25 Versions of A Christmas Carol? Bah Humbug!

For a story that was written way back in 1843, it’s amazing how popular it is. Many versions of the story has been produced from everything from Mr. Magoo to Barbie. A Christmas Carol was originally produced as a novella by Charles Dickens. It is said that the book was written during the Victorian era where people were longing for forgotten Christmas traditions and new traditions, such as the Christmas tree and greeting cards, were being introduced. 

The story is simple one, but many versions have missed the point of the original text. For instance, “Humbug” was actually a term meaning “deceitful efforts to fool people” and “pretending a false sincerity.” In essence, Scrooge already knew that he didn’t care about anyone else but himself but he also believed that this was true of all people. In his eyes, he felt that he was the only one being truthful. So, to say “Bah Humbug” was to mean, “You are a phoney. You don’t really care for others.”

Here is a brief history of some of the most prominent, tasteful, odd and even strangest versions of ACC that have been produced over the years.

Photo: Paul’s Animatograph Works

Title: Scrooge or Marley's Ghost
Year: 1901
Scrooge: Unknown

Possibly the first film adaptation of the story created in the UK. It is only 6 minutes and 20 seconds long in length.

Photo: Worldview Entertainment

Title: A Christmas Carol
Year: 1910
Scrooge: Marc McDermott

While slightly longer than the 1901 version, this silent film still only clocks in at only 10 minutes.

Photo: MGM

Title: A Christmas Carol
Year: 1938
Scrooge: Reginald Owen

MGM released a record-breaking 375 prints of the film so that as many people as possible could see it during the Christmas season. It featured Gene, Kathleen and June Lockhard.

Photo: George Minter Productions

Title: Scrooge
Year: 1951
Scrooge: Alastair Sim

Often regarded as the best film version ever. Mr. Sims and Michael Hordern would reprise their roles as Scrooge and Marley for the animated version in 1971.

Photo: United Productions of America

Title: Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
Year: 1962
Scrooge: Mr. Magoo (Jim Backus)

The song “People” from the musical, Funny Girl, was originally planned to be used in this  TV special, but the animation had already been completed. It later became the first hit for Barbra Streisand.

Photo: Waterbury Films

Title:1970 Scrooge
Year: 1970
Scrooge: Albert Finney

While Finney was 34 years old at the time, Michel Medwin played his nephew, even though he was 46 year old! 

Photo: Richard Williams Productions

Title: A Christmas Carol
Year: 1971
Scrooge: Alastair Sim (again!)

This animated movie was originally a made-for-TV special, but it was released in theaters and is the only “Carol” to win an Oscar.

Photo: Canadian Broadcasting Co.

Title: Rich Little’s Christmas Carol
Year: 1978
Scrooge: Rich Little

Impressionist, Rich Little, did a one-man show where he portrayed each character as a famous celebrity including W.C. Fields as Scrooge. Unfortunately, the special was accompanied by a bad laugh track.

Photo: Walt Disney Productions

Title: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Year: 1983
Scrooge: Scrooge McDuck

Disney waited until 1983 to create it’s version of ACC. In this short, Mickey Mouse plays Bob Cratchit, Goofy is Jacob Marley’s Ghost and Donald Duck is Scrooge’s nephew - which he is in “real life.”

Photo: Entertainment Partners, LLC

Title: A Christmas Carol
Year: 1984
Scrooge: George C. Scott

Traditionally, Scrooge is seen mostly in his nightgown, slippers and cap. However, in this version, he wears dress-slacks, a dress-shirt and a vest throughout.

Photo: Warner Bros./Hanna Barbera

Title: The Jetson’s Christmas Carol
Year: 1985
Scrooge: Mr. Spacely

Merely just another episode of the Jetsons TV series where the story is presented in “the future” with Mr. Spacely replacing Scrooge.

Photo: Paramount Pictures

Title: Scrooged
Year: 1988
Scrooge: Bill Murray

This story is given a modern twist with Bill Murray playing Frank Cross, who runs a TV station which is planning a live adaptation of ACC. Though a comedy, it is rather dark and not as funny as it should have been given the cast.

Photo: Jim Henson Co.

Title:1992 “The Muppets Christmas Carol”
Year: 1992
Scrooge: Michael Caine

This Muppet adaptation is surprisingly accurate to the original story. Every character is played by a Muppet except for the lead which was played by Michael Caine.

Photo: Warner Bros./Hanna Barbera

Title: A Flintstones Christmas Carol
Year: 1994
Scrooge: Fred Flintstone

This adaptation takes place in the town of Bedrock where Fred is playing Scrooge on stage.

Photo: MGM

Title: 1998 An All Dogs Christmas Carol
Year: 1998
Scrooge: Carface

This less-than-faithful adaptation features a couple of dogs trying to save Christmas from Carface and an evil spirit that wants to use dogs all over the world to ruin Christmas forever. It was also the 3rd film in the “All Dogs” franchise.

Photo: RHI Entertainment

Title:A Christmas Carol
Year: 1999
Scrooge: Patrick Stewart

Stewart traded in his Star Trek uniform to don the top hat a cane of Scrooge. The made-for-TV movie was produced after a successful theatrical readings of ACC on Broadway and London.

Photo: VH1 Television

Title: A Diva’s Christmas Carol
Year: 2000
Scrooge: Vanessa Williams

This remake turns the story on its head with Vanessa Williams playing Ebony Scrooge, Kathy Griffin as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Chilli Thomas as Marli Jacob.

Photo: ABC Family

Title: A Carol Christmas
Year: 2003
Scrooge: Tori Spelling

Yet another modernized version with Tori Spelling as a cranky TV talk show host. It also starred William Shatner and Gary Coleman. Quality television for sure.

Photo: Hallmark Entertainment

Title: A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Year: 2004
Scrooge: Kelsey Grammar

Known for yeas as the jovial Dr. Fraiser Craine, Kelsey Grammar steps into the role of Scrooge. This primetime Emmy winner featured original music by Alan Menken.

Photo: Toon City/Warner Bros.

Title: Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas
Year: 2008
Scrooge: Daffy Duck

In this version, Daffy Duck is the greedy proprietor of the Luck Duck Mega Mart and Bugs Bunny is a last minute shopper.

Photo: Sesame Workshop

Title: A Sesame Street Christmas Carol
Year: 2006
Scrooge: Oscar the Grouch (Who else?)

Oscar the Grouch is visited by three ghosts in an attempt to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.

Photo: Mattel Entertainment

Title: Barbie in A Christmas Carol
Year: 2008
Scrooge: Barbie

Now there is proof that Barbie CAN have a bad day. Here, she portrays the role of Eden Starling, a singing star that forces her fellow performers to work on Christmas Day.

Photo: Nickelodeon

Title: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure
Year: 2009
Scrooge: Swiper

This version of the story sounds like a nightmare with Dora teaching Swiper a lesson with the help of Santa Claus with “all new” musical numbers.

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

Title: 2009 Disney’s A Christmas Carol
Year: 2009
Scrooge: Jim Carrey

One of the best versions of the story. It features Jim Carrey in a variety of roles using motion capture technology. It is faithful to the original tale and has stunning 3D effects.

Photo: Sony Pictures Animation

Title: The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol
Year: 2011
Scrooge: Grouchy

Used as marketing ploy to sell DVDs of the movie “The Smurfs,” this short is featured as a bonus. In 20 minutes the blue guys attempt to tell the ACC story with Grouchy stepping in for Scrooge.

The Muppets are Back and It’s About Time!

Jason Segel, Amy Adams and friends.

Some people feel that the “golden age” of the Muppets was over when creator Jim Henson passed away in 1990. Others were willing to give up on the furry friends after the atrocious made-for-TV movie, The Muppets Wizard of Oz, in 2005. And then their next big gig, Muppets TV in 2006 was short-lived. For the most part, the gang pretty much stayed dormant the last few years popping up on You Tube with parodies of rock songs. But in the last few weeks, the cuddly crew have come back with a vengeance showing up on everything from Dancing with the Stars to Saturday Night Live. 

The Disney Company is putting everything they have in the simply named movie, The Muppets, in hopes of a grand revival. Some are still skeptical. This is director James Bobin’s first feature film and the script was co-written by Jason Segel, known for more raunchy fare. Even Frank Oz, the voice Miss Piggy and Ozzie Bear, is rumored to want nothing to do with the latest venture and refused to voice the characters in the new film. To all the haters out there...you were wrong.

Instead of trying to make the Muppets “more relevant,” Disney focused on the characters and a good story, albeit a simple one. It’s sweet. It’s funny. The music is catchy. The characters are they way you remember them and there’s nothing in it that you’ll have to cover your kids’ eyes for.

In addition to writing the script, Jason Segel plays Gary who is the twin brother of Walter, a Muppet. Gary has been dating Mary (Amy Adams, another perfect choice) for 10 years and the two have decided to visit Los Angeles for a romantic adventure. Since L.A. is the home of Muppet Studios, Gary convinces Mary to take Walter along. When they get to the studios, it is apparent that it is run down, but Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) has bought the property to turn it into a Muppet museum. This sounds like good news, but Walter finds out the Tex actually wants to tear down the building and drill for oil instead. Gary, Mary and Walter find Kermit and fill him in on the details and plan to raise the money to buy the land back. And how is this gang of misfits able to do that? By putting on a show of course.

It is not only a great film, it is also a great introduction to the franchise to those who have not grown up with the characters. Kids will love the crazy antics and parents will appreciate the “Airplane/Police Squad” humor. It’s nostalgic and yet fresh. It’s a simple story of friendship and love maybe told in a more compelling way than many family films. It also features a big bunch of cameos from stars like Jack Black, Mickey Rooney, Zach Galifianakis and more, so what is not to love?

The icing on the cake is that The Muppets is preceded by a brand new Toy Story short.

          

Once Upon a Time is Terribly Addicting

Show: Once Upon a Time

Genre: Fantasy/Family

Network: ABC

One of this fall’s TV season standouts is ABC’s Once Upon a Time. After only two episodes, the show was rewarded with a full season order and with good reason too.

Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the brains behind the fabled series were also behind another little show, Lost, also on ABC. In a live telecast presented on Facebook last month, the two compared the two series stating that Lost was about redemption and Once is about hope.

"For us, that’s what a fairytale is. It’s that ability to think your life will get better,” says Kitsis. “It’s why you buy a lottery ticket—because if you win you get to tell your boss that you’re quitting and you get to move to Paris or wherever and be who you always wanted to be. And that’s Cinderella, right? One day she’s sweeping up and the next she’s going to the ball. Adam and I just wanted to write about something hopeful that for one hour a week allows one to put everything aside and have that feeling that your dreams just may come true."

Like Lost, Once spends about half of each episode with flashbacks. In this case, the flashbacks are of fairy tale characters in their settings that we are familiar with except that all of them know each other. For instance, Snow White and Cinderella are friends. The premise of the show is this: At the wedding of Snow White to Prince Charming (Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas), the Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla) surprises the couple with a curse that will ruin all of the character’s happy endings. This is done by sending all of them to live in the modern world, in a small town called Storybrooke with no memory of their former selves. Here, the queen serves as the town’s mayor. The link between the two worlds is Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), who is apparently Snow White’s daughter. She escaped the curse right after she was born. As a teenager, Emma became pregnant and gave her son, Henry (Jared Gilmore), up for adoption. Ten years later, Henry has found Emma in the “real” world and brought her to Storybrooke to help break the curse.

The show is hard to describe, but terribly addicting. Even though there is an ongoing story, each episode is its own story as well. Each show leaves you satisfied and yet wanting more. The cast does an incredible job playing their characters. Robert Carlyle is an incredibly creepy, Rumplestiltskin, Parrilla is perfectly evil as the queen, and Goodwin couldn’t be any more innocent than Snow White herself.

For those sensitive to themes of magic and witchcraft, it is worth nothing that every time a character chooses magic, they seem to get in trouble. In the recent episode, “The Price of Gold,” Rumplestiltskin says that every contract made with magic comes with a price – a price that is greater than they were expecting. (Side note: Read the fine print!)

Once Upon a Time is a show that the whole family can enjoy and can lead to some interesting discussions. It is sort of this generation’s Wonderful World of Disney. There is no gray area – the “good guys” are good and the “bad guys” are bad. The stories are simple and yet complex. There is no “agenda” to the show – just good story telling.

Online and On the Air

Exciting news! Starting this Saturday, November 19, a new radio show will hit the airwaves in the Seattle area. Our companion program, "World of Pop" will air on KCIS 630 AM at 12:15 p.m. The 15 minute program will be crammed full of news and reviews of movies, TV, music, performing arts and more. I will be co-hosting the show with my wife, "The Mom at the Movies," Donna. Please give it a listen and let us know what you think. (But be kind - I've never done a radio show before!)

Annie Get Your Gun is a great piece of Americana

One of the great things about a Village Theatre production is that once you enter the auditorium, you are instantly transported to another world. In the case of Annie Get Your Gun, instead of a regular curtain, you are greeted with giant posters for Buffalo Bill Wild West Show and instead of a standard “turn your cell phones off please message,” it is given by a barker. Then, when the musical begins, you’ll swear you just walked into an old 1940’s MGM film.

Annie Get Your Gun is Village Theatre’s latest production of one of Broadway’s oldest musicals which features the timeless songs, “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun,” “I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning” and “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better).” It’s a colorful specticle of a show with over-the-top characters who break the fourth wall by turning to the audience when they speak their punchlines. Its vaudville and broadway rolled into one.

The story is a simple one and loosely based on the real life of Annie Oakley, a backwoods sharpshooter who enters shooting competition against Buffalo Bill’s headline act, Frank Butler. Not only does did she win the competition, buy she also won his heart.

Vicki Noon headlines the show as Annie Oakley. Before this, she had just finished a national tour of Wicked playing Elphaba. At the press night, I sat next to a family friend of Noon who told me that she has had the pleasure of playing with the Oz theme three times – first as Dorothy, then as Aunt Em and then the wicked witch of the west. Playing Annie must be a nice change. Noon has an incredible voice and pairs very nicely with  Dane Stokinger’s Frank Butler.

A secondary storyline features show performers Winnie Tate (Taylor Niemeyer), Tommy Keeler (Gabriel Corey) the half Indian, half Irish love interest and Dolly Tate (Kathryn Van Meter), Winnie’s sister, who tries to keep the two apart when she isn’t trying to win the heart of Mr. Butler. Also in the cast is Hugh Hastings as Buffalo Bill, Johnny Patchamalta as Sitting Bull, Casey Raiha as Charlie Davenport and a trio of new actors, Sofia Caputo, Analiese Emerson Guettinger and Josh Feinsilber as Annie’s younger siblings.

Other than a couple minor technical difficulties, the show went at a nice clip, albeit a long clip. It was great to share this family-friendly production with my son who enjoyed it as well. When I mentioned to him about it being a squeaky-clean show, he commented that he noticed that they had sworn a lot in the show. And, that they did, though only “damns” and “hells." They didn’t over power the show. All in all, it's a great piece of American history and a great show to see if you've never seen it.

Annie Get Your Gun runs until December 31 at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre in Issaquah and then from January 6-29 at the Everett Performing Arts Center. Performances will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, 7:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and a 2:00 p.m. matinee will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays. The Issaquah theatre is located at 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, 98027. Tickets for the Issaquah production can be purchased online or at the box office by calling 425.392.2202. (The Everett location tickets will not be available until November 30.)

Originally posted on Examiner.com 

Too Soon for Christmas Music?

Last week Tenth Avenue North released a new video featuring the band playing their version of "Deck the Halls." It’s an elaborate video, reminiscent of a 1960's Christmas special that was shot in just one take! Because of this news, it seems like the perfect time to announce some of the new albums available this year. For those who love their Christmas music, you’ll be happy to know that these albums are ready and waiting for you to pick them up:

Wow Christmas 2011
For WOW Christmas 2011 is the third installment in the WOW Christmas series. It’s perfect for those who like a LOT of variety. The two CD set includes 32 songs including the Tenth Avenue North’s “Deck the Halls.” It also features other favorites including Casting Crowns (“Joy to the World”), Steven Curtis Chapman, (“O Little Town of Bethlehem”), Chris Tomlin (“Emmanuel”), Mandisa (“Angels We Have Heard On High”), Newboys (“Jingle Bell Rock”), Amy Grant (“I Need a Silent Night”) and many more.

Toby Mac: Christmas in Diverse City
Christmas in DiverseCity is Toby Mac’s first Christmas album (Yes - Toby Mac!) It showcases Mr. Mac and his band and special pairings with Owl City (“The First Noel”), Jamie Grace (“Mary’s Boy Child”), Father of the Fatherless (“This Christmas”), and Gabe Real & Liquid (“Carol of the Kings”). The album includes last year’s single track hit “Christmas This Year” with Leigh Nash and seven track devoted to the band’s individual efforts.


Hawk Nelson: Christmas
Hawk Nelson promises a rousing Christmas collection from the Canadian punk-pop favorite. Hopefully it will be more exciting than the title. Hawk Nelson Christmas features the group's unique takes on “Silent Night,” “The Holly and The Ivy," "The Wassail Song," “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” “Joy to the World,” “I Saw Three Ships,” and “Silent Night.”

David Crowder Band: Oh For Joy
You've never heard these Christmas classics sung like this! Known for their creativity and originality, the David Crowder Band reinvents old favorites in their fresh interpretations of "Joy to the World"; "Go Tell It on the Mountain"; "Angels We Have Heard on High"; "O Holy Night"; "Christmas Sarajevo"; "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"; "The First Noel"; and "Silent Night." The album is said to feature all of DCB’s signature stylings with a little more - mixing elements of pop, rock, acoustic, and bluegrass.

Matthew West: Come On Christmas
Singer/songwriter Matthew West, joined by friends Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Mandisa, shares his own heart on this Christmas album of original pieces and traditional favorites. Includes "One Last Christmas," "Give This Christmas Away," "Christmas Makes Me Cry," and the title track; plus "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," "Jingle Bells," and more.




Kathy Troccoli: Christmas Songs
Celebrating 29 years of music, Kathy releases a more quiet, heartfelt holiday album of both classic and contemporary favorites including "Welcome to Our World," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Waltz," "Breath of Heaven," "O Holy Night," "Christmas Time Is Here," "Home for the Holidays," "My Favorite Things," "Grown-up Christmas Wish List," and more.

FHF: One Silent Night
Best-selling pop group FFH will also usher in the holiday with their first Christmas album. One Silent Night, is a mix of original songs and Christmas classics that reportedly has been four years in the making. Songs include “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and “Jingle Bell Rock” among others.

Seattle’s Quiet Theatre troupe present Bean: The Musical Fruit

Quiet, one of Seattle’s newest independent theatre groups, has presented a wide range of original and classic plays with a twist including William Shakespear’s The Taming of the Shrew done in the style of a Mad Men episode and most recently, the original Warrior’s Heart. Now, they are poised and ready to embark on their first musical for a younger crowd. 


Running from November 10th through the 19th, Bean: The Musical Fruit (pun intended), is an original family musical that explores what it means to belong, even when you are different from others around you. It takes place in the perfectly sculpted Patch. Every harvest, Mayor Tom A. Toe divides the Patch responsibilities based on two groups: fruits and vegetables. However, this year the crop has run into a snag as the newest member of the community, Bean, appears to be neither vegetable nor fruit. Facing rejection, Bean and her best friend Cel set off on a journey for answers from the reclusive and mysterious Nutty that lives in the Orchard.

Bean will be presented at 7:00 p.m. November 10-12 and 17-19 at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle. A 2:00 p.m. matinee will also be shown on November 12 and 19. Doors open one half hour before each performance. Come early to meet Pa Tatoe, Eva Cado, Bana, Mayor Tom A. Toe, Chiogga Beet, Nutty, Berry, Wando, Bolero, Mr. Big, Bean and a basketful of other veggies. Characters will be available for pictures as well.


Youngstown Cultural Arts Center is located at 4408 Delridge Way SW in Seattle, 98106. $5 discount tickets are available for students (present ID at Will Call) and children age 12 and under. You can order tickets online at BrownPaperTickets. For more information, visit the Quiet website or call 928-853-7400.


Originally posted on Examiner.com.

Tower Heist is a Robin Hood in New York Comedy

Movie: Tower Heist

Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Stephen Henderson, Judd Hirsch, Téa Leoni, Michael Peña, Gabourey Sidibe

Director: Brett Ratner

Genre: Comedy/Action/Crime

Rating: PG-13

The less you know about the new crime comedy, Tower Heist, the better you’ll enjoy it. Like so many other movie trailers, the Heist trailer gives too much of the plot away. I got a chance to see this movie “blind” and really enjoyed it. Even though the trailer is posted with this review, if you plan to see the movie, you may want to skip the preview.

Headed by an all-star cast, Tower Heist is a modern day Robin Hood story that takes place in New York during the Thanksgiving weekend. Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) and his coworkers at an exclusive apartment building find that they have lost their pensions in the Ponzi scheme of a Wall Street businessman who lives in the tower. In a fit of anger, Josh loses his job and the jobs of his friends, Charlie (Casey Affleck) and Dev'reaux (Michael Peña). To make matters worse, it was Josh’s fault that all the employees have no pension to retire on. The only way for him to make things right, is to break into his old workplace and find where the thief hid their money.

This rag tag group of merry men includes Charlie, who’s wife is eight months pregnant, Dev’reaux, who has only been on the job for a couple of days, Mr. Fitzhugh (a weary-looking Matthew Broderick), a former high-paid wall street worker now an apartment squatter and Slide (Eddie Murphy), the only real criminal of the bunch. Those who have grown tired of Murphy’s family-friendly roles, will be glad to see the “old” Eddie back again. But then again, THAT Eddie comes with a potty mouth. A brunette Téa Leoni (almost didn’t recognize her), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), Alan Alda and Judd Hirsch come along for the ride. In fact, even the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is virtually a character.

Heist is rated PG-13, but director Brett Ratner took full advantage of every swear word and crude expression he could get away with It’s a real shame as it doesn’t add a thing to the movie’s humor. In fact, this isn’t the funniest movie of the year but has a very satisfying story line with heart. In short, Josh is motivated by and risks everything for his friends. Heist is sort of a “fish out of water” and “stick it to the man” story with just a sprinkling of a holiday theme.

Other than the crude language, I didn’t find Heist to be an attack of a my conservative values, but it was annoying. That alone may keep you from letting your teenager see the film. If you are sensitive to rude language, then you might want to wait for an “edited for television” version. It’s silly, but in a clever way - similar in tone to the fairly unknown and under-appreciated The North Avenue Irregulars of 1979. It too is about regular working class folk having to work undercover to catch the bad guys.

Annie, Get Your Tickets!

Village Theatre brings one of the most famous, rootinest, tootinest Broadway shows to its stage on November 9. Contrary to popular belief, Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, is NOT a twist of the musical about the curly redhead who finds a shotgun. Rather, it’s a fictional story of a real character.

When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show visits Cincinnati, Ohio, a local backwoods girl, Annie Oakley, enters a shooting match against the show’s star, Frank Butler. Sparks when they first meet, but not in a good way. Soon, Annie becomes a star and the two become a couple.

Annie Get Your Gun is billed as a show-within and features some of those famous songs you know, but can’t remember where they came from like, “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better,” and “I Got the Sun in the Morning.”

Vicki Noon, fresh off the 2nd national tour of Wicked, will play Annie Oakley and will be joined by a cast of local favorites including Dane Stokinger as Frank Butler and Hugh Hastings as Buffalo Bill. Noon hasn’t been on the Village stage since the 2006 production of CATS and has been sorely missed.

Vicki Noon and Dane Stokinger
(Photo by Jay Koh, Property of Village
Theatre)

Music and lyrics for Annie is by the legendary Irving “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” Berlin and the book by Herbert Fields. The Village production is directed by Steve Tomkins.

Annie Get Your Gun runs from November 9 to December 31 at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre in Issaquah and then from January 6-29 at the Everett Performing Arts Center. Performances will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, 7:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays and a 2:00 p.m. matinee will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays. The Issaquah theatre is located at 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, 98027. Tickets for the Issaquah production can be purchased online or at the box office by calling 425.392.2202. (The Everett location tickets will not be available until November 30.)