Buffalo's Longest Running Theatre Production... ever!

Artistic Director, playwright, composer and lyricist Neal Radice has created a stage adaptation of Dickens' classic that is as true to the original in content and spirit as Bob Cratchit is true to Tiny Tim. It’s been successfully produced in Buffalo for over forty years, and is now finding a new home in the arms of Imagine Theatre. The integration of Victorian carolers into a very traditional telling of this Holiday favorite, propelled by the inherent appeal of virtuoso performing by a small cast, has prompted critics to say:

"Delightful...crackles with the horror, pathos and wit of the original tale"

"Only Scrooge could find fault with this A Christmas Carol"

"Guaranteed to roast the cockles of your holiday heart"

"A production that really will please the whole family"

"Charles Dickens would surely feel at home"

Friends Of The Buffalo Story

Red Thread Theatre

in association with

Imagine Theatre

and sponsor

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

present the world premiere of

On The Canal

The 1825 Buffalo celebration of the opening of the Erie Canal features Jesse Hawley and Governor De Witt Clinton. While in jail, Hawley developed his dream of a canal, but that dream was squashed by three U.S. presidents. New Yorkers are reasonably torn about supporting such an expensive and, likely hopeless, endeavor. But the governor stands firm and the ceremonial first shovel is put in the ground at Rome, NY. and laborers happily work the ditch for a handsome eighty cents a day. Governor Clinton predicts glowing success for the futures of Buffalo, New York City, New York State and the whole country. The canal proves to be all of that and more. The Erie Canal develops a new sense of what it is to be American by being a conduit for new ideas, social and religious causes, and for the country to go West.

About Imagine Theatre

Imagine Theatre is an independent producing company that presents live theatre in Western New York. Performances happen at various theatres around the area. The company's first responsibility is to continue the cherished tradition of staging the annual production of Neal Radice's adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Neal Radice is best known for having founded Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo, NY where he served as Artistic Director for forty years. In addition to having directed or produced more than two hundred stage plays, musicals or operas during the past half century, he has created scenery, costumes, or lighting for again as many productions. Mr. Radice began composing as an undergraduate at University of Buffalo where he earned his Master of Arts and Humanities. He has created music revues, comedy revues, and plays for children. His credits as playwright, composer or lyricist include a few dozen full-length plays and musicals.

Joyce Stilson is a graduate of University of Buffalo where she received her Masters of Arts In Humanities. For over 30 years, she was a member of the staff of Alleyway Theatre where she served as Director of Development, Festival Coordinator of Buffalo Quickies, and Artistic Director of KidShowCo. In addition to numerous acting and directing credits, she is a costume designer and acting teacher. She has twice received the New York Foundation for the Arts artist in residence award, received Artie awards for costume design and acting, and a Pathfinders award for her contribution to Western New York’s Education system.

Gayle Petri began her theatre career playing Tiny Tim, and later, Belinda Cratchit in Neal Radice’s production of A Christmas Carol. Her recent acting credits include a role in Alleyway Theatre’s 2019 premiere of Girls Who Walk On Glass and its remounting in New York City. Recently, she was in the cast of Twisted at O’Connell & Company and she returned to A Christmas Carol playing a number of adult roles. Ms. Petri is also an enthusiastic competitor in Miss America pageants. She has held the titles of Miss Upstate New York, Miss Syracuse, and currently holds the title of Miss Finger Lakes.