180 years, this classic has been told and re-told, as the lessons Scrooge needs to learn are still relevant to this day,” says Krueger. “While putting on a show of this size can be daunting, I am constantly floored by the talent, dedication and heart of our amazing community who fills all the roles of cast, band, and crew.” 

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for the preview performance on Dec. 7 are sold only at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish or by calling 862-5371. Box Office Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by American Bank with an outreach performance for local students sponsored by Stockman Bank, Flathead Electric, and Pat Thiel and Scott Plotkin.