Kenan Center presents fast-paced, heartfelt & darkly funny reimagining of 'A Christmas Carol'

The Kenan Center Press Release & Graphic

This December, The Kenan Center invites audiences to experience Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” as they’ve never seen it before. Running Dec. 5-14 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 theater 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 theater and the holiday season itself.

“The story is familiar, but it has never been done like this,” Leary said. “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 theater 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 added. “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.”

This production marks the second show in the 2025-26 Kenan Theatre season, continuing the center’s commitment to presenting bold, high-quality theater that connects deeply with audiences.

Tickets are available now at www.KenanCenter.org/theatre.

The Kenan Center’s Taylor Theatre is located at 433 Locust St., Lockport.