Simpich Showcase Presents A Christmas Carol on Strings; Charles Dickens as Puppeteer Brings Story to Life

    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, November 01, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Simpich Showcase of Colorado Springs is joining in the international celebration of the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens by hosting a unique holiday festival. The art center, which houses a theatre, museum and gallery, is culminating its four month commemoration with a unique theatre production of Dickens's A Christmas Carol, featuring puppeteer David Simpich in the role of Charles Dickens himself. Festival attendees will also be able to partake in a number of special activities including exhibits, recitations and workshops intended to highlight the life and work of England's great Victorian writer.

The festival was the brainchild of David and Debby Simpich, who met on a tour of England thirty years ago and together visited London's Doughty Street Dickens Museum on their first date. "Our mutual admiration for the author's great stories and characters really helped strike up a friendship," said David. The couple was married a year later and as David began his career in marionette puppet theatre, the works of Dickens continuously served as inspiration. A Christmas Carol (1987) was his first of three Dickens adaptations and this solo interpretation was presented annually in Colorado Springs throughout the 1990s, with seven of those years at the historic Broadmoor Hotel. Simpich's adaptation of the story has received the UNIMA USA Citation of Excellence, the highest honor in North American puppetry.

"Debby and I thought Dickens's two hundredth birthday year was a great opportunity to really showcase his unique legacy as an author," said Simpich. "And of all his stories, A Christmas Carol continues to epitomize his voice as a social reformer, humorist, humanitarian and true artistic genius. By portraying him on stage as puppeteer, I have been able to include much of his wonderful descriptions and insights as he brings his 'Carol' to life." The play features a cast of over 20 hand carved marionettes including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Jacob Marley.

David adds, "We hope the special events and activities we've planned surrounding the performances will also add to the discovery and appreciation of the author's talent and the impact his writings continue to have." The Dickens Parlor at Simpich Showcase will be open every performance date and features Dickensian exhibits and holiday treats for theatre patrons. The theatre will also host preshow recitations on Dickens's life and work and special puppetry workshops and backstage tours.

Event Details:
The Dickens Festival at Simpich Showcase Presents A Christmas Carol
November 14 through December 31, 2012
Performances: 7pm Fridays (through Dec. 21); 2:30pm Saturdays, Sundays & Wednesdays. Additional 2:30 pm Shows: Tuesday, Dec. 18, Thurs. Dec. 27, Fri. Dec. 28, and Mon., Dec. 24 & 31.
The Dickens Parlor opens every performance date one hour before show time.
All performances at Simpich Showcase, 2413 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Media:
Members of the media may receive two complimentary passes to any performance during the festival and (limited) backstage passes to be used immediately following some performances. Reservations should be made in advance by contacting the Simpich Showcase Box Office at (719) 465-2492. Please present I.D. at Box Office on performance date. Complete performance information is available at www.simpich.com.

General Public:
In the tradition of European Puppet Theatre, Simpich performances are intended for adult and family audiences. For over 20 years, Simpich Marionette audiences have been 80% adult. All performances are recommended for adults and school age children. Length and content is not appropriate or intended for preschoolers.

Tickets:
Tickets range from $12 to $15 and are available online at www.simpich.com and at Simpich Showcase Box Office: (719) 465-2492.

Simpich Showcase, Marionette Theatre, Museum & Gallery, 2413 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, (719) 465-2492, www.simpich.com

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