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WEST AMWELL: Two holiday productions coming to South Hunterdon

   The Downtown Players, part of Lambertville’s Downtown Performing Arts Center, will ring in the holiday season with two productions: “A Christmas Carol” and “Frosty and Rudolph.”
   Both shows, set to run Dec. 21 (7:30 p.m.), Dec. 22 (3 and 7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 23 (3 p.m.) will be performed at the South Hunterdon Regional High School Theatre, 301 Mount Airy-Harbourton Road, West Amwell.
   ”A Christmas Carol” ran for 10 years at Madison Square Garden and in 2004, became the basis of an NBC Hallmark Entertainment special starring Kelsey Grammer as Ebenezer Scrooge.
   But even without starry casts and spectacular trappings, this “A Christmas Carol “retains its emotional power and pure joy, thanks to the marvelously told story by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, and the Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens score. Their song, “A Place Called Home,” has become a holiday standard.
   The cast includes Lambertville resident David Whiteman as Ebenezer Scrooge, a part he first played in 2010. Louis Palena will play Bob Cratchit. He is the artistic director for the Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre. Jenny Johnson, also of Lambertville, will play Mrs. Fezziwig. The cast is rounded out by Suzanne Slade, Jill Palena, Jay Casale, Damian Bartolacci and many other familiar faces.
   Tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children (12 and under) and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.downtownpac.com.
    Especially for children, the Downtown Players will present the musical, “Frosty and Rudolph” on Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. With a book and lyrics by Louis Palena and based on characters that have entertained generations of audiences, “Frosty and Rudolph” promises to be a delight for all ages.
   Tickets are $5 for children and adults.
   . Tickets for both productions will be available at the door prior to any performance.