Neighbor News
A Levittown Christmas Is Back!
What if Charles Dickens had grown up in Levittown and written his epic ghost story of redemption in the 1990s?
You don't need to ask what if: Righteous Jolly, actor, writer, musician, and his writing partner, writer, composer, lyricist, David Garrett Shaw, have given a fresh twist to the theme. As Righteous explains, "It still reflects the darker themes of poverty, neglect, and mortality. The ghosts that visit Scrooge serve as reminders of the harsh realities of life and the consequences of negative actions. But it definitely has a fond overlay of the Levittown I knew and grew up in."
Righteous is joined on stage by a talented ensemble of seasoned performers who retell the captivating tale as a mesmerizing story within a story. Through words and music—16 original songs crafted by co-author Shaw, encompassing a rich tapestry of musical styles from poignant ballads to soulful blues and everything in between—we follow Chuck and his twin soul, Ebby Scooge, on a journey of self-realization and redemption. "We absolutely love bringing this show to life, and this year we have assembled a fantastic cast that truly elevates the experience," Righteous shares with unmistakable enthusiasm. Shaw adds, "Each year, we make little tweaks, allowing our performance to grow and evolve—keeping it fresh and exciting!"
A Levittown Christmas Carol is the story of Chuck, an aspiring writer who works as a fry cook at The Golden Jawn, who longs for more in life. His girlfriend, Grace, dreams of opening her own bakery. Chuck's tale mirrors his own life, as he struggles to find the right ending. His alter ego, Ebby Scrooge, is a miserly and miserable bar owner. He is visited by his deceased friend, Marley Mar, who comes to warn him about the expected visits of three ghosts on Christmas Eve:
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- -The Ghost of Christmas Past, a headbanger from 1986.
- -The Ghost of Christmas Present, a reformed juvenile delinquent who was caught selling "contraband" from the back of his barbershop but has turned his life around and is now selling a more "wholesome" product: "Nice Cream."
- -And The Ghost of Christmas Future, who delivers the big reveal.
"A Levittown Christmas Carol" is presented by the New Hope Arts Center in New Hope, PA. It has been playing to sold-out audiences in Bucks County for several years. This year's performances are scheduled for 7:30 PM on December 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, with a matinee on the 14th at 2 PM. It offers a nostalgic and refreshing retelling of a classic story. "It's rough around the edges, and around those edges, there are a few tobacco stains, which hold for Levittown!" says Righteous Jolly.
Tickets are currently on sale and are selling quickly. For a new take on an old tale, check out "A Levittown Christmas Carol." For tickets, visit:
