Dickens classic comes to Rosebud Theatre

Rosebud Theatre will be bringing live theatre back to Alberta, reopening on Nov. 6 with a safely distanced Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.”

“It’s Christmas Eve in Victorian England. A streetwise storyteller lights a candle and, with a twinkle in his eye, invites us into the story of a miser who was meant to be a benefactor,” says a news release. “His name is Ebenezer Scrooge, and on this very night he will be visited by three spirits ... Using Dickens’ richly descriptive language, Nathan Schmidt imagines this wellknown tale of redemption in a way that reawakens the timehonoured Christmas spirit it embodies. Join us for this Christmas classic.”

“We’ve been busy working through the details of how to safely offer a Christmas production,” said artistic director Morris Ertman. “Last Christmas I was in Vancouver directing Ron Reed’s adaption of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and I realized that this visually stunning one-person show would be the perfect event to ease us safely into this new phase — where we can once again come together in community, albeit with safety and social distancing in place.”

To date Rosebud Theatre is the only company in Alberta offering “A Christmas Carol” live on stage. For all of the families who have made this classic an annual tradition at Theatre Calgary or the Citadel Theatre, Rosebud organizers encourage fans of the tale to continue their tradition by joining them to experience the Christmas magic of Rosebud. The theatre operates in the community of Rosebud, located 35 kilometres southwest of Drumheller.

“Social distancing has been ensured by modifying the number of audience seats per show from 230 to 62, and changing our dining room experience from buffet style to plate service,” said Rosebud Theatre marketing manager Heather Little. “AHS guidelines will be exceeded and surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected following each performance.”

For tickets, call Rosebud Theatre at 1-800-267-7553.