For immediate release
Media information: David Webster
phone:  207-761-3861
email: dwebster@maine.edu
VSA Arts of Maine Benefit Performance at Portland Stage Company
A Christmas Carol: Friday, December 6, 2002

In celebration of their 25th anniversary of promoting the use of arts for children and adults with disabilities, VSA Arts of Maine is presenting a benefit performance of Portland Stage Company's holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The event is Friday, December 6, 2002 with a pre-Performance reception at 6:45 PM and show at 7:30 PM. 
This performance will be ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted.
Sponsored by Peoples Heritage Bank, Cole - Haan, WCLZ and Boulos Property Management, tickets are $25 adults, $12 for children. Tickets may also be purchased for VSA participants on fixed incomes.
"The play is a holiday classic designed for the audience to enjoy itself. However, the story in Christmas Carol is also about Scrooge recovering his humanity; his discovery of the true meaning of "Christmas Spirit," according to David Webster, Executive Director of VSA arts of Maine. "I believe the play instructs us about our role in social justice... Dickens's assessment of the time was that people with the capacity to do otherwise were not willing to take responsibility for the situations surrounding them, including the plight of children like "Tim" whose body may well have been deformed because of starvation. The play should fill us with hope and purpose."   

VSA arts of Maine is a non-profit arts organization that ensures access to educational arts opportunities by and for people with disabilities and at risk. An affiliate of VSA arts, an international organization that is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The State Office is located in Portland, with programs and services taking place throughout the state. For more information, visit http://www.vsartsmaine.org/
The Portland Stage Company, with newly improved accessible seating, is located at 25A Forest Avenue in Portland. An elevator is available with size restrictions (please call for specifications.) 
To order tickets and more information call VSA arts of Maine at 207-761-3861 (voice/tty). 
Master Card, Visa, American Express and checks are accepted.
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