By Afshin Razi
NKU’s School of the Arts delivers another theatrical gem with its production of A Christmas Carol. This spectacular feast for the senses instantly transports the audience into Victorian London. Every detail is meticulously engineered, from the warm glow of gaslit lamps and the gentle drift of snow to the echoing sound of handbell choirs and the visual charm of handmade ornaments. This commitment to immersion even extends to taste, as audience members are welcomed with a choice of a satsuma mandarin or a mince pie. Every element combines to create a fully immersive, joyful, and unforgettable experience.
Think You’ve Seen the Story Before? Bah humbug!
Based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol follows the familiar tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a deeply cruel and selfish man who values money above all else. Starting on Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Through their overnight guidance, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man by Christmas morning. Where many traditional tellings rely on fear, this production offers an empathetic perspective, conveying the central theme that transformation does not stem from a place of fear: Scrooge is not “scared straight” into becoming a good person. Instead, we see how generational trauma played a key role in shaping him. By the end, he makes the choice to change his life, demonstrating personal growth that comes from a place of agency.
A Cast Worthy of a Christmas Feast
A production of A Christmas Carol without a strong Ebenezer Scrooge performance is just a parade of grim Victorian scenes that prove that the only thing unchanged over the years is the gap between the rich and the poor. Fortunately, we can put the economics textbook away for the evening, because Bob Allen is simply phenomenal as Scrooge. With a commanding, grounded, and emotionally rich performance, Allen will have you transfixed from the very first time you see him on stage, making you care about his transformational journey from a rich curmudgeon to a generous soul.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive, demonstrating boundless energy that perfectly supports Allen’s central performance. To highlight two standouts, Wolf Singer gives heartfelt life to Bob Cratchit, grounding the story with genuine love and palpable sacrifice. Seven-year-old Miles Stewart delivers an utterly adorable and impactful Tiny Tim, lending the Cratchit family scenes their emotional weight. The ensemble’s choreography and movement feel dynamic and purposeful, and the sung carols resonate beautifully. Together, the entire company rounds out the show in a way that is both emotionally satisfying and celebratory.
The Wizarding World of Michael Hatton and The Production Team
Michael Hatton, Director and creative force behind this rendition of A Christmas Carol, might as well be a wizard — instead of simply inviting the audience to watch, he transports them into Scrooge’s world. Hatton achieves this total immersion through brilliant utilization of the space, anchored by strong choices from Scenic Designer Eric Barker. Rather than relying on elaborate, dense sets, this production leans into minimalism. There’s no bed for Scrooge, for example, but that simplicity is precisely what makes it perfect for immersive theatre. With on-stage seating, you don’t just observe the play: you’re part of it. The layout invites direct engagement, and the energy never lets you feel like a passive bystander.
Jo Sanburg’s lighting creates a beautiful atmosphere, bathing the action in a warm, mood-setting glow. The sound design by Kevin Havlin is subtly effective, utilizing ambient noise and selective effects that immediately jolt the audience into full attention with its jarring yet perfect execution. Furthermore, Ronnie Chamberlain’s period costumes are full of rich detail, yet appear lived-in, ensuring the actors seamlessly vanish into their Victorian roles. This high-energy, high-heart production thrives on its sense of closeness and community, with Jacob Priddy’s original orchestrations providing an emotionally rich underscore that is absolutely essential to the performance.
Final Verdict
Make no mistake: NKU’s A Christmas Carol is more than just another holiday show. It’s a joyous, thought-provoking celebration of the season. By wrapping Dickens’ timeless story in interactivity and fresh insight, the show manages to be festive and heartfelt at once. Do yourself a favor and catch this Carol. It’s a lovely gift of a show, one that proves the old ghost story still has new wonders to share.
Tickets to NKU’s A Christmas Carol
NKU’s A Christmas Carol performances are at the Corbett Theatre from Nov. 21–23 and Dec. 3–7, 2025. Tickets are available online at https://nku.edu/tickets
