By Kate Bartlett
Mike Thornton Agency (MTA), LLC, the production team that brought us the sold-out “It’s A Wonderful Life”, proudly presents Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” at the Robert H. Jackson Center’s Cappa Theatre.
The beloved classic will run for 9 shows between December 12-21, featuring a cast of actors: Stephen Stout, Michael Thornton, Rachel Lykins, Titus Miller, Jude Chiarella, Lauren Shilansky and Todd Singleton. Audiences of all ages will be uplifted by this fully-staged adaptation, offering an immersive, heartwarming experience for audiences of all ages. “Our ‘Christmas Carol’ is a Broadway-style production with Victorian-era costumes, sound, and lights,” explains Mike Thornton, producer and artistic director. “We’re thrilled to share Dickens’s masterpiece with families and theatregoers in a way that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.”
full list of show dates and times online at MTApresents.com.
Tickets are on sale now online, and are recommended to be
purchased in advance. Follow on social media @ FB – Mike
Thornton Agency LLC. Tickets and info: MTApresents.com
Mike’s production agency has brought many renowned theatrical productions, including the nationally-renown political satire group “Capitol Steps, as well as Jazz and theatre to the North East United States and around the country. Mike, who splits his time between DC and Bemus Point, has an affinity for small towns. Last year, MTA brought “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the Jamestown community, and it was a wonderfully received.
This year, Mike decided to bring his favorite, holiday novella, “A Christmas Carol” to the Jamestown community. “I love the message in this beloved classic,” explains Mike. “It’s a story of being a better person and of redemption. It really fosters wholesome holiday values and spreads a great holiday message for the whole family.”
Mike enjoys being a part of the Jamestown community. “I’ve found that people in this tight-knit community are incredibly supportive of the arts,” explains Mike. “It’s different from big cities. People in small towns, like Jamestown, are really seeking something like this (theatre and the arts). The support has been amazing.”
The Cappa Theatre recently underwent a $300,000 upgrade of their lights and sound equipment, with ‘A Christmas Carol’ being the first production with this new advancement. “We’re excited to be the first to showcase this upgrade,” says Mike. “Our production keeps it simple with the set, really letting the lights do the work to create our special effects.”
Not only does Mike produce the show, but he plays Scrooge as well. Broadway veteran, Stephen Stout, plays Jacob Marley, Spirit of Christmas Present, and directs the show, along with lighting design by Scott Barton, sound design by Ed Tomassini, and stage management by Stavros Singleton. Other cast members include Rachel Lykins, Lauren Shilansky Titus Miller and Todd Singleton (as the phantom). The streamlined cast began rehearsals last Monday, and have been enjoying getting to know each other. “It’s a great cast of actors who auditioned and were selected for their roles,” says Mike. “It’s sure to be a top-notch production.”
Mike is hoping this will become an annual tradition. “Our show really compliments other holiday productions in the area, like The Nutcracker at the Reg Lenna,” says Mike. “I’ve always loved ‘A Christmas Carol, and it’s my hope to continue this holiday tradition here in Jamestown. The show is a festive celebration of the holiday season, a reminder that kindness, generosity and love can transform even the coldest of hearts.”
Performances will take place between December 12-21, with a full list of show dates and times online at MTApresents.com. Tickets are on sale now online, and are recommended to be purchased in advance. Follow on social media @ FB – Mike Thornton Agency LLC.
Tickets and info: MTApresents.com