Holiday tradition takes the stage at Meadow Brook Theatre

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Courtesy of Sean Carter Photography

Thomas D. Mahard plays Scrooge on stage with the company of “A Christmas Carol.”

Meadow Brook Theatre will celebrate 35 years of performing “A Christmas Carol” this holiday season.

“Folks come back to see ‘A Christmas Carol’ year after year,” said Cheryl Marshall, Meadow Brook Theatre managing director, in a press release. “People who came as kids and have moved away, come home for the holidays and make sure to include us in their visits. We’re thrilled to be a part of their families during the holiday season.”

The musical follows the classic Charles Dickens story of elderly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by a series of ghosts who scare him into the Christmas spirit.

Terry Carpenter, who is the director and stage manager of “A Christmas Carol,” has been involved with the show all 35 years as the director, stage manager, assistant stage manager or a combination of the three.

He said one of his favorite memories is when both his sons played the role of Tiny Tim and adult roles throughout the years. Another favorite memory was when the cast and crew had an alumni reunion on the 30th opening of the show.

“This is the staff at Meadow Brook’s holiday tradition,” Carpenter said.

Aubrey Fink, who has been a member of “A Christmas Carol” for three years, is thrilled to be a part of the company again.

“I get to play a series of roles in the show,” said Fink, an alumna of Oakland’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “Mainly, I play the role of Belle, Scrooge’s love, in a past life. On this production, I also get the amazing opportunity to conduct the group of onstage carolers, as well as serving as the company’s dance captain.”

Learning the ropes at Oakland was a great start for Fink, but learning and working hands-on in the Meadow Brook Theatre really helped her grow as an actress.

“Working alongside fellow actors like Thomas Mahard, who plays Scrooge, and Tobin Hissong, who plays Bob Cratchit, has taught me more than can ever be taught in a classroom,” Fink said.

The company guarantees that seeing the show will get even the Grinch in the holiday spirit.

“It will put them [the audience] in the holiday mood,” Carpenter said. “The production is beautiful to look at and listen to, and the story has held up for 150 years.”

This story has themes and messages that still ring true.

“’Carol’ is a time-honored classic that brings to life dilemmas that we still face today,” Fink said. “It’s a tale of love and loss, growth and change, and so much more.”

According to a Meadow Brook Theatre press release, ticket prices range from $20 to $42. Tickets can be ordered at the box office, via telephone by calling (248) 377-3300 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Oakland students who are currently enrolled in THA 100 are eligible to receive a discount, according to the box office.

“A Christmas Carol” runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 23. For more information, call (248) 377-3300 or visit the website at www.mbtheatre.com.