It’s almost time for the holidays and in Harlem. The Classical Theatre of Harlem, run by Ty Jones, producing artistic director, will present “A Christmas Carol,” right here in Harlem, which is based on the timeless work by Charles Dickens, Nov. 27 to Dec. 8, at The City College of New York’s Aaron Davis Hall.
“A Christmas Carol in Harlem” is adapted by Shawn René Graham, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III and choreographed by Tiffany Rea-Fisher. This reimagining of the classic Christmas tale will include some original music and classic holiday carols tinged with gospel, hip-hop, pop and R&B influences, which celebrate the spirit of the season the Harlem way.
It’s a modern tale and it’s set in Harlem, and it’s dramatized with CTH’s signature style of infusing classic works with an uptown flair. ”A Christmas Carol in Harlem” places Ebenezer Scrooge as a real estate mogul who has made his fortune at the expense of others. Scrooge foregoes using his wealth to affect positive change within his Harlem community and instead lives a life of miserly solitude. That is, until three unexpected visitors arrive on Christmas Eve to show him that the value of family and the impact of cooperation will lead to a healthy, thriving and prosperous community.
Keeping it real, “A Christmas Carol in Harlem” touches on the issues that are affecting so many New Yorkers today, such as gentrification and social inequality, but infuses these issues with humor and hope.
“We are on the precipice of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance,” said Jones, Classical Theatre of Harlem’s producing artistic director. “What a remarkable opportunity to launch into the next century by complementing the existing holiday programming downtown with a show that has a unique uptown New York City aesthetic. I believe that ‘A Christmas Carol in Harlem’ will become a classic seasonal offering on par with other beloved, locally based holiday productions. Shawn René Graham has taken Dickens’ classic to show how a community is healed one family at a time and exemplifies how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love at Christmastime.”
This production is recommended for all ages, and the company of “A Christmas Carol in Harlem” stars Jason C. Brown (as the Spirit of Christmas Present; “The Misanthrope,” “Duchess of Malfi”), Reed Harris Butts (as Bennie) Daniel Echevarria (as Fezz; “In the Heights,” “Something Like a Fairytale,” “The Open Gate”), Paula Galloway (as Claudette; “The Colored Museum,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’”), Brandon Gregory (as the Spirit of Christmas Past) Steve Hauck (as Jacob Marley, “The Velocity of Autumn,” “Irena’s Vow”), Emery Jones (as Tiny Timothia), Kaden Jones (as Child Scrooge) Alexandria Danielle King (as Sierra Jones; “Antigone”), Kahlil X Daniel (as the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come), Anthony Vaughn Merchant (as Scrooge), Sarita Amani Nash (as Fan and Belle), Angela Polite (as Clock Shop Lady; “Mary Speaks,” “Flambeaux”) Jeffrey Rashad (as Bob Cratchit and Young Scrooge) and Kenzie Ross (as Mrs. Cratchit; “Blood at the Root,” “When We Left”). The ensemble features dancers from Elisa Monte Dance.
Performances will be Tuesday to Saturday at 8 p.m., with select Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Classical Theatre of Harlem website.
The Classical Theatre of Harlem is an American theater company that tells stories as seen through the lens of the African Diaspora and does work that honors the cultural legacy of the neighborhood in which it was founded: Harlem. CTH combines original adaptations, music and dance to present great classics of world literature as well as contemporary works that will stand the test of time while being truly reflective of the diversity of ideas and racial tapestry that is America. Since its founding in 1999, CTH has presented works ranging from traditional classical playwrights (Anton Chekhov, Euripides and William Shakespeare) to established 20th-century playwrights (August Wilson, Langston Hughes and Jean Genet) to new plays by emerging playwrights. CTH also proudly provides theater-based training and live theater experiences to Harlem youth and their families through its arts education program, Project Classics. The organization engages new audiences, provides artistic development of new work and gives exposure to emerging playwrights with its three free reading series: Future Classics, Playwrights’ Playground and Revisited Classics.