Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn (CBT) will premiere a new work by Artistic Director, Founder, and Choreographer, Marla Hirokawa, entitled Charles’ Carol, at the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn College (2920 Campus Rd), on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 7pm.

Charles Dickens' most popular, beloved tale, "A Christmas Carol" tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from miser to generous after being visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. The story has inspired hundreds of portrayals in film, television, ballet and opera. Choreographer Marla Hirokawa will join this list of portrayals and with a twist. The new ballet, Charles’ Carol puts the Christmas story in the context of Dickens' own childhood poverty that shaped his empathy for the poor, and paved the way for this timeless story to be penned.

“The more I delved into A Christmas Carol and, more importantly, the early life story of its author, the more riveting and revealing the story became,” says Hirokawa. “As Dickens' heart and some of its special burdens became more disclosed, these discoveries sealed my determination to bring this ballet to the stage and to my students who will have the opportunity to dance alongside professional dancers.”

Since 1987, CBT has invested in the children and families of South Brooklyn, where cultural activities and resources are limited. In an accepting yet rigorous environment, CBT fosters the love of dance through pre-professional training in its studios and educational programs in NYC schools, and through dozens of original ballet productions conceived and choreographed by Ms. Hirokawa. This production of Charles’ Carol is made possible by the NY State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NY State Legislature, Apple Bank, Ridgewood Savings Bank, our dedicated board of directors, and other generous supporters of CBT.

Tickets for Covenant Ballet Theatre’s performance of Charles’ Carol start at $35 and are available through the Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts box office (https://tickets.brooklyn.edu/ and or call 718.951.4500) and on CBT’s website (https://www.covenantballet.org/charlescarol).