Joel McKinnon Miller as Scrooge, photo by T. Charles Erickson
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Get ready to be transported to 19th-century London for McCarter Theatre Center's annual production of Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol. Led by veteran stage and screen actor Joel McKinnon Miller as Ebenezer Scrooge, the show runs from December 10-29, 2024, in the Matthews Theatre.
Adapted and directed by Lauren Keating, this heartwarming production brings a fresh perspective to Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and generosity, a favorite among audiences for generations. Complete with colorful Victorian costumes, lively dancing, and stunning set design, A Christmas Carol promises a festive spectacle that will usher audiences into the spirit of the season.
“I’m thrilled to bring this beloved story to life once again with a talented cast and creative team,” says Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen. “A Christmas Carol lifts our spirits every year, and also invites us to reflect on generosity, kindness and the gift of showing up for others. It’s an honor to share this story with our community and celebrate the holiday season together.”
With choreography by Emily Maltby and musical direction by Cris Frisco, the production features inventive visual and auditory surprises designed to fully immerse audiences in the festive spirit and themes of hope and renewal. The lobby experience will include a Tree of Giving, community choirs on select dates, holiday-themed drinks, festive photo opportunities, and more—enhancing this beloved holiday event and making it ideal for creating cherished memories with family and friends.
Executive Director Martin Miller adds, “Last year, a patron stopped me in the aisle, with tears in her eyes, to say she’d been coming for twenty years and this was her favorite experience yet. What a privilege, then, to welcome Joel McKinnon Miller back for a second year leading this spectacular production, a treasured family tradition that is—like Scrooge on Christmas morning—overflowing with holiday spirit.”
In addition to Joel McKinnon Miller, who is best known for his role as Detective Norm Scully on the NBC hit series Brooklyn Nine-Nine and as Don Embry on HBO’s Big Love, the production features a talented ensemble, including Alex Brightwell, Kelsey Burns, Legna Cedillo, JP Coletta, Gina Daniels, Kenneth De Abrew, Grayson DeJesus, Vivia Font, Andrea Goss, Maria Habeeb, Lisa Helmi Johanson, Zander Kirby, Cameron Knight, Polly Lee, Zoe Maroko, and Jeff Trainor.
The Youth Ensemble, a group of nine actors from the local community, includes Ezra Cayton-Hodges, Addison Hall, Mikayla Irene, Zayda Knowles, Ethan Lee, Rafaella Mousa, Alesiandra Nikezi, Caryna Desai Shah, and Skarlett Rose Willis.
The Company of McCarter's A Christmas Carol, photo by T. Charles Erickson
The production team includes Scenic Designer Daniel Ostling; Costume Designer Linda Cho; Lighting Designer Paul Kilsdonk; Sound Designer and Composer Palmer Hefferan; Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer Carissa Thorlakson; Music Director, Cris Frisco; Vocal and Dialect Coach Nathan C. Crocker; Casting Director Daryl Eisenberg, CSA, Dramaturg Julie Felise Dubiner; Assistant Director Jaimee Harmon-Taboni; Production Stage Manager Alison Cote; and Assistant Stage Manager Carolyn Reich.
McCarter Theatre’s A Christmas Carol promises an unforgettable experience for families, friends, and all who hold the season dear.
To purchase tickets, visit www.mccarter.org or call the box office at 609-258-2787 Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Tickets for A Christmas Carol are in high demand, and performances sell out quickly, so don’t delay! Each audience member, regardless of age, requires a ticket.
Joel McKinnon Miller as Scrooge, photo by T. Charles Erickson
Accessibility - McCarter Theatre Center is committed to making performances accessible for all patrons. For accommodations, contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787 or visit the McCarter website for more details.
* American Sign Language Interpretation: December 21 at 1:00pm
* Audio Described and Open Captioned Performance: December 22 at 1:00pm
* Relaxed Performance: December 29 at 1:00pm. Modifications include softer lighting and sound to create a welcoming environment for those with sensory sensitivities.
The Company of McCarter's A Christmas Carol, photo by T. Charles Erickson
McCarter is one of the country’s flagship theaters and a vibrant center for community and the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the company is an independent nonprofit, serving as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub for arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence dates back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Kaufmann & Hart’s You Can’t Take It with You, and William Inge’s Bus Stop all had their premieres on the McCarter stage, paving the way for a long history of collaborations with playwrights to launch remarkable works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances, reaching millions of audience members around the world. The company is equally revered for presenting global artists on its stages, including Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock, among many others. Of the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 5,000 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust educational offerings in Princeton, Trenton, and schools throughout the region. McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.
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