Record Bookings for A Christmas Carol!

Prince George, BC. — Tickets are flying off the shelf for Theatre North West’s upcoming tenth anniversary remount of A Christmas Carol. Bookings have been so heavy that Artistic Director, Ted Price and General Manager, Anne Laughlin have to make an unprecedented hold-over announcement. What’s so extraordinary is that the first performance is still four weeks away.

“There is no doubt that we have to hold the play over,” said Mr. Price. “We were expecting a positive response to the remount of A Christmas Carol but this is much bigger than we could have imagined. It’s an extraordinary situation. I’ve never heard of a hold-over being announced before a play even starts its rehearsals, although there has to be other examples somewhere.” The added performances will begin on December 9th.

Adapted by Canadian playwright, Jeff Pitcher, from the original Charles Dickens novel, the play was produced by Theatre North West back in 1998 and proved to be the theatre’s most popular production to date drawing the largest audience of any of the plays it’s produced over the past fifteen years.

“The overwhelming response to this year’s tenth anniversary remount of A Christmas Carol is due in large part to the reputation of that first production in 1998,” said Mr. Price. “This year’s production will receive in every way as much care and attention as the first one.”

Billy Vickers, who made a big impression on Prince George audiences with his portrayal of Scrooge will return this year to reprise his role. The Free Press said of his 1998 performance, “Mr. Vickers is masterful and commanding in a very demanding role……humanity has been re-injected into this very powerful and symbolic character.” The FreePress went on to say, “I so enjoyed the performance of this Christmas classic that I cannot insist enough to go and see it.”

Another prominent Canadian actor, Mr. Neil Barclay will be joining the cast for his first time on the TNW stage. Mr. Barclay’s acting talents are very much in demand by theatres across the country. He has been wanting to work with Theatre North West for a number of years but has been constantly booked elsewhere. His credits include performances in many of Canada’s leading theatres, The Tarragon Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, Theatre Passe Muraille, the National Arts Centre and eighteen years with the Shaw Festival. Welcome to Prince George, Mr. Barclay!

A Christmas Carol will be performed at Theatre North West in Parkhill Centre starting November 20th. On October 31st single tickets will go on sale at Books & Company or by phone at 250 614-0039. Those with Season Passes can book anytime, and in fact are encouraged to set their date as soon as possible, if they haven’t already done so. For a complete line-up of the 2008/09 season visit www.theatrenorthwest.com.