Indiana Repertory Theatre celebrates Indy’s annual holiday tradition

Indianapolis, Ind.— The Indiana Repertory Theatre is celebrating the joy of the season as it opens its annual holiday tradition this month—Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Adapted by former Artistic Director Tom Haas, this classic story about one man’s journey of hope and redemption welcomes audiences November 18 – December 24 on the snowy OneAmerica Mainstage.

This year’s production includes the return of many familiar IRT faces, including Rob Johansen in his third year as Ebenezer Scrooge. Former Associate Artistic Director, and beloved actor, Priscilla Lindsay directs this holiday classic for her 13th time.

“What I love about A Christmas Carol is the chance to re-visit old friends: to boo the miser, to cheer for Tiny Tim, and to dread the coming of the Future. I want to see a world in which the hearts of the prosperous and powerful open freely towards the poor and powerless,” shares Director Priscilla Lindsay. “So we tell this story for ourselves, for those we love and those we don’t, and we share it especially with our children. They are the ones who can, if they so desire, find new, positive paths for this old world. And the rest of us can try to focus on kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant times, all year long. If Scrooge can change, maybe so can we.”

A Christmas Carol celebrates the power of kindness, family, and love in this treasured tale filled with laughter, tears, and redemption. The play, which is an adaptation of the almost 180-year old novel, has taken different forms over the decades at the IRT; the heart of the story remains as it serves as both holiday entertainment and a powerful look at the need for empathy and connection.

“Year after year we joyfully continue our holiday tradition and celebrate this timeless story. I am elated that Priscilla is back to sprinkle her special magic and heart on our treasured production,” said Benjamin Hanna, IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director.

The IRT will have a Sensory Friendly performance on December 2 at 2 pm and offer ASL (American Sign Language) and Audio Described services on December 3 at 2 pm. After select performances, patrons can attend a post-show Artist Conversation with staff and cast.

Tickets are available now for Indy’s favorite holiday tradition!

DETAILS

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

RUN DATES: November 18 – December 24, various times. A Christmas Carol is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com.

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:

RYAN ARTZBERGER | Bob Cratchit, Marley, Topper, & Ensemble

SEAN BLAKE | Fezziwig, Christmas Present, Pawnbroker, & Ensemble

KAYLA CARTER | Felicity, Belle, Laundress, & Ensemble

NOAH GRINGAUZ | Child Scrooge, Tiny Tim, & Ensemble

JENNIFER JOHANSEN | Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit, Prudence, & Ensemble

ROB JOHANSEN | Scrooge

NATHAN KARNIK | Fred, Young Scrooge, Christmas Future, & Ensemble

JUNIPER O’MEARA GAINES | Child Scrooge, Tiny Tim, & Ensemble

MARIA ARGENTINA SOUZA | Christmas Past, Penelope, Charwoman, & Ensemble

PRISCILLA LINDSAY | Director

RUSSELL METHENY | Scenic Designer

LINDA PISANO | Costume Designer

MICHAEL LINCOLN | Lighting Designer

MOLLY TIEDE | Associate Lighting Designer

MICHAEL KECK | Composer

NICHOLAS A. OWENS | Choreographer

BRENT E. MARTY | Musical Director

RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg

ERIN ROBSON-SMITH | Stage Manager

BECKY ROEBER | Assistant Stage Manager

CLAIRE SIMON CSA | Casting

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING:

Artist Conversation | Saturday, November 18, 2023 | Following the 2 PM Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

Youth Workshop: Do-Si-Do and Dickens | Saturday, November 18, 2023, 1 – 5: 30 PM Bring your family or youth group to an afternoon of holiday fun at the IRT! When you arrive at the Theatre, you will be greeted with a special snack and warm beverage. Then enjoy the 2 PM matinee of A Christmas Carol. After the show you will have the opportunity to meet Scrooge himself and ask questions about the play, and end the day with a dance lesson as festive as Fezziwig’s party! It will be a Dickens of a time at the IRT! For more event information, please click here. Questions or to register contact Anna Barnett at education@irtlive.com or 317.916.4841.

Sensory Friendly Performance | Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 2 PM Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Sensory Friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of Sensory Friendly performances may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all of our audience members. Sensory supports are available for all performances, just ask House Management.

ASL/AD Performance | Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 2 PM Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol The IRT offers ASL/AD (American Sign Language/Audio Described) services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance.

Artist Conversation | Sunday, December 3, 2023 | Following the 2 PM Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

Artist Conversation | Sunday, December 10, 2023 | Following the 2 PM Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

Artist Conversation | Tuesday, December 21, 2023 | Following the 7 PM Performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Engage with the creative minds behind the scenes through staff-led Artist Conversations. Dig into the artistic process, gain insights into the production’s development, and connect with the actors, directors, and designers who bring our shows to life. This interactive series offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of theater from a behind-the-scenes perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that happens both on and off the stage. Artist Conversations typically last for 20 minutes.

For more information contact Danielle M. Dove, Director of Marketing and Sales, at ddove@irtlive.com or 317.916.4878.

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ABOUT THE IRT

Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.