ABOUT THE CONCERT:

Ella Fitzgerald, meet Charles Dickens. Ballet like Broadway. Ballet Fantastique’s signature American Christmas Carol is a sparkling re-imagining of the timeless holiday story, like you’ve never seen it before. Meet us in iconic post-WWII America for all your favorite holiday songs—and all original dance theater. Ballet Fantastique's retro-glam jazzy ballet choreography fuses drama and humor, weaving the story of penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformative quest. Winsome jazz arrangements of holiday standards by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole. Oh, and the whole story is told through the perspective of a singing, dancing Ghost of Marley.

Critical acclaim

“Shake the humbugs off this season with Ballet Fantastique's incredible new Christmas classic.” — Media Connect

“Artistry and heart…An extraordinary and refreshing interpretation of the classic holiday story. Blending gothic elegance with the emotional depth of live jazz, this production captivated audiences through its hauntingly beautiful and innovative presentation...” — The Torch

“One of the most innovative ballet performances that I have ever seen. It was such a special treat to see the talent, the creativity and joy of this production” — N Kilpatrick, audience member

The trailer

American Christmas Carol past performances

PAST American Christmas Carol SHOWS & TOURS

Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Eugene, OR (Silva Concert Hall) — Dec 2024
Florence Events Center — Florence, OR — Dec 2017
Sprague Community Theater — Bandon, OR — Dec 2017
Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Eugene, OR (Soreng Theater) — Dec 2017
Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Eugene, OR (Soreng Theater) — Dec 2015
Hult Center for the Performing Arts — Eugene, OR (Soreng Theater) — Dec 2014 (premiere)

Presenter info

PREMIERE: Dec 2014
MUSIC: Classic 40's holiday jazz (Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole), as arranged and played for Ballet Fantastique by Grammy®-nominated jazz vocalist Halie Loren
STORY: Dance with singing-speaking Ghost of Marley (“Smokey Joe”), guiding the story as if haunting Scrooge (Dickens, but updated 1940s style)
DANCERS: 10
CREW SIZE: 5
OPTIONAL LOCAL YOUTH CAST: Schoolkids (up to 20, ages 6-8); Angels (up to 12, ages 7-10); Kids & Cratchit Family (up to 13, intermediate-advanced)
DURATION: 80 mins (not including one 20 min intermission)

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

LIVE MUSIC: International award-winning jazz singer Halie Loren and her 4-part jazz band (piano/bass/percussion/sax+clarinet) || LOCAL YOUTH PERFORMERS: Ballet Fantastique’s artistic staff collaborates with local dance studio(s) to integrate area youth in the performance (up to 45 youth performers; see above) || EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT: Artist Q&A or Master Class included with most touring packages. Youthreach concert add-ons also available.

American Christmas Carol press kit

print resolution images by Bob Williams, Eddie Bruning, and Jeremy Bronson
high-quality video footage and custom trailer also available

Let’s talk!

For Booking Info + Presenter Packet, Contact
Hannah Bontrager
541-206-8977 (mobile/direct)
hannah[at]balletfantastique.org