A Magical Re-imagined ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a Festive Treat for the Holidays

‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Ahmanson in DTLA is a festive treat for the Holidays! It’s a magical re-imagined version of this classic tale

Last week, I finally had a chance to visit the Music Center in Downtown LA to attend Opening Night of the magical new interpretation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre. This freshened-up version of this classic tale is the must-see show of the season because it is filled with all the festive spirit, happiness and joy that elevates our hearts during this time of year. This modernized re-telling of this timeless tale features three-time Emmy winner Bradley Whitford (The Handmaid’s Tale, The West Wing, Get Out, The Post) as Ebenezer Scrooge; Tony and Emmy Award nominee Kate Burton (Grey’s Anatomy) as the Ghost of Christmas Past; and the fabulous Grammy, SAG Award, Critics Choice, and Hollywood Critics Association Award nominee Alex Newell (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) as the Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig.

This fabulous version of A Christmas Carol is an immersive theatrical experience that features dazzling staging, interactive and moving storytelling, singing of many all-time favorite Christmas songs, stellar acting and lots of laughs and warm fuzzies. I loved that this show began with the theater lights up and the actors were talking and dancing as a way to invite us into their magical adventure. And when Bradley Whitford takes the stage, you know you are in the presence of acting greatness!

Bradley Whitford was captivating and enchanting as Scrooge, and it was pure joy watching him work his magic onstage. I loved seeing him transform from grumpy, bah humbug Scrooge to a giddy, campy, affable version of himself. You could tell that he was having so much fun onstage and I loved seeing him riff a bit at some points during the show. I especially enjoyed the local SoCal references in the dialogue and Whitford’s tribute to Stephen Sondheim with a non-lyrical bell song at the end of the show.

I am also a big fan of Alex Newell and he did his thang on stage like nobody can! His voice is big, bold and incredible and he has fabulous comedic timing too. So fun to see him perform in person as I have been following his professional trajectory for years and love seeing the success he is having 🙂

One final aspect of the staging of this show that I absolutely LOVED was that towards the end of the show in true Christmas spirit, it actually snows inside the Ahmanson Theatre! So fun and festive for the holidays! If you are looking for something fabulous to do with the whole family this holiday season, GO SEE A Christmas Carol in DTLA it will make your heart smile and feel all the festive joy of the season.

A Christmas Carol is now playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in DTLA now through January 1, 2022.