For more than 150 years, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been told across the world. It’s a story of reflection, community, legacy; a story that the Indiana Repertory Theatre will tell for the 28th year this holiday season. 

Our correspondent, Annessa Clumbley, went on location to learn more about this classic tale, with Indiana Repertory Theatre’s Benjamin Hanna. 

About IRT’s “A Christmas Carol:”

While Dickens’ Christmas ghost story remains the same, the lessons that resonate with the audience each year can take on deeper dimensions. IRT’s Associate Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna is directing Eli Lilly and Company presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol for the first time. Hanna served as the assistant director last year and plans for his work on this version to highlight a hope for change, especially in today’s climate. 

With the continued tradition of A Christmas Carol and a focus on community, the IRT will again offer special programming surrounding the run of the show. New this year to the production schedule is a Sensory Friendly performance on December 26, which is designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Other events include Holiday Hoopla and the IRT’s donation drive Scrooge Gives Back, planned in partnership with Indiana Blood Center, The Salvation Army and IndyHumane.

Returning to the stage is Ryan Artzberger as Ebenezer Scrooge, along with other long-time A Christmas Carol actors, Mark Goetzinger, Charles Goad, Milicent Wright, Rob Johansen and Jennifer Johansen. Joining them will be Ashley Dillard, Mehry Eslaminia, Aaron Kirby, Carlos Medina Maldonado, and IRT newcomers Stephenie Park and Reggie D. White. 

Take part in this Indianapolis tradition, on IRT’s OneAmerica Mainstage November 17 – December 26. Tickets now available!

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  November 17 — December 26, various times. A Christmas Carol is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.

IRT ARTISAN MARKET
Friday, December 14, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
New this year, stroll through the Grand Lobby from 5:30 – 7 PM and shop our very own IRT Artisan Market! Featuring the creations of IRT staff, give the gift of their one-of-a-kind handmade work.

HAPPY HOUR
Saturday, December 15, 2018 | Performances at 4 PM & 7 PM
From 5:30 – 7 PM, help us cheer to the holiday season with a special Holiday Happy Hour featuring local libations from St. Joseph Brewery, Taxman, Hotel Tango, Ash & Elm, and West Fork Whiskey.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, December 15, 2018 | Performance at 4 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

FAMILY PHOTOS & PETTISVILLE CHOIR CAROLING
Sunday, December 16, 2018 | Performances at 2 & 6 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 3:30 – 5:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share. 
From 3:30 – 4 PM and 5 – 6 PM, enjoy the Pettisville Show Choir as they perform holiday carols in the Grand Lobby.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, December 16, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
From 6:15 – 6:45 PM, children and their families are invited to take part in a special storytime about different winter holiday traditions. Listen to a reading of the classic Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and share your own family traditions.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

REINDEER VISIT
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 6 – 7 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

TRADITIONS AND TALES
Thursday, December 20, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
From 6:15 – 6:45 PM, children and their families are invited to take part in a special storytime about different winter holiday traditions. Listen to a reading of the classic Christmas tale, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and share your own family traditions.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Thursday, December 20, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Friday, December 21, 2018 | Performance at 7 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 

FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, December 22, 2018  |  Performances at 1 & 4 & 7 PM
Grab your friends and family and have your holiday photo taken in front of our tree by our professional photographer. Photos will be taken from 2:30 – 3:30 PM and will be uploaded online for patrons to access and share.

CAROL CAST AND AUTOGRAPHS
Sunday, December 23, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Mingle and take photos with the cast of A Christmas Carol immediately after this performance. Bring your programs and get cast autographs! 

REINDEER VISIT
Sunday, December 23, 2018 | Performance at 6 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 5 – 6 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

REINDEER VISIT
Monday, December 24, 2018 | Performances at 1 & 4 PM
Santa’s elf and reindeer return to the IRT for another year! Visit the IRT from 2:30 – 4 PM and meet the duo that is sure to make you feel merry and bright.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 | Performance at 2 PM
Sensory friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of this performance may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all of our audience members.

To learn more, visit www.irtlive.com. 

SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE