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A Noise Within (ANW), the acclaimed classical repertory theatre company, continues the cherished holiday tradition of presenting its well-loved production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol this year, onstage for the seventh holiday season. It is arguably the best, most sumptuous Christmas Carol around with a tour de force performance by Geoff Elliott as Ebenezer Scrooge. Read our review of last year’s production as a preview and get your tickets ASAP! This time-honored tale of forgiveness plays 17 performances only, Saturday, December 1 through Sunday, December 23, 2018. After the show, audience members are invited to enjoy a cup of cider and take photos with the cast.
This season, ANW is expanding the opportunities for members of the community to enjoy classical theatre by offering a Relaxed Performance of A Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 8 at 11am. Relaxed Performances provide an inviting environment for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Delay, Neuromuscular Disorder, Sensory Integrative Dysfunction, Attention Deficit Disorder and Disorders of Social Interaction and Communication. And all the production quality audiences expect from A Noise Within is still in place, with light and sound levels adjusted to create a sensory-friendly environment for all attending. A Noise Within is partnering with Ivor Weiner, Professor of Special Education at California State University Northridge, to ensure best practices for our Relaxed Performances.
Co-Producing Artistic Director Geoff Elliott, who adapted the play from the novella, will co-direct with Julia Rodriguez-Elliott this masterpiece about the redemptive and transformative power of love. In this production, hailed as “enchantment” by LA Weekly, Dickens’ poignant tale is matched by evocative original music by composer Ego Plum.
“We thought that this would be the best play for us to introduce our Relaxed Performances to our public, welcoming new audience members and their families into our live performance experience. Annually remounting our acclaimed presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol allows families to once again take a supremely theatrical journey and celebrate the transformative power of forgiveness during the holidays,” says Elliott. Julia Rodriguez-Elliott adds, “Ebenezer Scrooge’s rebirth from miserly curmudgeon to the epitome of love and generosity affirms our faith in the potent goodness of humanity during this beloved time of year.”
The Los Angeles Times has named A Christmas Carol a Critic’s Choice. “GO! Magic as soon as the lights come up!” says LA Weekly. “Beautifully appointed … a timeless holiday staple,” says Backstage, “Fresh and whimsical … dazzling” says Onstage Los Angeles, and “An exquisite retelling” says South Pasadenan.
Tickets for A Christmas Carol, starting at $25, are available online at www.anoisewithin.org and by phone by calling 626-356-3121. Pay What You Can night is Friday, December 14 at 8pm. Sunday Rush tickets are available on Sunday, December 9 at 7pm.
The cast includes Geoff Elliott* as Ebenezer Scrooge, Frederick Stuart* as Narrator, Deborah Strang* as Ghost of Christmas Past/Ensemble, Alan Blumenfeld* as Ghost of Christmas Present/Ensemble; Jeremy Rabb* as Marley/Ensemble, Kasey Mahaffy* as Mr. Cratchit/Ensemble (Dec. 1-19), Eric Curtis Johnson* as Mr. Cratchit/Ensemble (Dec. 20-23), Jill Hill* as Mrs. Cratchit/Ensemble, Rafael Goldstein* as Fred/Ensemble, Taleen Shrikian as Fred’s Wife/Ensemble, Roshni Shukla* as Belle/Ensemble, Jessamyn Arnstein as Martha Cratchit/Ensemble, Jack Elliott as Peter Cratchit/Ensemble, Elizabeth Riley as Belinda Cratchit/Ensemble, Sam Christian as Cratchit Child/Ensemble, Rigel Pierce-English as Cratchit Child/Ensemble, Daniel Baker-Garcia as Tiny Tim/Ensemble. The ensemble also includes Michael Yapujian, Marc Leclerc, Katie Rodriguez, and Nick Bruno. (*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States)
The scenic concept is by Jeanine A. Ringer; original costume design by Angela Balogh Calin†; lighting design by Ken Booth; original music composition by Ego Plum; music direction by Dr. Melissa Sky-Eagle; stage manager is Samantha Sintef*; props master is Sydney Russell; assistant stage manager is Kayla Hammett*; and dialect coach is Nike Doukas. (†Designer is represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829 of the IATSE)
More About Relaxed Performances
At a relaxed performance, the play will be edited down to 45 to 60 minutes in length, and lights and sound are reduced to make a welcoming environment for those who are distracted or upset by startling sounds or light changes. The house lights stay on during the performance, to ensure a safe environment for the audience and allow for easy movement around the theatre. Other aspects include:
- No strobe or sudden light effects are used.
- Patrons can talk and move around the theater as much as they wish during the performance.
- The use of mobile electronic devices is allowed during the performance.
- Designated activity/relaxation spaces will be available for those who need a break from the performance.
- Trained staff is available to assist all patrons throughout the event.
Dr. Ivor Weiner’s research focuses on autism, including social skills for individuals with autism, screenings and barriers faced by Latina mothers when accessing services for their children with autism. His research led to a $50,000 CVS Care Foundation award to purchase a mobile autism screening van to address the disparities in services for Latino families.
Anyone in the community is open to attend our fully inclusive experience for A Christmas Carol with the understanding that this performance is “Hush-Free,” and that there will be a certain level of sound and movement throughout the show. If you have any questions or to see if this performance is right for you and your family, please feel free to contact Alicia Green at 626-356-3104 or agreen@anoisewithin.org.
2018-2019 Season – Let Me In
“All of our 2018-19 offerings feature characters who are outliers – people who have blazed their own trail but nevertheless struggle for acknowledgement and acceptance,” says Geoff Elliott. “Let Me In isn’t about a physical space, it’s about the deeply human passion to be understood for who we are.”
In the spring, Shakespeare’s intimate tragedy Othello (February 10 – April 28, 2019) plays in rotating repertory with Tennessee Williams’ haunting memory play The Glass Menagerie (February 24 – April 26, 2019) and Mary Zimmerman’s retelling of the classic Greek myth of The Voyage of Jason and the Argonauts in Argonautika (March 20 – May 5, 2019). Following the spring repertory season, the popular and acclaimed ANW production of Noises Off (May 21 – June 9, 2019) returns. KCET is a media sponsor for A Noise Within’s 2018-19 Season. A Noise Within’s repertory theatre season is presented by the S. Mark Taper Foundation.
Julia Rodriguez-Elliott says, “Whether they’re in self-exile, or shunned, or led astray by hedonistic desires, or thrust there by the fickle cruelty of fate or the gods, all of these characters on the margins of society are fascinating and deeply resonant with anyone who has ever felt left out.”
About A Noise Within
A Noise Within, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary in the 2016-17 Season, was called “an oasis for those who love classic stories” by Los Angeles Times, and is a leading regional producer based in Pasadena, CA. ANW’s award-winning resident company practices a rotating repertory model at their state-of-the-art, 283-seat performing space. This venue, established in 2011, has allowed ANW to expand its audience, surpassing its previous box office, subscription, and attendance records each year.
In addition to producing world-class performances of classical theatre, the organization runs robust education programs committed to inspiring diverse audiences of all ages. Helmed by Producing Artistic Directors Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, who hold MFAs from San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, A Noise Within truly delivers CLASSIC THEATRE, MODERN MAGIC. http://www.anoisewithin.org
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
Adapted & Directed by Geoff Elliott
At A Noise Within, 3352 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Performance Dates and Times:
Saturday, December 1 at 2pm
Saturday, December 1 at 8pm
Sunday, December 2 at 2pm
Friday, December 7 at 8pm
Saturday, December 8 at 2pm
Sunday, December 9 at 2pm
Sunday, December 9 at 7pm (Sunday Rush)
Friday, December 14 at 8pm (Pay What You Can)
Saturday, December 15 at 2pm
Saturday, December 15 at 8pm
Sunday, December 16 at 2pm
Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30pm
