The holidays and community go hand in hand much of the time and this year is no different. The Gilbert community is preparing for the holiday season in a variety of ways, including at the Hale Centre Theatre, where everyone is preparing for their annual A Christmas Carol.
Jamie Fleischer, Production Assistant at the Hale Centre Theatre, says it is a big on-taking each season. “There are so many actors and so much activity backstage during the show that everything has to be very coordinated to keep things running smoothly.”
The community performance is one that local residents look forward to each and every holiday season, with favorite performances and performers returning to the stage for the 2023 show. “We are so excited to have Rob Stuart and Tim Dietlein portray Ebenezer Scrooge once again in our 21st annual production of A Christmas Carol. We have an exciting addition to the show this year; Joey Morrison, previously seen as Bob Cratchit in last year’s production, will also be in the rotation as our third Ebenezer Scrooge. We have two very talented casts who have been working hard to help bring this beloved story to life.”
However, it isn’t just about the actors on the stage, there are a ton of other people who should take credit for this show going off in spectacular fashion each year. Fleischer shares, “As usual, you can expect breathtaking costumes, lighting, special effects, and so much more! We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the amazing crew behind the scenes.”
Everyone under the age of 5 is invited to attend the show, but that comes with a small warning for families and parents. “There are a couple of scenes that are youngest audience members might find a bit scary. There is yelling, flashing lights, scary music, and thunder at times, so if this might not be up your kid’s alley, consider another one of our shows for them to experience,” says Fleischer.
This is the 21st annual production this year and Fleischer shares that they have some patrons who have come back season after season to see the show in all its delight and glory. For the cast and crew, it is all about bringing the community together to celebrate the joy of the season. “There’s a lot of torment, conflict, and division in the world. We love that this story shows that hearts can change. If people were willing to look at how they lived in the past, soften their hearts and change the future, so many conflicts could be solved.”
A Christmas Carol will be playing on Monday through Saturday evenings at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, with select 11:00 am and 2:00 pm matinees from November 30th through December 23rd.
Adult tickets start at $45 and Youth tickets start at $30.
For tickets and other information, call the Box Office at 480-497-1181 or visit the website at haletheatrearizona.com.
“We have many families who have made our production of A Christmas Carol an annual tradition which helps kick off the holiday season in a positive way. With carols, dancing, humor, and a heartwarming message, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”