Sundog Theatre to perform ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Empire Outlets Dec. 7

Published on November 27, 2024 | Written by Carol Ann Benanti

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sundog Theatre will present Scrooge, the three Ghosts of Christmas, Tiny Tim, and a host of other Dickens’ characters in “A Christmas Carol”, a tale of redemption and enchantment, on Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Staten Island Playhouse at the Empire Outlets in St. George.

Since Charles Dickens first told his tale during the mid-1800s, it has remained a favorite holiday story.

In the guise of a ghost story, “A Christmas Carol” also explores themes of humanity and materialism. The performance is one stop on Sundog’s regional tour (New York City, New Jersey and Maryland) for the 70-minute musical which includes a question and answer session with the actors and audience after the show.

Dickens wrote his novella as a social criticism in 1843, intending to draw attention to the plight of England’s poor.

And Sundog’s presentation stays true to the original story in its musical version, adapted for the stage by Cash Tilton, with original songs by Susan Mondzak.

Parallels to Victorian England as it relates to present-day America will not be lost on adults in the audience. The richly drawn characters, played by six professional actors, come out of the book and onto the stage.

A child is chosen from the audience during each show to portray Tiny Tim or Tiny Tina — so the musical is appropriate for the entire family.

“A Christmas Carol” is produced by Susan Fenley, co-produced by Victoria Colella, directed by Shannon Agnew, and musically directed by Michael Ancona.