'A Christmas Carol' comes to Hemmens in December

‘Tis the season for merriment and fun! Catch the holiday spirit with this musical interpretation of

"A Christmas Carol," Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, coming to The Hemmens Cultural Center at 9:45 a.m. and noon Friday, Dec. 2, and 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. All seats $7. For tickets, call the Hemmens box office at 847-931-5900 or visit www.hemmens.org.

"A Christmas Carol" captures both the humorous and touching moments of the heartwarming story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the Christmas Eve that changed his outlook on life. Witty dialogue and fresh new songs convey Dickens' original message that the holiday season should be a "kind, forgiving, charitable time," a sentiment which still rings true today. For ages 7 and up.

"A Christmas Carol" is the second of the Hemmen's Performing Arts for Young People (PAYP) shows, with three more shows running through March 2012. Go to The Hemmens website at www.hemmens.org for information on all PAYP shows, including "A Christmas Carol," "Are You My Mother?," "The Color of Justice," and "Fancy Nancy and Other Stories."

If you come out on Saturday, catch the City of Elgin's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. in the Civic Center Plaza, just outside The Hemmens.

The Hemmens Cultural Center, located at the corner of Symphony Way and North Grove Avenue in Elgin, is easily accessible from I-90. Driving directions are available at www.hemmens.org. Parking is free.