In the Spirit of Giving, NDNU Presents "A Christmas Carol"

For the twenty-sixth year, Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) and The Performing Arts Company celebrate the spirit of giving learned by Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol: The Gift,” the longest running musical adaptation of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” in the Bay Area. NDNU Theatre will offer free performances of the musical from Dec. 9-18 as a gift to the community.

This holiday treat features the Alan Menken/Lynn Ahrens/Mike Ockrent musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” which was brought to life in a television version by Kelsey Grammer and is performed annually at Madison Square Garden.

The NDNU production traditionally features professional production elements such as an elaborate mobile set, several thousand costume elements, sound system and properties. This year audiences will be treated to a wide array of lighting and special effects generated by recently installed control systems and movable lighting instruments, purchased with funds donated to The Gift by individuals and organizations.

This gift keeps on giving to those in need in the community. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or new toy to be distributed to organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank.

A treasured holiday experience for Bay Area residents, “A Christmas Carol: The Gift” is also an annual tradition for many talented actors, singers and dancers. The cast includes over seventy performers, many of whom perform with professional theatre, dance and opera companies during the year.

A gala performance will be presented Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. followed by a reception in the elegant Ralston Hall Mansion, to offset production costs. Tickets for the gala performance are $50 general, $20 for children under 12.

Free performances of “A Christmas Carol: The Gift” are Dec. 10, 15, 17 and 18 at 2 p.m., and Dec. 10, 11, 16, and 17 at 7:30 p.m. For more information and to order tickets, visit http://www.christmascarolthegift.org.