If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking: “How are we already into the month of November? How in the world is Christmas only a handful of days away?” This year has absolutely flown by, but there is nothing like the holiday season, and I am loving the beautiful decorations I’m already seeing. From putting up the Christmas tree to sipping hot chocolate, there are many things that signal to me that the holidays are approaching — and you can add Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to that list.
The story is powerful, nostalgic, and has been entertaining people for generations. Dickens’ original novella was first published in 1843 and is still going strong, and there have also been many adaptations throughout the years. I mean, how can you not think of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” from the 1990s? You are probably familiar with this tale that not only celebrates the power and importance of being kind but also highlights the need for community, family, and love.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre brings this story to Indianapolis every year, and I can’t wait to attend this version, adapted by Tom Haas, in just a few weeks. Haas was the artistic director of the IRT from 1980 until his unfortunate passing in 1991. Throughout his career, Haas directed many productions, and even had Meryl Streep as a student. His adaptation of this beautiful story is sure to please everyone who attends. Not only does this play get us in the holiday spirit, but it also emphasizes how each stage of our life can impact another, and how we always have room to learn and grow.
The IRT stage will be graced by a beautifully diverse cast who are sure to make the audience laugh, cry, and have all the holiday feels. “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an unpleasant, miserable man who is visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve from his past, present, and future. If you’ve never been to a show at the IRT, they do not skip a beat when it comes to the set design. I am truly amazed each time I attend a show at the artistic talents, as well as how much thought has gone into the sets to help bring the story to life. “A Christmas Carol” is set to run from Nov. 19 – Dec. 24, so you have several options to check it out.
Another beautiful thing about the IRT and their team is the attention to accessibility and inclusion. Throughout the run of the show, there will be sensory-friendly performances, ASL/AD performances, as well as numerous “talk back” sessions.
I hope you are just as excited as I am to attend and see one of my all-time favorite plays. I’ll leave you with a quote from “A Christmas Carol” that truly captures what this play means to me:
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”
Created in partnership with the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Jalysa King is Indy Maven’s Sales Maven as well as a freelance writer in Indianapolis who loves all things healthcare, education, and storytelling.
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