A Christmas Carol
Adaptation & Lyrics by Sean Murray
Original Score by Billy Thompson
Directed by Sean Murray
Low-priced Previews Nov 23 - Nov 26, 2021
Cygnet’s holiday smash hit is back for its seventh season! Bring the family back to enjoy the holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. This imaginative production features original music, creative stagecraft and puppetry, and live sound effects. Step into a Victorian Christmas card for a unique storytelling experience that is sure to delight the entire family!
“It’s not Christmas without ‘A Christmas Carol’ and this is the best one around.’ – SDGLN.com
Digital Program
Run Time: 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission
Advisories: Family Friendly (Children must be at least 5 years old)
Cast
Megan CarmitchelMegan Carmitchel
Christmas Past, Belle, Martha Cratchit, Tiny Tim and other rolesMegan is so grateful to be back in the theatre with this wonderful group of people! This is her third season performing with A Christmas Carol. She has also been seen at Cygnet in Rock of Ages and A Little Night Music. Other recent credits include Lamb’s Players Theatre: Alice!, Persuasion, Big Fish, OZ (World Premiere), You Can’t Take it With You, Quilters, Fiddler on the Roof; Diversionary Theatre: Significant Other, A New Brain, Pippin; New Village Arts: Beehive: The 60’s Musical; The Old Globe: The Last Goodbye (World Premiere), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; La Jolla Playhouse: Weatherman (reading), Without Walls Festival; San Diego Repertory Theatre: The Who’s Tommy; CCAE Theatricals: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Welk Resort Theatre: South Pacific, Stepping Out. Megan has also performed in and music directed shows at LEGOLAND, CA. She attended San Francisco State University where she studied vocal performance and theatre
Melinda GilbMelinda Gilb
Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit, Mrs Fezziwig and other rolesAnimal Crackers, On the 20th Century, Assassins, A Christmas Carol, Dirty Blonde, The Receptionist (Cygnet Theatre); Singin’ in the Rain (Original Broadway cast); Back to Bacharach and David (Original Off-Broadway cast); Suds (Original cast and co-author); The Pirates of Penzance (1st National tour); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original Mama Who), Suds, The Robber Bridegroom (Old Globe); Walter Cronkite is Dead, Violet, Miss Witherspoon, Always Patsy Cline (San Diego Rep); Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Craig Noel Award-Best Actress); Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly, Miss Hannigan in Annie, (Starlight Theatre); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Smell of The Kill, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (North Coast Rep); She-Rantulas From Outer Space in 3-D (Diversionary Theatre); The Melinda and Steve Show (with Steve Gunderson in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego). Directing credits include: Always Patsy Cline at On Stage Playhouse and Suds at Artistree Musical Theartre Festival. Television: The Full Wax and Ruby Takes a Trip on BBC-1. Guest-star on Becker (CBS).
Luke Harvey JacobsLuke Harvey Jacobs
UnderstudyThank you for coming out to support the arts. Luke’s most recent choreographic work was scene on this very stage with the triumphant return and run of La Cage aux Folles. Some recent, favorite onstage roles include his work in Hair at the Old Globe, Henri Labisse in Victor/Victoria and Franz Liebkind in The Producers (both at Moonlight). Luke has been seen all over San Diego County at Moonlight, SDMT, Lamb’s, Cygnet, NCRT, the Welk, the Barn Stage, and Diversionary. Additional choreography credits: It’s Christmas and it’s Live! (Lamb’s) Sister Act (SDMT – Critic’s Circle Nomination), The Legend of Georgia McBride (Cygnet). Luke holds his BFA in Musical Theatre from CSU, Fullerton. Season’s greetings!
Megan Carmitchel
Megan is so grateful to be back in the theatre with this wonderful group of people! This is her third season performing with A Christmas Carol. She has also been seen at Cygnet in Rock of Ages and A Little Night Music. Other recent credits include Lamb’s Players Theatre: Alice!, Persuasion, Big Fish, OZ (World Premiere), You Can’t Take it With You, Quilters, Fiddler on the Roof; Diversionary Theatre: Significant Other, A New Brain, Pippin; New Village Arts: Beehive: The 60’s Musical; The Old Globe: The Last Goodbye (World Premiere), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; La Jolla Playhouse: Weatherman (reading), Without Walls Festival; San Diego Repertory Theatre: The Who’s Tommy; CCAE Theatricals: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Welk Resort Theatre: South Pacific, Stepping Out. Megan has also performed in and music directed shows at LEGOLAND, CA. She attended San Francisco State University where she studied vocal performance and theatre
Melinda Gilb
Animal Crackers, On the 20th Century, Assassins, A Christmas Carol, Dirty Blonde, The Receptionist (Cygnet Theatre); Singin’ in the Rain (Original Broadway cast); Back to Bacharach and David (Original Off-Broadway cast); Suds (Original cast and co-author); The Pirates of Penzance (1st National tour); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original Mama Who), Suds, The Robber Bridegroom (Old Globe); Walter Cronkite is Dead, Violet, Miss Witherspoon, Always Patsy Cline (San Diego Rep); Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Craig Noel Award-Best Actress); Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly, Miss Hannigan in Annie, (Starlight Theatre); A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Smell of The Kill, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (North Coast Rep); She-Rantulas From Outer Space in 3-D (Diversionary Theatre); The Melinda and Steve Show (with Steve Gunderson in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego). Directing credits include: Always Patsy Cline at On Stage Playhouse and Suds at Artistree Musical Theartre Festival. Television: The Full Wax and Ruby Takes a Trip on BBC-1. Guest-star on Becker (CBS).
Luke Harvey Jacobs
Thank you for coming out to support the arts. Luke’s most recent choreographic work was scene on this very stage with the triumphant return and run of La Cage aux Folles. Some recent, favorite onstage roles include his work in Hair at the Old Globe, Henri Labisse in Victor/Victoria and Franz Liebkind in The Producers (both at Moonlight). Luke has been seen all over San Diego County at Moonlight, SDMT, Lamb’s, Cygnet, NCRT, the Welk, the Barn Stage, and Diversionary. Additional choreography credits: It’s Christmas and it’s Live! (Lamb’s) Sister Act (SDMT – Critic’s Circle Nomination), The Legend of Georgia McBride (Cygnet). Luke holds his BFA in Musical Theatre from CSU, Fullerton. Season’s greetings!
David McBeanDavid McBean
Marley, Dick Wilkins, Present and other rolesDavid was last seen at Cygnet Theater as Zaza/Albin in La Cage aux Folles. Other credits include Fully Committed (Craig Noel Award), The Legend of Georgia McBride, It’s a Wonderful Life, Dirty Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, The Book of Liz, and A Christmas Carol.
Patrick McBridePatrick McBride
Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig, and other rolesMerry Christmas, again! Patrick is thrilled to be working once more with everyone at Cygnet. Recent acting credits include Intrepid’s School Tour; Captain John Donovan in Hope (Talent to a Muse); Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing (Intrepid); Bishop How/Ensemble in The Elephant Man (Backyard Renaissance/ O.T.C.); and Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig/ Old Joe/Etc. in A Christmas Carol (Cygnet). Favorite roles include Touchstone in As You Like It and Bullshot Crummund in Bullshot Crummund (PCPA Theaterfest), Laurence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and James Joyce in Travesties. Patrick has also taught theatre for over 25 years and his teaching style fosters a growth mindset, and combines his passion for classical plays with playful improv and creative writing.
Julia Miranda SmithJulia Miranda Smith
UnderstudyJulia is thrilled to be making her Cygnet debut with the cast and crew of A Christmas Carol. Favorite roles include Alex in On the Verge alongside cast member Patrick McBride, Lady Macduff in Macbeth (Luminary Arts), Fräulein Kost in Cabaret (Palomar College), and understudy for the daughters in Fiddler on the Roof (Pacco Arts/Patio Playhouse). Julia graduated from UC San Diego where she sang a capella with the Tritones and is a proud alum of the William Esper Studio in NYC.
David McBean
David was last seen at Cygnet Theater as Zaza/Albin in La Cage aux Folles. Other credits include Fully Committed (Craig Noel Award), The Legend of Georgia McBride, It’s a Wonderful Life, Dirty Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, The Book of Liz, and A Christmas Carol.
Patrick McBride
Merry Christmas, again! Patrick is thrilled to be working once more with everyone at Cygnet. Recent acting credits include Intrepid’s School Tour; Captain John Donovan in Hope (Talent to a Muse); Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing (Intrepid); Bishop How/Ensemble in The Elephant Man (Backyard Renaissance/ O.T.C.); and Bob Cratchit, Fezziwig/ Old Joe/Etc. in A Christmas Carol (Cygnet). Favorite roles include Touchstone in As You Like It and Bullshot Crummund in Bullshot Crummund (PCPA Theaterfest), Laurence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and James Joyce in Travesties. Patrick has also taught theatre for over 25 years and his teaching style fosters a growth mindset, and combines his passion for classical plays with playful improv and creative writing.
Julia Miranda Smith
Julia is thrilled to be making her Cygnet debut with the cast and crew of A Christmas Carol. Favorite roles include Alex in On the Verge alongside cast member Patrick McBride, Lady Macduff in Macbeth (Luminary Arts), Fräulein Kost in Cabaret (Palomar College), and understudy for the daughters in Fiddler on the Roof (Pacco Arts/Patio Playhouse). Julia graduated from UC San Diego where she sang a capella with the Tritones and is a proud alum of the William Esper Studio in NYC.
Tom StephensonTom Stephenson
Ebenezer ScroogeTom has performed in over eighty productions in his 40 year career on the stage. He trained in Great Britain at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Michigan. As a Resident Artist at Cygnet Theatre he has been seen in nearly 20 productions portraying Hector in The History Boys, Joe Ryan in When the Rain Stops Falling and Edward Seymour in The Virgin Trial. With Intrepid Theatre Company Tom’s credits include Joe Keller in All My Sons, Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, Bill in The Quality of Life, and an award-winning performance as the Colonel in the critically acclaimed Father Comes Home from the Wars. At New Village Arts he performed the roles of James in Circle Mirror Transformation and Finbar in The Weir. He was also seen at Diversionary Theatre in The Hour of Great Mercy. Elsewhere, Ben Franklin in 1776, Renfield in Dracula and Polonius in Hamlet.
Erin VanderhydeErin Vanderhyde
Solicitor, Past, Belinda Cratchit and other rolesErin Vanderhyde graduated from San Diego State with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre. Some notable performances by Vanderhyde include but are not limited too: Wanda in Beehive the 60’s Musical, Meg in Little Women in concert (NVA), Sylvia in All Shook Up (SDMT), Lucretia Collins in Freedom Riders: The Civil Rights Musical (San Diego, Los Angeles, New York and Alabama), Matron Mama Morton in Chicago (Torentino Music Festival). Erin would like to thank her Mom, boyfriend Chris, and all her family and friends who continue to their support
Allen Lucky WeaverAllen Lucky Weaver
Young Scrooge, Peter Cratchit, Young Man and other rolesLucky is excited to be returning to Cygnet for the Holidays, after having a fabulous time in La Cage Aux Folles as Jacob the sassy maid. He received his B.F.A in Musical Theater, from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Regional Credits include: Angel (Rent), Thuy (Miss Saigon), and Laertes/Guildenstern (Hamlet). LA Theatre: Jenny (Fixed), Erik (Viral), and Jacob (La Cage at East West Players). Special thanks to Sean, Bill, Patrick, Katie, Sarah, Dean, Craig, Matthew, Teresa, and everyone involved on the Cygnet team for this wonderful opportunity and magical experience. Much love to his fiancé David, mom, dad, sisters, family, and friends for their never-ending support. www.allenluckyweaver.com
Tom Stephenson
Tom has performed in over eighty productions in his 40 year career on the stage. He trained in Great Britain at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Michigan. As a Resident Artist at Cygnet Theatre he has been seen in nearly 20 productions portraying Hector in The History Boys, Joe Ryan in When the Rain Stops Falling and Edward Seymour in The Virgin Trial. With Intrepid Theatre Company Tom’s credits include Joe Keller in All My Sons, Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, Bill in The Quality of Life, and an award-winning performance as the Colonel in the critically acclaimed Father Comes Home from the Wars. At New Village Arts he performed the roles of James in Circle Mirror Transformation and Finbar in The Weir. He was also seen at Diversionary Theatre in The Hour of Great Mercy. Elsewhere, Ben Franklin in 1776, Renfield in Dracula and Polonius in Hamlet.
Erin Vanderhyde
Erin Vanderhyde graduated from San Diego State with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre. Some notable performances by Vanderhyde include but are not limited too: Wanda in Beehive the 60’s Musical, Meg in Little Women in concert (NVA), Sylvia in All Shook Up (SDMT), Lucretia Collins in Freedom Riders: The Civil Rights Musical (San Diego, Los Angeles, New York and Alabama), Matron Mama Morton in Chicago (Torentino Music Festival). Erin would like to thank her Mom, boyfriend Chris, and all her family and friends who continue to their support
Allen Lucky Weaver
Lucky is excited to be returning to Cygnet for the Holidays, after having a fabulous time in La Cage Aux Folles as Jacob the sassy maid. He received his B.F.A in Musical Theater, from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Regional Credits include: Angel (Rent), Thuy (Miss Saigon), and Laertes/Guildenstern (Hamlet). LA Theatre: Jenny (Fixed), Erik (Viral), and Jacob (La Cage at East West Players). Special thanks to Sean, Bill, Patrick, Katie, Sarah, Dean, Craig, Matthew, Teresa, and everyone involved on the Cygnet team for this wonderful opportunity and magical experience. Much love to his fiancé David, mom, dad, sisters, family, and friends for their never-ending support. www.allenluckyweaver.com
Creative Team
Katie Banville
Previously at Cygnet: Rock of Ages (Choreographer/Assoc. Director), Spamalot (Choreographer/Assoc. Director), A Christmas Carol (Choreographer), Gypsy (June/Asst. Choreographer), Company (April/Asst. Choreographer), My Fair Lady, Man of La Mancha, Parade, Cabaret. Choreography credits: Beehive: The ‘60s Musicals (Dir/Chor) – Okoboji Summer Theatre; Freaky Friday – San Diego Musical Theatre (Co-Director) and Moonlight Amphitheatre; Tarrytown, Gutenberg! The Musical!, Smokefall – Backyard Renaissance; Beachtown – San Diego Rep; Company – San Diego State University; Man of La Mancha – Oceanside Theatre Company; A Doll’s House (Movement Coordinator) – The Old Globe. Performance credits: The Heart of Rock and Roll, Benny and Joon – The Old Globe; Freaky Friday, Escape to Margaritaville – La Jolla Playhouse. MFA Musical Theatre, San Diego State University; BFA, Illinois Wesleyan University. www.katiebanville.com.
Patrick Marion
Cygnet Theatre: La Cage aux Folles, Rock Of Ages, A Little Night Music, Shockheaded Peter, Gypsy, The Rocky Horror Show, My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol (multiple years), Spring Awakening, Company, Assassins, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret; Diversionary Theatre: Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Loneliest Girl In The World; Lamb’s Players Theatre (Associate Artist): Persuasion, Oz, West Side Story, Les Miserables, miXtape, The Music Man, An American Christmas, Godspell, Boomers; Intrepid Theatre Company: Woody Guthrie’s American Song; Breakthrough Workshop Theatre: The Breakthrough Revue (multiple years), Party Worth Crashing; ACT San Diego: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Sean Murray
Mr. Murray co-founded Cygnet Theatre in 2002 along with partner Bill Schmidt. Cygnet Theatre: Rock of Ages, Angels in America, Spamalot, A Little Night Music, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Animal Crackers, On the 20th Century,The Rocky Horror Show, Gypsy, The Vortex, Dogfight, My Fair Lady, Fool for Love, True West, Spring Awakening, The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties, Company, Assassins, WCYG presents A Christmas Carol, Man of La Mancha, Dirty Blonde, Parade, Little Shop of Horrors, Our Town, Cabaret, The Tragedy of the Commons, The Norman Conquests, Private Lives, Sweeney Todd, It’s a Wonderful Life, Noises Off, Bed and Sofa ‘09, The History Boys, A Christmas Carol, A Little Night Music (SD Critic’s Award, Best Director), The Receptionist, The Invention of Love, Bed and Sofa ‘04 (SD Critic’s Award, Best Director, Best Musical Revival), Las Meninas, Escanaba in da Moonlight (SD Critic’s Circle, Set Design), The Book of Liz, Pageant, Bug, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, St. Nicholas, The Matchmaker, Desire Under the Elms, Santaland Diaries, Firebugs, Fully Committed, Arcadia, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Little Foxes, My Fair Lady. Elsewhere: North Coast Rep: The Elephant Man (Patté Award, Direction), Man of La Mancha, The Importance of Being Earnest, Travesties; Diversionary: Never the Sinner, Love! Valour! Compassion!. Education: University of North Carolina School of the Arts (BFA). In 2000, Sean was named one of San Diego Magazine’s “50 People to Watch” and in 2005 he was named Producer of the Year by the San Diego Critic’s Circle.
Billy Thompson
Billy has been a composer, arranger, musical director, orchestrator, accompanist, and performer for stage productions throughout the country, including Ars Nova in New York, The Walnut in Philadelphia, The Old Globe in San Diego, Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish, MT, and here at home with Cygnet. His first full length musical, Invasion! garnered the 2007 LA Weekly Theatre Awards for Best Original Score and Best Musical Direction. Since 2012, he has toured with it gets better, a musical performance and outreach campaign for bullying awareness and suicide prevention, with special emphasis toward the LGBTQ community. Billy holds a BM in Composition from USC and an MFA in Musical Theatre from SDSU. A Christmas Carol is his fifth collaboration with Cygnet Theatre, having previously directed music for Parade, Cabaret, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and It’s A Wonderful Life.
November 2021