Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com
A holiday tale of Christmas in Levittown is making its debut on the stage in New Hope.
Starting Thursday, the New Hope Arts Center will stage its first-ever production of “A Levittown Christmas Carol.”
The show isn’t just any Christmas performance; it’s a creative twist on Charles Dickens’ iconic tale and infused with Bucks County flair and 90s nostalgia.
The show was created by Levittown natives Righteous Jolly and David Garrett Shaw.
The idea for the show first sparked years ago and Jolly, a seasoned playwright and actor, and Shaw, a talented composer, reminisced about their childhoods in Levittown during the vibrant and eclectic 90s.
The duos’ shared experiences and love for their hometown inspired them to reimagine the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge with a Levittown twist.
“A Levittown Christmas Carol” is set in a familiar yet fantastical version of Levittown, where the main characters, Chuck, a hardworking diner employee, and Grace, a young woman battling bureaucracy and prejudice to open a bakery, embody the struggles and dreams of local residents.
The show features a headbanging Ghost of Christmas Past, a barber who transforms into the jovial Ghost of Christmas Present, and a mysterious Ghost of Christmas Future. The characters guide Chuck on a journey that’s both whimsical and poignant, blending sharp humor with deep reflections on community and redemption.
The musical score, which was composed by Shaw, features sixteen original songs that mix rock rhythms with holiday melodies.
Last year, Jolly described the story “absolute lunacy” and an enjoyable time.
“Though this story is Levittown centric, it is a timeless tale about a person who has forgotten about all the good this world has to offer. And the reckonings that come with being such a miserable crumb bum,” he said.
“It’s thrilling to bring live theater back to our stage with an original production like “A Levittown Christmas Carol.” This musical offers a fresh and creative take on a classic holiday story, filled with humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt performances that will leave a lasting impression on our audience,” said Christine Ramirez, executive director of New Hope Arts.
The show started Thursday and will be performed Friday, Dec. 20, Saturday, Dec. 21, and Sun, Dec. 22, with doors opening at 7 p.m. A matinee will be performed Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now, and for those interested in a heartwarming, rock-infused trip down memory lane, visit www.newhopearts.org or contact the box office at info@newhopearts.org.
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