November 25 - December 18

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Production Co-Sponsor

Back by popular demand the Hippodrome presents two holiday offerings. A Christmas Carol, adapted by Mary Hausch from the story by Charles Dickens, and A Tuna Christmas by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, return to the Hippodrome November 25-December 18.

For 26 years (almost as old as the Hippodrome itself) A Christmas Carol has delivered the heartfelt themes of love and redemption. This 27th production promises to do the same. Longtime Hippodrome company member Sara Morsey will direct A Christmas Carol with a focus on its timeless qualities and a multicultural casting approach. According to Ms. Morsey, "The story is timeless, so why not the casting? I want as many of the kids that see the show as is possible to see themselves on the stage. I want the mixture of the characters to look like what we see here in Gainesville in 2005." With the help of advertising for auditions in The Gainesville Sun and on the Hippodrome's website, over 80 local actors turned out to audition. At the time this article was written, Ms. Morsey was in the throes of callbacks. Her final casting decision is sure to highlight the many talents embedded in our region.

Mary Hausch's adaptation of A Christmas Carol is having its 10th anniversary! The play will provide a pleasing holiday treat for the whole family as Jacob Marley unfolds the story of his lost partner Ebeneezer Scrooge with the eye-opening lesson which alters the course of Scrooge's life. Along the way, you'll discover three wise spirits, who help deliver Scrooge from years of darkness through a most unusual journey. Audiences of all ages will be held captive by the play's sparkling special effects, gentle humor and an inspiring message from Dickens' classic Victorian story. A treat for the whole family!

If you're looking for an alternative to the classic holiday story, A Tuna Christmas may be all you need as a unique gift for a friend or family member. 2005 will mark the play's 6th appearance at the Hippodrome, due to overwhelmingly popular demand! Even Ed Howard, one of the creators of A Tuna Christmas, was impressed with the Hippodrome's production, as was evident in a letter he sent shortly after seeing one of the performances:

I was delighted to be a part of your standing ovation... That last scene especially was a stunner.I was much impressed with the theatre and hope to see more of your work. Again, congratulations to all on "Tuna," and to all, a very merry.

Like Mr. Howard, many of you have witnessed the wacky characters from Tuna, Texas strut across our stage in past seasons under the clever direction of Producing Director Mary Hausch (who has directed the play at the Hippodrome since its premiere in 1998). This year those characters are brought back to life with veteran "Tuna" actors Mark Chambers and Lauren Caldwell. Take a trip with them to the third smallest town in Texas where the tensions run high in the competition for the annual Christmas yard display contest. Meet Didi Snavely, the chain-smoking weapons shop owner; Stanley Bumiller, a juvenile delinquent doing community service in the hometown production of A Christmas Carol; Good 'Ole "Rubber Sheets" Givens, the town sheriff; Vera Carp, President of the Smut Snatchers of the New Order; and many others including the mysterious Christmas phantom who's wreaking havoc on the contest. You'll laugh out loud at this yuletide comedy in which two actors take on all of the roles in a tour-de-force performance! If you haven't seen it before, you won't want to miss it this year! There's a reason the Hippodrome has kept this play in its holiday season lineup. Come see why the New York Post said A Tuna Christmas could "make a raccoon laugh affectionately at Davy Crockett."

For specific showtimes and dates, contact the Hippodrome Box Office: 375-4477 or go online for ticket reservations.

Hippodrome Sponsors:

The Hippodrome is recognized by the State of Florida as a State Theatre/Cultural Institution. Hippodrome programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the City of Gainesville. This program is also funded in part by the City of Gainesville, Cultural Affairs Department and by the Alachua County Tourist Development Tax www.visitgainesville.net.