A Christmas Carol – The Literary Classic Brought to Stage

Written by Joely DeMonte and Natalie Hockenbury

Photographs by Charles Erickson

Published on December 19, 2024
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The beloved holiday tradition continues for another year at McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey. The classic, A Christmas Carol, is brought to life in a spectacular, heartwarming production under the direction of Lauren Keating, marking another memorable holiday season for theatergoers. Before the curtain even rises, you are transported to Victorian London through the set and carolers running through the audience, pulling you into Dicken’s world. 

Under Keating’s direction, the cast delivers a truly enchanting performance. Joel McKinnon Miller returns for his second time around as Scrooge, and his portrayal is nothing short of captivating. Miller brings a perfect balance of gruffness and vulnerability to the character, allowing Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly, isolated, deeply sad figure to a generous, joyous soul to feel both authentic and deeply moving. The audience is fully invested in his journey, rooting for his redemption from start to finish.

The supporting cast is equally impressive with 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 joining the ensemble. 

They are accompanied by an incredibly talented youth ensemble of local actors Ezra Cayton-Hodges, Addison Hall, Mikayla Irene, Zayda Knowles, Ethan Lee, Rafaella Mousa, Alesiandra Nikezi, Caryna Desai Shah, and Skarlett Rose Willis who are filled with joy and innocence, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season and reminding the audience of the importance of kindness and family. Their presence adds a wonderful, local touch to the production, showcasing the talent of the Mercer County community.

Musically, the production’s score is uplifting, with live carols and seasonal songs that add an extra layer of holiday cheer. The festive music is expertly integrated into the show, with beautiful renditions of classic holiday songs that fill the theater and lift the spirits of all who attend. The performance of Carol of the Bells, in particular, gave me chills—it’s a dynamic, powerful rendition that truly captures the magic and energy of the season, heightening the emotional impact of the production.

In addition to the fantastic performances and musical elements, the sound effects and set design are truly remarkable, enhancing the immersive experience of the production. The wind effects were particularly striking, with the combination of sound, lighting, and acting creating a lifelike atmosphere that made the audience feel as though they were swept into the streets of Victorian London. The ghosts, emerging from the floor and window, were brought to life with stunning effects that added an element of wonder and intrigue. Jacob Marley’s ghost is ethereal and haunting, while the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come casts an eerie shadow over Scrooge’s world, reminding him of the consequences of his actions. It is clear that a great deal of thought, time, and effort went into the set design, and it paid off. The seamless blending of visual and auditory elements allowed the audience to feel not only as passive observers but as active participants in the world of Dickens’ story.

In addition to the fantastic performances and musical elements, the special effects used to bring the ghosts to life are seamlessly integrated, adding an element of wonder and awe. Jacob Marley’s ghost is ethereal and haunting, while the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come casts an eerie shadow over Scrooge’s world, reminding him of the consequences of his actions.

Ultimately, McCarter Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic that not only celebrates the timeless story of redemption but also highlights the power of community and togetherness. This production is a perfect way to experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Princeton. Whether it’s your first time seeing the show or your twentieth, this rendition offers something for everyone—joy, reflection, and the reminder that it’s never too late to change and embrace the true meaning of Christmas.