Green Haven Shelter for Women’s annual A Christmas Carol reading returns to the Orillia Opera House stage, Wednesday, December 16th @ 7:00 pm.
A Christmas Carol is a seasonal classic, by Charles Dickens, that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted miser, who is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and three spirits (Past, Present, and Yet to Come). These visions of his life transform him into a generous, kind-hearted person. A true Christmas miracle!
This annual tradition is an important fundraiser to support the essential services that Green Haven provides for women and children escaping violence. And this year’s cast is second to none!
Directed by Bruce Pirrie and starring Aurora Browne, Neil Crone, Linda Kash, Debra McGrath, Patrick McKenna & Colin Mochrie, this year’s production includes major national name recognition, extensive comedy credentials, and a cast who could even headline on their own!
Featuring the talents of:
Aurora Browne – long time Second City Mainstage alum, 2008 Canadian Comedy Awards’ Female Improvisor of the Year, co-creator and star of Baroness von Sketch Show.
Neil Crone – veteran stage actor, television credits include Little Mosque on the Prairie, Murdoch Mysteries, and his Emmy winning role in CBS’s Endlings. Big screen appearances include Disney’s Cry Wolf and Getaway, and is recognizable voice actor for the Paw Patrol Movie, Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, to name just a few.
Linda Kash – with a long list of credits including Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Ron James Show, Stratford Festival, but most recognizable as the beloved Philly Cream Cheese angel.
Debra McGrath – recipient of the 2025 ACTRA Award of Excellence, Deb is one of Canada’s most respected comedy performers and writers, known for many shows including Little Mosque on the Prairie.
Patrick McKenna – well known as everyone’s favourite nephew Harold from The Red Green Show, and later as Marty Stephens in the celebrated drama, TRADERS, Patrick is a seasoned stage actor, improv performer and most recently teamed up with Ron James in the hilarious five-part series, Dog Days.
Colin Mochrie – arguably one of Canada’s most recognizable comedic performers internationally as a regular of Whose Line Is It Anyway? for 30 seasons and continues to perform with Whose Line cast-mate Brad Sherwood, as well as other live appearances with his critically acclaimed show, Hyprov! He can also be seen in a multitude of TV guest appearances such as in Murdoch Mysteries and will be reading the part of Mister Scrooge.
Musical backdrop will be provided by pianist Jim Clayton who spent a decade as the music director with The Second City, entertaining audiences around the globe, from ex-pats in Asia to our troops in Bosnia.
Lured out of semi-retirement for a second year in a row, Director Bruce Pirrie spent 50 years in show business, as an actor, writer, director, and produced with and/or for: The Second City, Red Green, SCTV, Channel 4 in the UK, ABC Television and is credited for pulling together this incredible cast!
Tickets are $45 regular and $20 for students.
Serving Orillia, Rama, Ramara, Severn and Oro-Medonte, Green Haven Shelter for Women has been providing safety and hope for women and children escaping violence for more than 35 years. For more information, visit: www.greenhavenshelter.com
Thank you for your support and enjoy the show!
*Bruce Pirrie, Aurora Browne, Linda Kash, Neil Crone, Debra McGrath, Colin Mochrie, and Patrick McKenna are participating in this benefit performance of A Christmas Carol with the express permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
