Reviews:
2000:
nytheatre.com
"Fantastic Production"
1999:
Off-Off-Broadway Review (Andres J. Wrath):
"Inventive ... Poetic ... Magical"
The production was their "Pick of the Week" and received their highest rating for:
Writing, Directing, Acting, Costumes, Sets, and Lights.
1997:
nytheatre.com (Martin Denton):
"Sandra Nordgren's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is intended for children, but grownups will be delighted by this charming and loving work as well. In just an hour and a quarter, the classic tale of how the old miser Scrooge comes to understand the meaning of Christmas is told with simplicity, good-natured humor, and enormous clarity. Even the smallest fry will grasp the show's message of fellowship and compassion, and kids of all ages will have fun along the way. This Christmas Carol is infectious good fun. Take the kids and enjoy it!
1996:
Bill Hickey, Academy Award Nominee for "Prizzi's Honor":
"Ms. Nordgren has written a little jewel ... brilliantly staged."
History / Playwright's Biography / Director's Biography
Sandra Nordgren's adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" was first produced at New York City's Thirteenth Street Repertory Company (TSRC) in 1996, again in 1997, 1999 and 2000 and now in 2001.
Brooklyn Publisher, Odessa TX, published the piece in 2000. They are one of the nation's largest publishers of plays for high school students to perform. Art et Comedie, Paris-France, just published a French and English version and the play has just been translated into German.
PLAYWRIGHT'S BIOGRAPHY:
Sandra Nordgren was born and raised in NYC. She studied creative writing at NYC's New School, New York University, and the Writer's Voice. Sandra is co-author of "Old Witch Blinda on Smeltzburg Hill" which she wrote with Sean Coveney. The play is written in rhythmn and rhyme, in quadrameter, and will be produced in NYC in 2002. Currently, she is writing a screenplay, a true story dealing with spirituality and the holocaust.
Sandra has been involved in both theatre and film production since 1980. Before becoming General Manager of Thirteenth Street Repertory Company, she was Corporate Comptroller for major film editing and production companies. She was Production Auditor for CBS-TV's "Pee-wee's Playhouse" as well as TV specials and pilots shown on CBS-TV, ABC-TV, NBC-TV, HBO, and Showtime. Sandra was co-founder of, and co-producer for, The Classical Theatre Ensemble which produced plays at NYC historical landmarks. Most note-worthy production was "Everyman" a 500-year-old medieval morality play which was staged in the nave of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. She is a member of the NJS Council for the Arts Peer Panel Review Board, Financial Advisor for the Astoria Performing Arts Center, and a member of the Volunteer Organizations Against Disaster (VOAD) Mental Health Task Force and Spiritual Care Task Force. Sandra is Executive Director/Executive Producer at Portals Of Wonder, a not-for-profit bringing magic, music, myth, mime, and vaudeville to critically ill children, homeless kids, and youth at risk.
DIRECTOR'S BIOGRAPHY:
Brian Olsen (director) has previously directed The "Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr" (abridged) at the Washington Shakespeare Festival, "The Mousetrap" and "Camelot" at the Saxtons River Playhouse, and assistant directed "Cymbeline" with Gorilla Rep. He wrote, directed and performed his one-man show, "Typical," here in New York at Upstairs at Rose's Turn and in Vancouver, BC, at the Granville Studio. Also in Vancouver, at the Granville Studio and at New Image Studios, Brian taught classes in acting and scene study and led workshops in Shakespeare text. He has a BA in Drama from Stonehill College in Massachusetts, and studied at the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York.
Community Outreach 1999, 2000, 2001
"You must be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi
2001 Production:
Thirteenth Street Repertory will be inviting WTC Rescue Workers and their families to see A Christmas Carol. The workers and members of their families are true heroes. We must not forget, even for a minute, that they have exposed themselves to pain and memories that over time will never fully go away. Their heroic acts help bring closure to mourning families and help our nation heal and move forward in strength after this terrible tragedy. Every possible effort must be made from those in our community to bring them peace and joy and nurture their aching souls.
Thirteenth St Repertory will also be inviting the families of Fire Fighters and Policemen to see our other holiday shows: "The Gift of Love" a full musical based on O.Henry's "The Gift of the Magi", and "Way of the Wizard" with daring Houdini escapes and illusions, comic mime, magic, dance, and song!
1999 and 2000 Productions:
Over the course of these productions, nearly 600 homeless people, battered women, inner-city high school students, children in foster care with their natural parents, and inner-city Girl Scouts attended the production. With the financial help of grants from some of the facilities and funds raised by the playwright, these people were able to attend the production. Thirteenth Street Repertory Company extended a discount ticket price to members of these groups as well. The neighboring stores gave discounts on toys, candy, Christmas ornaments and wrapping paper. Each person who attended the production from these groups received between 3 and 5 gifts. The owner of McDonald's on 14th Street and 6th Avenue extended her heart and graciously donated nearly 600 meals at that location. The look on the kids faces and the excitement they exuded upon hearing that they were going to McDonalds was a sheer joy to witness.
The experience was so uplifting for those attending and for everyone involved in the production. Many attending said that the entire experience was terrific and one they would remember for many years to come. We often forget that many people on public assistance accept it because circumstances forced them to seek help. Most are trying to get off public assistance and lead responsible, productive lives. We were all happy to give them support by providing them with a joyous holiday experience.
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Danielle Freid as Tiny Tim and Kristian Leavy as Bob Cratchit
Bill Baker, Brianna Hansen, and Maggie Ridge
Gavin Smith as Ebeneezer Scrooge
Kristian Leavy, Danielle Freid, and Jennifer Johnson as the Cratchits
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