Timothy J. Shields, McCarter Theatre
McCarter Theatre Center thanks the many individuals, community partners, and local corporations who helped to make the debut of its newly re-imagined production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” such a success., This year’s production was seen by more people than any other iteration since McCarter began producing “A Christmas Carol” in 1980. Well more than 28,000 people saw the show this year, including 4,500 children from area schools who were introduced to Mr. Scrooge and his journey to redemption. All told, attendance increased 20 percent over previous seasons., The financial support of lead sponsor Bank of America was instrumental in McCarter’s ability to create this new production, as was support from McCarter and English Attorneys at Law and Saul Ewing LLP. Their belief and dedication in investing in the community has resulted in more world-class theater being produced right here in Mercer County., McCarter also thanks community partners including the Princeton Public Library, Palmer Square Management, Tico’s Juice Bar, Triumph Brewery, Morven Museum and the Rutgers Master Gardener Program. Through activities that spanned a range from readings of the works of Charles Dickens; to community gatherings at tree lightings; to creating specialty drinks; to holding crafting workshops, these community partners lent a festive air to December and spread the joy of the holidays to Princeton residents and visitors alike., The members of McCarter’s Community Acting Ensemble deserve immense credit for making this production so special and unique, as do Rider University, Trenton Free Public Library, The ARC Mercer, Villagers Theatre, HomeFront Family Campus, Hightstown Memorial Library, Hollowbrook Branch Library, Hamilton Area YMCA, The Pennington School, Princeton Family YMCA, and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for partnering with McCarter during the Community Ensemble casting process. More than three dozen local residents brought the magic of the season to life onstage and off., The entire McCarter staff had a role in creating this spectacular production and did so with professionalism and grace. The members of McCarter’s Board of Directors played a crucial role in supporting, guiding and shaping all that McCarter is – a huge thanks is owed to them., Finally, McCarter thanks the tens of thousands of patrons who visited this holiday season for their generous support of Mercer Street Friends. More than 500 holiday cards were filled out in our lobbies and then passed along to deserving children enrolled in Mercer Street Friends’ Send Hunger Packing Program. More than $62,000 was raised by generous donations from McCarter patrons for Mercer Street Friends. Since 2009, McCarter patrons have raised more than $300,000 for the benefit of numerous Mercer County service organizations through our Community Assistance Program., “A Christmas Carol” is an evergreen story about how one man grows in his own appreciation of the good that one person can do, and how in turn his actions can affect his entire community. Thanks to the efforts of all the fine people and organizations mentioned above, McCarter Theatre Center was able to produce a new version of the classic story, and looks forward to celebrating this message of generosity, hope, and love with all of you for many years to come., Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director, McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
