The Kenan Center invites audiences to experience Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” as they’ve never seen it before.
Running Dec. 5 through 14 at the Taylor Theatre, this new adaptation, written and directed by Kevin Leary, breathes new life, laughter, and humanity into the timeless tale of redemption.
In this inventive and fast-moving production, “A Christmas Carol” becomes a play within a play. A family theatre troupe takes the stage to conjure Scrooge and portray every character in his life, revealing not only the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation but also their own. The result is a dazzling mix of Dickensian heart, modern comedy, and theatrical mischief; a love letter to both theatre and the holiday season itself.
“The story is familiar, but it has never been done like this,” says Leary. “Our new adaptation is a play within a play. The family performing A Christmas Carol finds their own redemption in the process, blending Dickens’ story with the humor, chaos, and heart of a modern family dynamic.”
Drawing inspiration from classic sitcoms like Frasier and Schitt’s Creek, Leary’s version intertwines moments of hilarity with genuine emotion, tilting from laughter to heartbreak in a single page turn. The cast features Stan Klimecko as Scrooge, joined by Sarah Teplitsky, Madeline Rehm, Ricky Needham, and Quinn McGillion as members of the family ensemble.
Behind the scenes, some of Western New York’s top theatre artists bring the world of “A Christmas Carol” vividly to life: Collin Ranney (Sets and Costumes), Matt DiVita (Lighting Design), Mason Beggs (Sound Design), and Michele Costa(Puppets). Together, they’ve crafted a visually and audibly stunning experience that honors Dickens’ original depth while infusing it with energy, humor, and contemporary resonance.
“We don’t treat A Christmas Carol like a dusty old Bible of a show,” Leary adds. “We don’t revere the story — we live it. It’s still relevant because people still struggle, still fail to choose love, still look down on others. We can all be Scrooge in our own way, but we can all be Tiny Tim, too.”
The production marks the second show in the 2025-2026 Kenan Theatre Season, continuing the Center’s commitment to presenting bold, high-quality theatre that connects deeply with audiences.
Performance Details
Dates: December 5–14, 2025
Showtimes will be 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m., Sundays at the Kenan Center’s Taylor Theatre, 433 Locust St., Lockport.
Tickets: $28 general admission and $18 students. Tickets are available at KenanCenter.org/theatre.