By Mabel Pais

The New Jersey Symphony will present Disney’s ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ in Concert featuring a screening of the complete film while the musical score is performed live by the orchestra. The film concert takes place at several locations, December 5-8, 2024.

STORY

The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim.

When the grumpy Scrooge receives Christmas Eve visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, they show him the error of his self-serving ways. Though the miserable old man seems beyond any hope of redemption and happiness, the kind and humble Bob Cratchit, his family and the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes—and his heart—to the true meaning of Christmas.

The original score was composed by Miles Goodman (‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors’) with songs by Oscar®, Emmy and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Paul Williams (‘Rainbow Connection,’ ‘Evergreen’).

PROGRAM

Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert is presented by the New Jersey Symphony, conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulos.

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert

New Jersey Symphony at the Movies

Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor

New Jersey Symphony

Morristown – Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7:30 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)

Red Bank – Friday, December 6, 2024, 7:30 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts

Newark – Saturday, December 7, 2024, 3 pm & 7:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

New Brunswick – Sunday, December 8, 2024, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey

December 8 performance presented in collaboration with State Theatre New Jersey.

TICKETS

For tickets and further information visit njsymphony.org/muppets. To purchase tickets call 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or visit the Orchestra’s website @ njsymphony.org/muppets

Disney Concerts

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses, choirs and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ licensed concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to film” concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir. Featuring concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world — from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar and 20th Century Studios — current titles include the ‘Star Wars’ Film Concert Series, ‘Toy Story’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Disney Princess – The Concert’, ‘Coco’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Up’, Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’.

Constantine Kitsopoulos

Constantine Kitsopoulos has established himself as a dynamic conductor known for his ability to work in many different genres and settings. He is equally at home with opera, symphonic repertoire, film with live orchestra, music theatre and composition. His work has taken him all over the world where he has conducted the major orchestras of North America, the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Tokyo Philharmonic.

In addition to Kitsopoulos’ engagements as guest conductor, he is music director of the Festival of the Arts Boca and general director of Chatham Opera. He is general director of the New York Grand Opera and is working with the company to bring opera, free and open to the public, back to New York’s Central Park. Learn more at maestrock.com.

The New Jersey Symphony

The Emmy and GRAMMY Award-winning New Jersey Symphony is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. The Symphony is renewing its deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be a new experience; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of its organization – all to better reflect and serve its vibrant communities.

Internationally renowned Chinese American conductor Xian Zhang began her tenure as the New Jersey Symphony’s current music director in 2016. Since her arrival, Zhang has revitalized programming with an industry-leading commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in mainstage concerts. Since 2021, Zhang has worked together with composer, violinist, educator and social-justice advocate Daniel Bernard Roumain, the orchestra’s Resident Artistic Catalyst, to offer programming that connects with diverse communities in Newark and throughout New Jersey. In 2024, Allison Loggins-Hull succeeded DBR as the orchestra’s next Resident Artistic Partner.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) 

NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

Follow NJPAC Online:

Website:    njpac.org

Twitter:     @NJPAC

Instagram:   @NJPAC

Hashtag:    #NJPAC

Facebook:    facebook.com/NJPAC

YouTube:    NJPACtv

Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

Website: njpac.org/takeastand

Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand

Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)