St. Louis-born award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown is among the headliners in a celebrity lineup of guests for a virtual reading of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
Brown, of the NBC hit show, “This is Us,” and his wife, actress and producer Ryan Michelle Bathé, are the latest additions to the more than two dozen readers for Metro Theater Company’s “A Christmas Carol: A St. Louis Virtual Holiday Reading.” The lineup also includes other prominent St. Louisans such as “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “The Office” actress Ellie Kemper, acclaimed soprano Christine Brewer, Netfllix star Justin Willman and more.
“These celebrity readers, along with the rest of our participants, are inviting us into their living rooms to share in this age-old story. That is at the heart of what it is to do theater: opening up to each other and sharing a story that has meaning for us,” said Metro Theater Company (MTC) artistic director Julia Flood.
Flood abridged the Charles Dickens masterpiece to create a final 60-minute program, weaving together each reader’s excerpt on camera.
“Storytelling is what binds us all together as human beings. When we gather in a theater to see a live performance, our hearts beat together; we see each other and ourselves on the stage as we experience the story the artists are telling together. So many performing arts organizations are struggling now as a result of the pandemic. Although MTC cannot bring people together in the way we once did, this community reading is a way of gathering and sharing in a virtual space,” Flood said.
The fundraiser for Metro Theater Company streams Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. All funds raised through donations to the event will support MTC’s programs for young audiences during COVID-19, including live performances, virtual programs and arts-integrated classroom experiences.
“Some of the most recognizable St. Louisans participating—Ellie Kemper, Sterling K. Brown and Justin Willman—grew up in St. Louis, and I think that, like so many from St. Louis, they care deeply about this community and wanted to do their part to help bring people together, spark some warmth and joy, and give back during these challenging times. They are all also great parents,” said managing director Joe Gfaller. “Metro Theater Company’s mission is inspired by a profound respect for the intelligence and emotional wisdom of young people, and our programs serve young people and families across the region. We see theater as a means not only to provide entertainment for young people, but also as a source of inspiration – and a pathway for them to deepen their capacity for empathy and their ability to understand and respect difference in the world around them.”
Also participating are Broadway stars Judith Ivey and Ken Page, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Jamie Rahn of “American Ninja Warrior,” and a host of local artists, personalities and first responders, among others.
“With so many of our holiday traditions disrupted this year, we wanted to bring together people from all walks of life that are important to St. Louis,” Gfaller said. “Right away, we thought about those famous sons and daughters of St. Louis who have made major names for themselves in entertainment, music and sports. But we also thought about the first responders who have been with us throughout the pandemic, trusted voices from the media, and leaders in children’s literature in our community. And, of course, a few Metro Theater Company actors who our audiences know and love.”
Since its founding in 1973, Metro Theater Company has reached a total audience of more than two million and has earned a national reputation for excellence in the field of professional theater for young audiences.
Tickets to the event are free, but donations to support MTC’s programs are encouraged. Registration is required to receive the link for streaming. To register or to make a donation, visit Metro Theater Company’s official event page.
