Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
By Tom Mula
TIMES:
Varies due to the holidays
PRICES:
Wednesday Preview, Dec 8, “Pay What You Can” at the door or $20 in advance
Thursday Preview, Dec 9, $20
Wednesday and Thursday Evenings & Saturday Matinees, $47
Sunday Matinees, $53
Friday/Saturday Evenings, $53/57
Opening Night, Dec 10, $75
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Charles Dickens wrote a short story that has become one of the most adapted pieces of literature in history. The story of Scrooge is well known, but what about Marley? How did his haunting afterlife begin? In his version of the carol, Marley is escorted by a spritely creature along the pathway to redeeming his soul – by helping to save the one man on earth who was more greedy and sour than himself. We come to find that self sacrifice can make a difference in the end.
“…[Blends] a Dickens sensibility with a taste for fairy tales and contemporary wit…thoroughly charming—a holiday treat…” — Chicago Herald
Mainstage Sponsor
- Tim McCormick & Jeff Brizzi
- Susan & Pete Greenbaum
Opening Night Hosts
Commemorative Program Sponsor
Meet The Team
Rajendra is a multi-disciplinary American Theater Artist, Administrator, and Activist. Mr. Maharaj was twice hailed in The New York Times as a Critics Pick for his work in the American Theater and a member of the BIPOC Leadership Circle. He is currently the Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright of American Stage.
Mr. Maharaj has been honored with many awards including the prestigious Woodie King Jr. Award, four Vivian Robinson AUDELCO Awards, Barrymore Award, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Theatrical Moment of the Year, The New York International Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award, Theater Communications Group Directors Grant and Playwriting Grant, Recipient of the 2020 National Alliance for Musical Theater Fifteen-Minute Musical Theater Challenge Award.
As a storyteller, Mr. Maharaj has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at many of our nation’s top Regional Theaters including the Bernard B. Jacobs, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, The Public, Second Stage Theatre, Soho Playhouse, Classical Theater of Harlem, , Nuyorican Poets Café, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Lark Play Development Center, Actors Theater of Louisville, Goodman Theater, The Kennedy Center, and Arkansas Repertory Theater.
Mr. Maharaj’s was a finalist for the 2021 Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. And he is the recipient of the 2021 Negro Ensemble Company Cutting Edge Playhouse Playwriting Residency.
Patrick is an actor, teaching artist and creative with a passion for cultivating community through the art of storytelling. He is an alumnus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Regional Credits: It’s A Wonderful Life (American Stage), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Jobsite Theatre), Gloria (Mad Cow Theatre), A Raisin In The Sun (American Stage), White Rabbit/Red Rabbit (Urbanite), Alice With A Twist (Florida Studio Theatre). Off-stage, Patrick is an Associate Artistic Producer at American Stage. He is the host of The Black Hand Side Podcast and Director of Multimedia for Today’s Church Tampa Bay. He is also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Actor’s Equity. Patrick is a proud son of Cynthia and Patrick D. Jackson and thankful to return to in person storytelling. May it continue to inspire thought, conversation and change across the local and global community. www.patrickajackson.com
Meet The Cast
Saren is a Chicago and Portland based actor who is overwhelmed to debut at American Stage after 748 days away from the theatre. Most recently, she was seen as Regina in The Little Foxes (Citadel Theatre). Selected credits include Regan in King Lear, Lady Percy/Doll Tearsheet in Henry IV, II, and Celia in As You Like It (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Masha in Three Sisters (Piven Theatre); Lady Caroline in Enchanted April (Artists Repertory Theatre); Lady Croom in Arcadia (New Leaf); Mme. Dupont in Anything To Declare? (KC Rep); and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Margaret in Richard III, and Titania/Hippolyta in Midsummer Night’s Dream (Riverside Shakepeare). Saren originated the role of Barbara in Lanford Wilson’s Sympathetic Magic/2009 (Profile). MFA in Acting, University of Missouri, Kansas City. Saren wishes to thank her mentor, Lisa Wolpe (founder, Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company), and her fiance, Mark for his patience. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Amanda is thrilled to be returning to the stage after nearly 2 years of zoom productions! She is no stranger to Rajendra’s work and was last seen under his direction as Hannah in Charlottesville, and Ensemble in productions of Black Footnotes and Othello, The Panther. Other New York and regional credits include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (MTI Workshop), Kathy Seldon in Singin’ In The Rain, Yonah in Children Of Eden, Dorothy in Summer Of ‘42 (Little Victory Theater), Christmastime (Reagle Music Theater), and The Fantasticks (Booth Theater). Aside from Acting, Amanda has her MA in Exercise Science and Nutrition and is currently a Strength and Conditioning Coach for Actors, Singers, and Dancers. Follow her @trainwithamandajane or visit trainwithamandajane.com. Actors are ATHLETES!
Amber is so grateful and thrilled to be joining this brilliant cast and creative team for her American Stage debut! She recently received her Master’s of Acting at The FSU/ Asolo Repertory for Actor Training. She was last seen on the Theater at Monmouth (Monmouth, ME) stage in George Brant’s one-woman show Grounded. Amber passionately believes in using theatre as a vehicle for healing, teaching, and perspective; for giving voice to the communities that have been silenced and overseen for so long (BIPOC and LGBT+ especially). She thanks you for your time and energy; stay groovy, yall.
* Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
“Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an International organization of performing arts unions. www.actorsequity.org
What happens if it rains?
A little rain certainly won’t stop us, but should weather conditions look serious enough to cancel or abruptly discontinue a performance, ticket-holders will be able to exchange their tickets for another performance. If a call to cancel a performance is made prior to the show starting we will make the announcement on our facebook page. If you have any questions you can call the Box Office at 727.823.7529 or email boxoffice@americanstage.org
Will there be food & drink available for purchase?
Need something to eat, stop by the concessions or drinkery. We will have charcuterie boards (vegan options available), snacks, popcorn with a commemorative Ragtime bucket for purchase. As well as a selection of beers and wines from local vendors.
Where can I park?
Demens Landing Park is located on the waterfront right in the heart of Downtown St. Pete. Below are the two closest parking options: Southcore Garage 101 1st Avenue South St Petersburg, FL 33701. Al Lang parking Lot # 1 230 1st Street South St Petersburg, FL 33701. For more downtown St. Pete parking visit DiscoverDowntown.
Can I bring a chair?
Chairs with no legs will be allowed in the Premium or General Blanket area. All other chairs will be sat in the General Chair section.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
December 5, 2021 at 1pm
Take a peek behind the curtain before the opening of each production with a presentation by American Stage staff. They provide insight into the history and central themes of the play, as well as a discussion with members of the creative team who provide an insider’s perspective on their process.
Guest Speakers include: Dedee Aleccia, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and Rachel Harrison.
Pricing: $10 for General Public.
Free for American Stage Subscribers and Act 1 Club Members
Beyond The Footlights: TALKBACK
December 12, 16, 23, 30 (Directly following select performances)
After experiencing the performance, join Producing Artistic Director, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, for a conversation exploring and reflecting on the themes, connections, and ideas that ignite us. Guest panelists include relevant voices from the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay community and beyond.
Guests:
December 12- Barbara St. Clair, Creative Pinellas
December 16- Caryn Nesmith, University of South Florida
December 23 -Nathan Bruemmer, LGBTQ Consumer Advocate Office of the Commissioner
December 30- Reverend Kenny Irby
Free for performance ticket holders.
Before the Show: PROLOGUE
Fridays, Saturday Matinees and Sundays (30 minutes prior to select performances)
December 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31, January 2
Arrive early to explore fascinating details about the play and the artists who brought it to life in this brief pre-show presentation. Learn what to look for as you head into the theatre to experience the world of the play.
Free for performance ticket holders.
How long is the trail?
The trail is just under a mile. The trail is not paved but is wheelchair accessible; expect bumps in the path.
How long is the show?
Each adventure will last for approximately 60–70 minutes.
Dos and Don'ts
Do bring bug spray, a reusable water bottle, extra layers (a jacket will do!), a poncho, comfortable walking shoes, and a headlamp with a red light setting (if you don’t have one, we will provide it).
Don’t smoke or vape on the trial, feed wildlife, or bring your own flashlight.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Boyd Hill is a nature preserve; we are not allowed to bring food or drinks on the trail. There will also be no concessions for sale.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed.
Where are the restrooms?
Patrons can find restrooms at the park next door to Boyd Hill, which is still located within the parking lot.
Where should I park?
The parking lot and trail entrance are located at 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705. As you walk toward the visitor center, there will be a gate to your right with American Stage signage and staff. You will enter through this gate.
Will I see snakes, alligators, and other live animals?
Since the performance is at the nature preserve, it is possible to see animals in their natural habitat. But there will be staff with you at all times.
