A Christmas Carol

Allen Fitzpatrick follows in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, who, a few years after writing the novella, began public readings of it, which he continued to perform until the year of his death. This story has been adapted for over a hundred stage, film, opera, and radio productions. In Allen’s version, audiences can use the full range of their imagination as one actor—on a virtually bare stage—creates 26 different characters. Audiences have been delighted by this approach's personal, individual impact. Dickens' novella captures the zeitgeist of the mid-Victorian revival of the Christmas holiday, popularizing many aspects of Christmas celebration— including family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, dancing, games, and a festive generosity of spirit. And it shows how selfish, greedy men may redeem themselves. Its most important theme, however— all too relevant today— is to shine a glaring light on the mistreatment of the poor. Dickens wrote his novella in response to British social attitudes towards poverty. He was compelled to show the repercussions of ignoring the poor— especially children— in poverty. Allen has spent 50 years on Broadway and professional theatre, working alongside notables such as Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Harold Prince, John Guare, and Marvin Hamlisch. He debuted on Broadway inLes Miserables; his other eight Broadway credits areDriving Miss Daisy(with James Earl Jones),The Scarlet Pimpernel,Damn Yankees(with Jerry Lewis), and42nd Street. He was the stand-by for John Lithgow inSweet Smell of Success, directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner. Allen shared an Emmy Award for contributing toPassion: Live from Lincoln Center, where he appeared opposite Patti LuPone. He starred opposite Petula Clark inSunset Boulevard, with Keith Michell in Lloyd-Webber'sAspects of Loveand Marlo Thomas inSix Degrees of Separation. He was featured in several national tours and played a leading role in the premiere ofWhistle Down the Wind, directed by Hal Prince.