NEWS RELEASE
VERY USEFUL THEATRE COMPANY (VUTC)
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Organizers of Charles Dickens’ Dramatic Reading of A Christmas Carol — which will even put a Grinch into the festive spirit — have added a silent auction this year, with many, many items up for grabs to make it more of an evening out for friends and families.
Now a Christmas tradition across the country, a dramatic reading of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol will be presented at New Hope Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 8, starting at 7 p.m. A portion of the proceeds raised will go to the Newmarket Food Pantry — in true Dickens’ fashion. Lots of free parking.
“It really gets everyone into the Christmas spirit and makes a real difference for a local charity during this special time of year. Not only that, but it’s a special, fun night out, especially now that we have added this silent auction,” said main organizer Kay Valentine, on behalf of the Very Useful Theatre Company, which is presenting this holiday event.
The organizing committee for this year’s A Christmas Carol, which missed being presented last year and is being re-introduced this year by Valentine, Kim Valentine and Joanne Spitzer, all of Aurora, with help from Barb Jones of Bradford and Doris Keppler of Georgina.
One of the major draws of the silent auction is a superb painting of a wolf by renowned artist Mary Butts of Neudorf, Sask., which is valued at $400. Plus there are theatre tickets with wine, and a Canadian Tire festive package, among a slew of other items.
The production features well-known dramatic personalities — the talented readers include (in order of appearance) Phil Dionne of Newmarket; Zara Stuart-Jones of Aurora; Bruce Williamson of Aurora; Judi Cragg of Newmarket and, wrapping up this festive delight, is Aurora’s Ken Lloyd.
The MC is none other than the well-known and well-loved Charles Beer of Newmarket. It is an evening not to be missed.
The music, which is such an important part of the dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol is the well-known and popular singing group Take Note Vocal Ensemble. This singing of traditional Christmas music adds so much to the evening and the reading.
Since 1990, people across Canada have been crowding into churches and theatres to hear Dickens’ timeless story read aloud over the holiday season. Produced in more than 100 communities across Canada, A Christmas Carol raises money for local charities, such as food banks, shelters, libraries and hospices.
For more information on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Newmarket this Sunday, please call the ticket hotline and talk to the friendly Joanne at 905-727-3290, or visit vutc.ca. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children over age 12.
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