My family loves a good tradition (and some that maybe aren’t so good!) We ALWAYS put our tree up the day after Thanksgiving while listening to Christmas music. The elf comes the night the tree goes up. We play a huge game of Dirty Santa where I remind everyone of the rules (as I interpret them for the year.)

Some of our traditions revolve around food… Mom’s strawberry pretzel salad, Jessica’s deviled eggs, caramel cake, Chex mix (more chex and less mix), Grandmother’s tea cake cookie, etc… Some of our traditions revolve around outings! A visit with Santa, walking through the lights at The Botanical Gardens, Santa’s Village, The Nutcracker but one of my favorite Christmas traditions is an evening at The VBC Playhouse to see Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater put on the annual production of A Christmas Carol.

A Holiday Tradition

This year Fantasy Playhouse is presenting the 23rd annual production of A Christmas Carol, December 7 through 16 at the Von Braun Center Playhouse. The musical is based on Charles Dickens’ famous 1843 novella of the same name and brings to the stage the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after the supernatural visits of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

The Show

The show is presented on stage with an amazing rotating set, beautiful period costumes and special effects. Over 100 volunteers work together to bring the magic alive and to tell the story of Scrooge and his redemption on Christmas Eve. It has become a favorite Christmas tradition for North Alabama over the last 22 years!

This year’s production boasts some wonderful cast members and some new surprises! To add to the wonder of the show this year’s production is directed by Deborah Fleischman, one of the original authors of this script adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Not only is it a huge treat to see one of the authors direct and bring her original vision to the stage; her co-writer, Vivienne Atkins, is also returning to assist with the live musical accompaniment. Musical direction is by Christopher Joel Carter, choreography by Jessica Alexander, and the show is sponsored by performance partner Simple Helix.

You DO NOT want to miss this show! Shows are December 7-9 and 13-15 at 7pm, with matinees on December 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 2pm. Tickets and information are available online atwww.letthemagicbegin.org or by telephone at 256-539-6829.

Event Information

Dates and Times:

• Friday, December 7th at 7pm
• Saturday, December 8th at 2pm and 7pm
• Sunday, December 9th at 2pm and 7pm
• Thursday, December 13th at 7pm
• Friday, December 14th at 7pm
• Saturday, December 15th at 2pm and 7pm
• Sunday, December 16th at 2pm

Location: VBC Playhouse
Cost: $14 (for students 17 and under) & $20 for adults
Tickets: Purchase online here, by calling the box office at 256-539-6829 or at Fantasy Arts Center at 3312 Long Avenue in Huntsville Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.