The Classical Theatre of Harlem and the City College Center for the Arts present “A Christmas Carol in Harlem,” a reimagining of the Charles Dickens’ classic in present day Harlem. The performance—Tuesday, Nov. 27-Dec. 8–takes place in The City College of New York’s Aaron Davis Hall.
The play is adapted by Shawn René Graham, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III and choreographed by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and it will include original music and classic holiday carols influenced by gospel, hip-hop, pop and R&B.
“We are on the precipice of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance,” said Ty Jones, producing artistic director at The Classical Theatre of Harlem. “What a remarkable opportunity to launch into the next century by complementing the existing holiday programming downtown, with a show that has a unique uptown, New York City aesthetic.”
The adaptation places Ebenezer Scrooge as a real estate mogul who has made his fortune at the expense of others. Scrooge foregoes using his wealth to affect positive change within his Harlem community and instead lives a life of miserly solitude until three unexpected visitors arrive on Christmas Eve to show him that the value of family and the impact of cooperation will lead to a healthy, thriving and prosperous community.
A “Christmas Carol in Harlem” touches on issues of gentrification and social inequality that affect New Yorkers today. The Classical Theatre of Harlem veteran, Anthony Vaughn Merchant, will lead the cast as Ebenezer Scrooge and features dancers from from Elisa Monte Dance.
Performances will be on Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. with select Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1 p.m. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit The Classical Theatre of Harlem website.
About The City College of New York
Since 1847, The City College of New York has provided a high quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines. CCNY embraces its role at the forefront of social change. It is ranked #1 by the Harvard-based Opportunity Insights out of 369 selective public colleges in the United States on the overall mobility index. This measure reflects both access and outcomes, representing the likelihood that a student at CCNY can move up two or more income quintiles. In addition, the Center for World University Rankings places CCNY in the top 1.2% of universities worldwide in terms of academic excellence. More than 16,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in eight professional schools and divisions, driven by significant funded research, creativity and scholarship. CCNY is as diverse, dynamic and visionary as New York City itself. View CCNY Media Kit.