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“A Christmas Carol Radio Play – Onstage!”:
New Tradition from Bradley University Theatre

Bradley University Theatre ignites the holidays with its all-new production of “A Christmas Carol Radio Play – Onstage!”, December 1 – 4 at the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts.

Adapted from the treasured Charles Dickens classic and directed by Dan Matisa, the production turns the Hartmann stage into a live broadcast soundstage, combining the scope of theatre with the immediacy and fun of a radio play’s live music, Foley sound effects, and nimble actors voicing multiple roles to conjure the timeless characters of Scrooge, Marley, Bob and the Cratchits, spirits of Christmases Past, Present and Future, and, of course, the beloved Tiny Tim.

“We first recorded Dan Matisa’s sparkling adaptation in 2019, and since then it has aired on local radio stations WCBU and WGLT every Christmas season,” notes Bradley Theatre Arts chair, Scott Kanoff. “This year, in the tradition of shows like The 1940s Radio Hour, we wanted to expand the play to allow live theatre audiences to experience the fun and inventiveness of attending a real radio broadcast. That includes ‘applause’ signs, booing and hissing, and, naturally, sing-along carols, too.” Several of the performances will be recorded for a new broadcast with Bradley’s public radio partners later in the month.

Performances are Thursday – Saturday, December 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or online, at $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and Bradley Faculty/Staff, and $8 for students. Quick Cash is accepted at the box office.

Department of Theatre Arts
Production Information
Bradley University Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol Radio Play – Onstage!”
Based on the novella by Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Dan Matisa
When: Thur-Sat., Dec 1-3, at 7:30 p.m. Sun., Dec 4 at 2 p.m.
Where: The Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets and information:
• Cultural Events Box Office: 309-677-2650
www.Bradley.edu/theatre

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