November 13, 2008

Vest Pocket Christmas Carol. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alys Stephens Center's ASC Kid's Club will present the original ASC production "A Dickens Vest Pocket Christmas Carol," at 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the center's Reynolds Kirschbaum Recital Hall, 1200 10th Ave. S. Tickets are $7. Children and families can come early for each show to enjoy holiday cookies in the lobby. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information. Sponsors are Jane Stephens Comer, The Birmingham News, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation and Viva Health.

This original ASC production for children will be presented in much the same fashion as Dickens' own touring performances in the United States in 1860. The audience is invited to follow the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is confronted with eternal regret or redemption in this Christmas tale. All of the favorite characters from the timeless classic are on hand, as 10 talented actors portray dozens of characters, including all of the Christmas Ghosts, the Cratchet family, Mr. Fezziwig, Fred and Millie, and of course, Tiny Tim. There will even be an appearance by Mr. Dickens.

This production is written, adapted and directed by the Alys Stephens Center's own Jerry Sims, whose original works include "Down the Yellow Brick Road," "Yuletide in Dogtown," "So You Want to Be a Star," "Christmas Comes to Mugwumpville" and "The Mad Hatter's Tea Party."

The cast includes Ron Bourdages, Dwayne Johnson, Hannah Wilkeson, Ian Smith, Jessica Holdnak, Joesph Ellis, Karla Stamps, Michael T. Walters and Ethan Britt, with Jerry Sims as Ebenezer Scrooge.