Portland Playhouse Producing Director Charles Grant - like many of us - is no stranger to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Now in his second year directing the traditional holiday show at the Playhouse, Grant reflects on his ongoing relationship with the classic. “Over the years, Christmas Carol has become one of my favorite stories. I've read the novel, seen various versions of the film, and I have been both an actor and director of the stage show. It's a story I think about throughout the year beyond just the Christmas season, and it brings up a lot of exciting questions for me.” As we close out a year that has seen its fair share of challenges for many of us, A Christmas Carol offers some holiday soul food that is sure to soothe.

Grant has assembled a veteran cast to bring the story to life for another season of magic in North Portland. Beginning November 26th, you can catch Lester Purry masterfully reprising his 2023 role as Ebenezer Scrooge, transcending miserly caricature as he captures the complexity of a man who masks his fear and pain with malevolence and greed. Visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley (Benjamin Tissell), Scrooge embarks on a night-long journey of remembrance and redemption, guided by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Claire Rigsby), Present (Delphon (DJ) Curtis, Jr.), and Future (Elleon Dobias). And while most of the cast are repeat Christmas Carol performers, Grant brings his own continual reimaginings to well-known moments of the story, creating a holiday classic that is both familiar and fresh, full of heart, humanity, and joy.

“As I think about Scrooge's journey, I reflect on the rollercoaster of a life he's had and all that has brought him to this moment,” says Grant. “He has become so hardened by the world that it takes a miracle and a spirit – or a few! – to remind him that his story isn't over yet. This year, amidst all the unknown, I'm reminded that our story isn't over yet either. There is so much possibility and I'm excited to lean into the light and joy together.”

As Scrooge learns the importance of kindness, connection, and love, the heartwarming moments, magical special effects, and beautiful musical numbers performed throughout the show by the entire cast are sure to leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired – this holiday season, perhaps, in particular.

Don't miss your chance to experience the wonder of A Christmas Carol at Portland Playhouse. The production, always a highlight of the holiday season, is a perfect way to share the joy of Christmas with loved ones and nourish your own spirit.