UAB’s Alys Stephens Center presents “A Dickens’ Christmas”

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will summon the spirit of Christmas with an original ASC production for children and families, “A Dickens’ Christmas,” Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, in the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The day will feature three showings of the performance, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

November 30, 2010

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB's Alys Stephens Center will summon the spirit of Christmas with an original ASC production for children and families, "A Dickens' Christmas," Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, in the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. The day will feature three showings of the performance, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Come early before each show and enjoy caroling, holiday treats and more. Tickets are $8 for kids, $10 for adults. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org.

Join the Cratchets, Tiny Tim, the Christmas ghosts and Ebenezer Scrooge in his journey toward redemption and enlightenment. Audiences were delighted to see this ASC Original Theatrical Production in 2008; the ASC brings it back to help celebrate the true meaning of the holidays.

This performance will be presented in much the same fashion as Charles Dickens' own touring performances in the United States in 1860. The audience is invited to follow the journey of Scrooge as he is confronted with eternal regret or redemption. All of the favorite characters from the timeless classic are included as 10 talented actors portray dozens of characters, and there even will be an appearance by Dickens himself.

The production is written, adapted and directed by the Alys Stephens Center's own Jerry Sims, whose original works include "Down the Yellow Brick Road," "Yuletide in Dogtown," "So You Want to Be a Star," "Christmas Comes to Mugwumpville" and "The Mad Hatter's Tea Party."

Shows especially for children and families are presented as part of ArtPlay, the Alys Stephens Center's education and outreach initiative. ArtPlay's mission is to educate, inspire and nurture creative growth and self-expression for everyone. ArtPlay will present a full roster of fun arts education classes for all ages beginning in January 2011; see a full listing at www.ArtPlayASC.org.

Sponsors for the show are Jane Stephens Comer, The Birmingham News, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Viva Health.

About UAB's Alys Stephens Center

The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is one of the Southeast's premier performing arts centers, hosting the best in international, national and local performance. Home to the UAB departments of theatre and music and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the ASC also presents its own season, bringing the world's best music, dance, theater, comedy and family entertainment to Alabama.