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Mum Puppettheatre's 2003-2004 season continues with a new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, December 9 through January 3

For Immediate Release: December 1, 2003

Philadelphia, PA - This ain't your grandaddy's Christmas Carol! In this clever retelling of everyone's favorite Christmas tale, join Ebenezer Scrooge as everything he encounters in one magical night - from frightening ghosts to visions of his former self - is brought to life as only Mum can, with puppets, masks, music and shadows. By night's end you will truly believe in the Spirit of Christmas! A Christmas Carol runs December 9 through January 3rd, 2004. Opening night is Wednesday December 17 at 7pm. Ticket prices range from $1 to $25. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Saturday at 2pm. To reserve your tickets, call 215-925-7686 or log onto www.mumpuppet.org.

Like Séance, Mum's A Christmas Carol is a complete re-imagining of what you may think is familiar territory. Bruce Graham's witty and touching script sweeps away the saccharine that has coated this great story over the years; director Bill Roudebush, as he did with Equus and The Madwoman of Chaillot, is using every means at his disposal to tell the tale of a man who is given a single chance to save his life: (cue movie announcer voice)… Imagine a place where the Ghosts who visit Ebenezer Scrooge are truly not of this world, where a character like Tiny Tim can truly die… (end movie announcer voice).

Though you may not recognize them, what with the masks and puppets they use, A Christmas Carol brings back three of the performers from Séance: Rainey Lacey, Robin Marcotte and Brendon Gawel, working with one of Philadelphia's favorite (and funniest) actors as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tom McCarthy, who in over 40 years of acting has never worn stage make-up but is wearing a mask (well, quarter-mask, actually) to enter the environment of the play. It is a truly amazing transformation.

Transformed, too, is our lobby for this production, where you will find a number of reasons to remember the spirit of the season, including a chance to lift your voice in song with your friends as we all gather together in warmth and fellowship.

Interested in becoming a Mum Puppettheatre subscriber? Choose from our Evening Series, Family Series and Preview Series ticket options. Subscription prices range from $15 to $60. All tickets may be purchased at our box office Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm, or by calling 215-925-7686. You can also order your tickets online at www.mumpuppet.org. And don't forget, Mum Puppettheatre gift certificates make unique presents for all ages! Our Coffee and Conversation program continues into the 2003-2004 season on Wednesday evenings following the performance. Join us for refreshments provided by Whole Foods Market and scintillating discussions with some of the area's most vibrant professionals! Grab a cup of holiday cheer before A Christmas Carol on Egg-Nog Thursdays! Complete with carolers and eggnog, the fun begins at 6pm, December 11 & 18th only!

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