California Center for the Arts Escondido hosts Christmas stage thriller: 'Passage Into Fear'

This Christmas take a mysterious train journey across Europe from Venice, Italy to Zurich, Switzerland during the waning days of World War I (1916). Based on historical events, “Passage Into Fear” is written and directed by master storyteller Charles Carr (Eldridge, Dramatic, Heartland). The show, which has been produced across the country, comes to the Center for the first time.

“Passage Into Fear” tells the story of an English dowager, Mrs. Lillian Merriweather, who boards the train insisting she knows of a sinister plot with vast international repercussions. And is then promptly done in. An American socialite, Kate Hedley, on a final fling before returning home to be unhappily married and Ida, a pugnacious 9-year-old Ukrainian war orphan, join forces with others to uncover the truth behind Mrs. Merriweather’s disappearance, which has its roots in the causes and history of the Great War itself. While primarily a thriller, the show has many humorous and touching moments as it explores the meanings of home, family, and Christmas.

“Passage Into Fear” stars Ashley Birtwell, Lena Palke, Alaina Fiechtner, Betsy Toker, John Aviles, Marsi Carr, Neha Ford Curtiss, Charlie DeNatale, Jeff Makey, Laura Makey, and Kadijah Pointer.

Shows take place in the Center’s intimate Studio 1 Theater, a roughly 100-seat venue that has the intimate feel of an off-Broadway show complete with professional lighting, sets, costumes, sound and music. Note that because seating is limited, past North County Players shows have sold out quickly. It is suggested you get tickets as soon as possible.

Tickets are now on sale now on the CA Center for the Arts website: www.artcenter.org. General seating is $19. Student, military, senior, child discount tickets are $16.

Not recommended for 3 and under.

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