3 Reasons Why A Christmas Carol Should Be Your New England Holiday Tradition

The cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Mark Turek.

Sponsored Content

The holiday season is nearly here – and so is a beloved Rhode Island tradition! Reimagined anew each year, Trinity Rep’s A Christmas Carol has brought families and communities together for generations. Here are three reasons why this year’s joyful, colorful, uplifting production is the perfect outing for you and yours. 

1. A Christmas Carol is fun for all ages

Looking for something unforgettable for your family to do this holiday season? Search no further than Providence’s Washington Street, home of the historic Lederer Center Theater. When you enter the majestic building, you’ll see the vaudeville theater-turned performance arts center decorated to the nines with festive flourishes.  

In celebration of Trinity Rep’s 60th Anniversary Season, this year’s production transports audiences back to the Victorian era, full of spectacle and whimsy that’s enchanting for all ages. With a unique scenic design, melodic music, powerful performances, and fabulous costumes, your heart will warm up quicker than a holiday hearth. 

Mauro Hantman as Ebenezer Scrooge and Jeff Church as The Ghost of Christmas Past. Photo by Mark Turek.

2. New England tradition spotlights local artists

Trinity Rep employs a resident company of artists to direct, choreograph, and act in their shows. Under the direction of Trinity Rep company member and Rhode Island resident Stephen Thorne, 2023’s A Christmas Carol will be one for the books. 

The four other company members acting in this year’s production also live in Rhode Island – including our Ebenezer Scrooge Mauro Hantman, who has performed with the acting company for more than 20 years! Even the non-company actors in this year’s show are local to southern New England, including current or former students of the nationally recognized Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Program. 

The 12 youngest cast members you’ll see onstage are also local to southern New England, cast by director Stephen Thorne and the Tony award-winning theater’s education team through open auditions. This year, the State Theater of Rhode Island is shining a special light on neurodiversity by casting kids and adults on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, and other identities. 

The cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Mark Turek.

3. 47 years and counting

Trinity Rep has set the standard for live theater in Rhode Island since its founding in 1963. In 1976, the company staged its first A Christmas Carol – and it proved so popular, they revived it the next year. And the year after that. And the year after … well let’s say, it’s still one of the most cherished holiday events in Providence. 

But why come back year after year? What makes Trinity Rep’s rendition of A Christmas Carol  so special is that each year is completely different. Every production is rebuilt by a different cast, creative team, and led by a new director, so no two years are the same. 

Whether you’re planning a cozy night out with that special someone, visiting Rhode Island for the weekend, or just want to be entertained, this local gem has got you covered. This year, A Christmas Carol runs from November 9 through December 31. But don’t wait too long, tickets will sell out quickly. Book yours today at trinityrep.com/carol.  

A Christmas Carol is sponsored by Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses. The supporting sponsor for this production is Amica Insurance.