December 4 – 27, 2025
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” — Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Embrace the magic of the season with A Christmas Carol at the Blackfriars Playhouse. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and generosity follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true spirit of Christmas.
With each ghostly visit, Scrooge learns the value of kindness, community, and the joy of giving. This cherished production invites audiences to celebrate the warmth and wonder of the holidays in an intimate setting. Make A Christmas Carol part of your holiday tradition this year.
Pay-What-You-Will Previews
Kick off the season with A Christmas Carol at our Pay-What-You-Will Previews on Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5.
There’s no ticket needed—just come early, check in with our Box Office team, and grab a seat on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend arriving 30–60 minutes ahead, since these performances are some of the most popular of the year.
After the show, you can donate to support the ASC and the artists who bring this holiday favorite to life.
View the Holiday 2025 Program.
Run time: TBD (usually around 95 minutes, including intermission)
Age Policy: We welcome anyone aged three and up to attend this special holiday production.
Cast
Darin Earl is an Actor at the American Shakespeare Center.
Summer England is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.
Blake Henri is an accomplished actor who brings dynamic and captivating performances to ASC and beyond.
Alisa Ledyard, Actor at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC). Explore her theater experience, education, and background.
Molly Martinez-Collins is an accomplished actor who brings heartfelt performances to ASC and beyond.
Ronan Melomo is a versatile actor with a rich background in classical theatre, known for dynamic performances at the American Shakespeare Center.
Hannah Nguyen, Actor at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC). Explore her theater experience, education, and background.
Chloe Rogers, Actor at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC). Explore her theater experience, education, and background.
Ronald Román-Meléndez is an accomplished actor with over 30 previous roles at the American Shakespeare Center.
Christopher Seiler is a seasoned actor and musician whose performances embody transformation and connection, captivating audiences at ASC and beyond.
Pete Sheldon is a versatile performer and musician whose passion for Shakespearean theatre and dynamic storytelling shine at ASC and beyond.
Acting Fellow
Guy Aiken, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Marguerite Arbogast, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Lydia Sophia Christensen is a dynamic performer whose versatility and passion bring captivating characters to life at ASC and beyond.
Carlyle DePriest, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Walker Hansen, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Susanna Lyne, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Oliver Chase Marten, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Evin McQuistion, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Kelsey Rich, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Chris Rothbauer, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Nick Trusty, Acting Fellow at the American Shakespeare Center.
Creative Team
Stephanie Holladay Earl is an accomplished actor, director, choreographer, & educator with over 15 years of experience, known for her impactful work.
Jay joined the ASC in 1999. He was instrumental in the opening of the Playhouse and conceived and developed the Actors’ Renaissance Season.
THIS SEASON: Acting Fellow
THIS SEASON: Stage Manager
Vera Conrad is a skilled Assistant Stage Manager with a passion for bringing both timeless classics and modern productions to life on stage.
Charlie Mooz is a dedicated Assistant Stage Manager and actor with experience in both classic and contemporary theatre.
Christopher Seiler is a seasoned actor and musician whose performances embody transformation and connection, captivating audiences at ASC and beyond.
Ronald Román-Meléndez is an accomplished actor with over 30 previous roles at the American Shakespeare Center.
Summer England is a gifted actor whose compelling and elegant performances light up the ASC stage and beyond.
Doreen Bechtol is a seasoned movement consultant, actor, and educator with extensive experience in theatre, choreography, and original devised works.
Haley Fentriss Roberts is an accomplished Intimacy Choreographer dedicated to fostering meaningful connections on stage at ASC and beyond.
Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.
Conrad Gothard worked at the American Shakespeare Center from 2023 – 2026
Duck Bracey is a skilled Artisan and prop master with experience bringing Shakespearean and contemporary productions to life.
Grace Easterday, Prop Shop Manager at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, VA.
Costume Designer
Caroline Cook is a Costume Designer at the American Shakespeare Center.
Marie Lupia served at the American Shakespeare Center from 2022–2025.
Amy Monsalve is Wardrobe Manager & Design Assistant at the ASC, recognized for her attention to detail and passion for bringing costumes to life.
Trina Yager is the Costume Coordinator & Wardrobe Supervisor at the American Shakespeare Center.
Rebecca Bailey is a versatile performer and theatre artist whose dynamic talent shines in productions at ASC and beyond.
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is a heartwarming tale of generosity, redemption, and the holiday spirit, designed to captivate audiences of all ages. This family-friendly classic is suitable for most children ages 3 and up. However, some moments may be intense for younger audiences. Parents may want to consider the following elements:
As 2026 arrives, I find myself celebrating my fourteenth holiday season with A Christmas Carol at the ASC—a tradition that continues to fill my heart and challenge my mind each year. There’s something magical about this space and this story in December. Every time we return to Dickens’ classic, I’m struck by how much we still need it.
The world can feel so heavy these days—full of conflict, division, and noise. And with so many of us glued to our screens, it’s easy to drift apart and forget the simple act of truly connecting with one another. A Christmas Carol calls us back to what matters most: compassion, forgiveness, and community.
Early in the story, Jacob Marley reminds Scrooge—and all of us—of a painful truth: “Mankind was my business.” That single line feels more urgent now than ever. It reminds us that our lives are deeply intertwined, and that how we treat one another matters far more than wealth, success, or comfort.
Scrooge’s transformation offers hope that change is always possible—that it’s never too late to turn outward and open our hearts. This play invites us to pause and reflect on how we care for one another, and to rediscover the joy of gathering together in person—sharing stories, laughter, and music in the same room. That’s the true magic of live theatre.
As Scrooge promises at the end of his journey, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” May we all carry that spirit with us beyond these walls—into our homes, our communities, and our everyday lives.
Thank you for spending part of your holiday with us. It means the world to share this story, this space, and this tradition with you. Welcome to our Christmas Carol family.
— Stephanie Holladay Earl
- Ebenezer Scrooge hoards his money and dismisses Christmas as a “humbug.” He refuses to help those in need and shows no compassion for the poor, including his overworked clerk, Bob Cratchit.
- Scrooge rejects an invitation to Christmas dinner from his cheerful nephew, Fred, and scoffs at charity workers seeking donations for those in need.
- That night, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who is bound in heavy chains as punishment for his greed. Marley warns Scrooge of a similar fate and tells him to expect visitation from three spirits.
- The Ghost of Christmas Past arrives and shows Scrooge’s visions from his youth, where his relationships with Fan (his sister) and Belle (his lost love) ended due to his obsession with wealth.
- The Ghost of Christmas Present reveals the Cratchit family’s love and resilience despite hard times and Tiny Tim’s fragile health, and Scrooge sees people across the world embracing generosity and connection.
- The Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge a vision of his lonely death and the pain left behind if Tiny Tim’s condition goes untreated.
- Finally, Scrooge faces a choice: will the grim future he’s seen come to pass, or will he change his behavior and embrace the true spirit of Christmas?