A CHRISTMAS CAROL RETURNS TO ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE NOVEMBER 28–DECEMBER 20

Press Release: Actors Theatre

Following a Sold-Out Run in 2025, the Holiday Production Returns Alongside Free Performances for Young Children and a Sensory Preview

Following a sold-out run last season, A Christmas Carol returns to the Pamela Brown Auditorium November 28–December 20. Adapted by Lavina Jadhwani and co-directed by Amelia Acosta Powell and Emily Tarquin, the production brings Charles Dickens’ beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge back to the stage as part of the theatre’s holiday programming.

The holiday experience will extend beyond the stage, with Christmas lights, seasonal music and scents welcoming audiences before performances. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and spend time with family and friends before the curtain rises.

Dickens’ story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, whose contempt for Christmas is challenged during a night of visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

Confronted with the consequences of his choices, Scrooge must reckon with the life he has lived, the people he has loved and lost, and the future he still has an opportunity to change.

Jadhwani’s adaptation combines the humor and supernatural elements of Dickens’ novel with questions about responsibility to others, community and second chances. Music, movement and an ensemble of performers bring the characters and setting of Victorian London to the stage.

“A Christmas Carol is, unmistakably, a Christmas story. But the reason it has endured for generations reaches beyond one holiday or one tradition,” said Co-Director Emily Tarquin. “It is a story about remembering where we came from, noticing the people around us, opening the door and discovering that it is never too late to change the shape of a life.”

SCROOGE’S CHRISTMAS JOURNEY: FREE PERFORMANCES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Actors Theatre’s holiday programming also includes Scrooge’s Christmas Journey, a free Theatre for the Very Young production created for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers. Presented with support from Pinnacle Financial Partners, the production will be performed at Actors Theatre and community venues throughout Louisville.

Created by Actors Theatre’s Learning and Creative Engagement team, the production introduces toddlers and preschoolers to Scrooge’s story through gentle storytelling, sensory-rich experiences and play. It is designed to support social-emotional learning and cognitive development while introducing young children to live theatre.

2026 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 5 at 10 a.m. — Kentucky Science Center

Monday, December 7 at 2 p.m. — Jeffersontown Library

Friday, December 11 at 10 a.m. — Portland Library

Saturday, December 12 at 10 a.m. — Actors Theatre of Louisville, Bingham Theatre

Saturday, December 19 at 10 a.m. — Actors Theatre of Louisville, Bingham Theatre

All performances are free and open to the public. Space is limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Additional information is available at actorstheatre.org.

FREE SENSORY PREVIEW OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Actors Theatre will offer a sensory preview of A Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 6, before the afternoon performance. The preview will give audience members who may benefit from additional sensory and environmental preparation an opportunity to become familiar with the production before attending a full performance.

Guests can explore what to expect in the performance space and onstage, including the production’s sights, sounds and theatrical effects. The sensory preview is free and open to anyone who would benefit from the experience.