Dallas Theater Center Plans Film Version of “A Christmas Carol”

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Dallas Theater Center plans film version of A Christmas Carol
DCT 2019 production photo by Karen Almond

Dallas Theater Center (DTC) is planning a new film adaptation, “In the Bleak Midwinter: A Christmas Carol for Our Time.” The film version sets Dickens’ classic Christmas novel in a modern setting.

“The challenges of COVID prevent us from being able to revive our large-scale production of A Christmas Carol for live audiences. But we are determined that the Christmas spirit will live on at our theater,” said Kevin Moriarty, Enloe/Rose Artistic Director, Dallas Theater Center. “Faced with the assignment of creating a new version of Dickens’ classic story that could be rehearsed and filmed with strict safety protocols, we began by compiling a list of all the things we could NOT do: no special effects, children, dancing, live music, crowd scenes, ghosts or actors standing within six feet of each other. But from these limitations, we’ve created a brand new, one-time only contemporary version that remains true to the spirit of Dickens’ masterpiece and allows us to re-examine the story in fresh, surprising ways that will fill our audience with the hope of redemption. It has become very close to my heart and I’m eager to share it with our audiences.”

DTC’s unique film adaptation demonstrates the timelessness of Charles Dickens’ story. On Christmas Eve, Ebeneezer Scrooge faces the heartbreak and happiness of his life when his life passes before his eyes. He must take the path of redemption or damnation.

DTC Film Created by Dallas Artists

The film will be entirely created by Dallas artists. Sets, costumes, lighting, and sound are designed by DTC’s production staff. The cast features members of the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, including Tiana Kaye Blair, Tiffany Solano, Liz Mikel, Alex Organ, Christopher Llewyn Ramirez, Molly Searcy, and Sally Nystuen Vahle. Blake Hackler makes his debut as a new member of Brierley Resident Acting Company in the role of Scrooge.

Dallas Theater Center plans film version of A Christmas Carol
DTC 2019 production photo by Karen Almond

Bryan White, Director of Production for DTC, said, “Creating this film is forcing us to use new vocabulary, expand our skill sets and approach the design of the physical production in new and interesting ways. We have robust safety protocols in place, including a testing regime for everyone involved with the production, strict use of masks and rigorous social distancing. As we go through the production process for this film, we’re eager to learn a lot of lessons that we will bring forward for how we design and build future shows, whether for a live or digital audience.”

A Christmas Carol for Our Time

Tickets are on sale now, allowing ticket holders and subscribers to enjoy “In the Bleak Midwinter: A Christmas Carol for Our Time” from home. Ticket holders will receive a link to the digital recording on Dec. 4, and have through Dec. 31 to watch the video. Once the link has been activated, patrons can watch the video for 48 hours.
Dallas Theater Center recently announced their entire 2020-21 season. Tickets to the film adaptation “In the Bleak Midwinter: A Christmas Carol for Our Time” and information about the season are available now at dallastheatercenter.org.

Dallas Theater Center, founded in 1959, performs to an audience of over 100,000 North Texas residents annually. DTC is now a resident company of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and presents its Mainstage season at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, and at its original home, the Kalita Humphreys Theater.

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Jo Ann Holt
Jo Ann Holt is an award-winning journalist with 40+ years of experience as a writer and editor. She loves live performances, from country music concerts to Broadway musicals to community theatre productions. Holt also enjoys art and cultural festivals, and good food and wine. She’s toured Amsterdam, London, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and various cities in Mexico but looks forward to visiting even more countries. She has traveled by boat, plane, and train, but especially likes taking long road trips across the U.S. with her husband, retired history professor Durhl Caussey. They enjoy meeting friendly people, learning about different cultures, and visiting historic sites wherever they go.