The Christmas season kicks off this week as Knoxville’s cherished holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, returns to the Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT) stage from November 21 to December 21.
I sat down with managing director Tom Cervone to learn more about this year’s production. Tom “has also served as executive director for both Dogwood Arts and the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, but the CBT/UTK Theatre Department is Tom’s administrative and artistic home.”
Tom has quite a history with Clarence Brown Theatre and A Christmas Carol, playing the role of Bob Cratchit in 1989 and staying with the theatre since that time in varying positions along the way while also serving on many boards and advisories in the community promoting theater and the arts in Knoxville.
While the story does not change, Tom feels the adaptation CBT uses is “clean, warm, and takes the arc of Scrooge from curmudgeon to redeemer with beautiful music, lighting and character development.” During the pandemic and after, A Christmas Carol was not produced during the holiday season at CBT. The response from the community has reinforced one of the most rewarding parts of the show for Tom and the staff and crew: getting dressed in festive holiday attire and taking the family to see A Christmas Carol, which has become a tradition for many families each year. They look forward to creating those memories every year.
From the press release:
For over three decades, Charles Dickens’s timeless tale of redemption has captivated audiences as a beloved CBT holiday tradition.
This year’s production, directed by CBT’s Patrick Lanczki with original direction by Kathleen F. Conlin, features an adaptation by Edward Morgan and Joseph Hanreddy, complemented by music from John Tanner.
Charles Dickens, celebrated as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, introduced the world to unforgettable characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge. The story follows Scrooge’s powerful transformation from a miserly recluse to a man of generosity and warmth after an extraordinary Christmas Eve.
“A Christmas Carol resonates because its themes are universal,” said Lanczki. “It’s a ghost story but also a tale of family, love, loss, second chances, and redemption. It reminds us of the enduring possibility for personal change.”
The production showcases an exceptional cast of local talent from the Knoxville area, along with undergraduate and MFA students from UT Knoxville’s Department of Theatre. Actor Jed Diamond will reprise his role as the iconic Ebenezer Scrooge for the 8th time, bringing life to this cherished holiday story.
I’ve mentioned Penny for the Arts as a way to give more families access to quality productions in our community. They are offering discounted tickets through their programming for certain nights of this production as well.
“Entire show run is Nov 21 – Dec 21, and Penny4Arts tickets are offered at these performances:
Thu Dec 5, Fri Dec 6, Sat Dec 7 at 7:30 PM
Sun Dec 8 at 2:00 PM
Tue Dec 10 at 6:30 PM
Wed Dec 11, Fri Dec 13 at 7:30 PM
For all productions, children must be aged 5 years old and up, with the exception of A Christmas Carol, which is ages 4 and up. Lap seating is strictly prohibited based on fire code requirements. We will be offering up to 3 child tickets per one adult ticket; the adult ticket will also receive a 10% discount. Tickets must be purchased by calling or visiting the Box Office and must be picked up at will call the day/night of the event by the attending adult.”
Advanced reservations required: YES
Contact: Box Office – 865-974-5161 or
Box_Office@utk.edu
www.clarencebrowntheatre.com
