Photo Flash: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, faithfully endures the ongoing chill from both his workplace and his boss. Faithfully, he keeps Scrooge in his prayers even through his own family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of Cratchit's young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge's heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.

Scrooge's inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who visits him on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits, and advises him to heed the messages they bring. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come then appear to Scrooge in succession - reminding him of what was, pointing out what is, and showing him what will be should he continue on his present path. Not only will his life be quickly forgotten if he maintains his miserly ways, but those around him face hardships that he could have easily prevented.

Jeff Stockberger stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this story of forgiveness and second chances. WRTV6's Trisha Shepherd returns to the Beef & Boards stage to reprise her role as the Ghost of Christmas Past. The other ghosts are played by Jonah D. Winston (Christmas Present) and Jonathan Jensen (Christmas Yet To Come). Darrin Murrell plays Bob Cratchit, and Bobbi Bates plays Mrs. Cratchit. Playing their children are Walker Lasbury as Tiny Tim, Brielle Boynton as Belinda Cratchit and Joseph Mervis as Peter Cratchit, with Emily Miller returning as Martha Cratchit. Collin Poynter plays the storyteller. Jacob Marley is played by Michael Davis, and Theresa Koleszar and Carrie S. Neal round out the cast.

The show is directed by Elizabeth Stark. Ron Morgan is the choreographer and music is arranged by Michael Hoagland. Jill Kelly is the costume coordinator.

There are 10 performances of this special one-hour version of A Christmas Carol scheduled in the intimate atmosphere of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $19 to $32, including Chef Odell Ward's tasty holiday buffet - complete with carved turkey and all the trimmings - and the show. Parking is always free.

For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664 between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Discounts are available for groups and children ages 3-15.

For more information or show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.