The Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society knows how to keep the spirit of Christmas in their hearts. They are proud to present  the eighth annual Shakespeare Meets Dickens, Thursday, Dec. 14 in the casa community room.

“The Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society’s puts on our annual pre—Christmas celebration every year in the casa community room,” said Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society Artistic director/ producer Kate Connolly.

The main attraction is always the recital of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” but there is more fun in store. 

“ This year we have opera trained singers who were part of the recent production ‘A Secret Garden’ at the Yates Theatre, performing Christmas carols or songs from Shakespeare inspired shows like  West Side Story and ‘Kiss Me Kate,” Connolly continued, noting Brenton Taylor, Franz Faeldo, Natalie Stronk, Hannah Blackmer and Jani Thompson will be performing.

“ The audience always sings along too, which we love,” Connolly continued, noting there will be Christmas treats like mince pie and gingerbread, plus Christmas refreshments like hot chocolate and eggnog plus a cash bar.

“ When you come, you will be in for a very lovely evening. Shakespeare meets Dickens is a lovely way to celebrate Christmas,” Connolly promised.

“ As usual  the cast will be from the Lethbridge Performance Society Board plus one additional performer,” Connolly said.

“ Shakespeare Meets Dickens a is a wonderful pre-Christmas celebration. It is a cool and comforting community event,” Connolly said.

In addition to Christmas cheer, audiences will  enjoy a peek at this summer‘s production of ‘A Twelfth Night,” directed by Cole Fetting and Sharon Peat.

“ It will be an amuse bouche,” Peat said.

Auditions for a Twelfth Night will be at the end of February or beginning of March.

“ The Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society knows how to keep Christmas well in their hearts,” Peat said.

“ Like Tiny Tim says,‘God Bless us each and every one,” Connolly said.

 Shakespeare Meets Dickens  is an important fundraiser of the Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society as it helps  fund their annual summer productions.

Tickets are limited.

Tickets for Christmas at casa are $25 from casa or by calling  327-2272. The evening begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14.

— By Richard Amery, L.A. beat Editor