A Newly Reimagined Christmas Classic

A well-loved holiday tradition for many is back at Ford's Theatre. Charles Dickens' beloved Yuletide story of transformation and redemption comes to life in a newly reimagined stage production of A Christmas Carol, with acclaimed Washington actor Craig Wallace reprising the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

With a script based on the popular 2020 radio play adaption by Michael Wilson, this season's in-person production is directed by Ford's Theatre Director of Artistic Programming José Carrasquillo who—with the Ford's Theatre artistic staff—has deliberately and thoughtfully adapted the production to provide both a healthy and safe working environment for the company and a joyful experience for all who attend this holiday season.

In-person performances begin November 24, 2021, and continue for a five-week engagement through December 27, 2021. The performance—which runs approximately 75 minutes and is appropriate for ages 5 and older—includes new staging, but is infused with familiarity in the form of traditional caroling, the celebrated Dickensian London-inspired set, recognizable faces in roles of the Ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Future, and many other hallmarks that have made Ford's Theatre productions of A Christmas Carol one of Washington's favorite holiday traditions for 40 years.

In adherence with Ford's Theatre Society and Actors' Equity policy, COVID-19 vaccination requirements are in place for all A Christmas Carol company members. Children will not be featured actors in the 2021 stage production.

"Each holiday season, I look forward to how Charles Dickens's story inspires me and Ford's audiences anew with its message of mercy and charity," said director José Carrasquillo. "Attending A Christmas Carol is always a special moment, but this year especially, as many step into Ford's Theatre for the first time since the pandemic hit. We're honored to provide a safe experience and to contribute to the merriment of the season in our capital city with this joyful production."

Regardless of age, all patrons with tickets to in-person performances are required to show a government-issued photo ID and proof of full vaccination status (physical copy or digital photograph of vaccination card) or a qualifying negative COVID-19 test upon arrival to their performance for admittance. Face coverings are also required for all. Click here to learn more about Ford Theatre's health and safety protocols.

In addition to in-person performances, Ford's Theatre will offer free audio streaming of its one-hour radio play from December 3 to 27, 2021. The audio play, which was recorded remotely with a cast of 18 adults and two children during the fall of 2020, will be available free with registration on the Ford's Theatre website. To supplement the audio performance, Ford's Theatre also offers a downloadable souvenir program featuring special holiday-themed content.

For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, please visit Ford's Theatre.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

 Photos courtesy of Carol Rosegg/Ford's Theatre and Scott Suchman/Ford's Theatre.