A Christmas Carol – McCarter Theatre Center

In 2016 the folks at McCarter Theatre Center have been as busy as elves. They were working on a reimagined version of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This new production of the play includes a brand new set, designed by Daniel Ostling. It also has an all new cast and new music. Back in October, we visited McCarter’s Production Shop to see some of the work on the new set and to talk with Daniel Ostling about his approach to the design. You can see that short video below.

Historically, McCarter has had a community ensemble that performed in several scenes in A Christmas Carol each year. Members from the community audition for the ensemble and perform with the equity actors. This year, one of the community members who auditioned actually made her McCarter debut in the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Mimi Francis, a seventh grade English/Language Arts teacher in Franklin Township, NJ, got the role.  We talked with Mimi back in October about her excitement for the role and the process of being selected. Although Mimi is new to McCarter, she has acted on stages throughout New Jersey. You can see the short video with Mimi below.

In addition to the festive nature of A Christmas Carol, McCarter also has activities for audience members to partake in prior to the show. Audiences can mingle and carol with members from the community ensemble, can create their own snowflakes, and play holiday games common in London in the 1840s. For many visiting McCarter to see A Christmas Carol is an annual tradition. It is definitely a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

A Christmas Carol – Dan Ostling – McCarter Theatre Center from Dave Tavani on Vimeo.

McCarter_MimiFrancis_112916 from Dave Tavani on Vimeo.