Cameron Knight, photo by Thomas Robert Clarke
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- A holiday tradition for 45 years, McCarter Theatre Center's annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns December 9–28, 2025. Adapted and directed by Lauren Keating, this year’s production offers a fresh perspective on the classic story of redemption and generosity. Cameron Knight leads the cast as Ebenezer Scrooge, with music direction by Cris Frisco and choreographer Emily Maltby.
“Scrooge is a character of Shakespearean magnitude,” says Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen. “Cameron’s deep sense of humanity and love of language will bring something truly special to this production.”
Cameron Knight, who played Mr. Fezziwig in McCarter’s 2024 production, brings a powerful stage presence and an extensive theatrical résumé to the role. Knight is an Associate Professor and the Head of the BFA Acting Program at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts. His credits include the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kennedy Center, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival, as well as screen appearances in The Orville, Chicago Med, Blue Bloods, Widows, and The World Without You.
The cast also features Sophia Alawi, Royer Bockus, Alex Brightwell, Kelsey Burns, Ian Coulter-Buford, Gina Daniels, Grayson DeJesus, Jamyl Dobson, Carlos Lencinas, Vivia Font, Maria Habeeb, Lisa Helmi Johanson, and Elizabeth Reese. The nine local performers who comprise the Youth Ensemble are Mikayla Irene, Zayda Knowles, Atticus Kragseth, Stella Malone, Evie Moore, Rafaella Mousa, Ishaan Sebastian, Caryna Desai Shah, and Skarlett Rose Willis, who will light up the stage.
Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling Patron Services at (609) 258-2787. Performances sell out quickly. Each audience member, regardless of age, requires a ticket; infants in arms or strollers/carriers will not be admitted.
The creative team includes scenic designer Daniel Ostling, costume designer Linda Cho, lighting designer Paul M. Kilsdonk, sound designer and composer Palmer Hefferan, hair, wig, and makeup designer Carissa Thorlakson, vocal and text director Hannah Tamminen, and dramaturg Julie Felise Dubiner. Production stage manager is Alison Cote, with Carolyn Reich as assistant stage manager, Alexandra Griner as production assistant, and Chloe Meyer as youth ensemble manager. Casting is by Eisenberg Casting, Daryl Eisenberg, CSA. Understudies include Kelsey Burns, Jonah Lione, Zoe Maroko, and Daryel T. Monson.
First introduced to McCarter audiences in 1980, A Christmas Carol was adapted and directed by then–Artistic Director Nagle Jackson. Over the decades, the production has evolved through new adaptations and directors but has remained a cornerstone of McCarter’s holiday programming, delighting generations with its timeless message of hope and renewal.
Experience the magic of this beloved tale as Ebenezer Scrooge’s inspiring transformation brings holiday cheer with the enduring themes of peace, hope, and joy. Complete with colorful Victorian costumes, lively dancing, and stunning scenery, A Christmas Carol promises a festive spectacle that brings friends and families together each season.
Whether carrying forward a beloved holiday tradition or creating a new one, McCarter offers an experience that is warm, welcoming, and wonderfully memorable. Enjoy live local choirs performing in the lobby before the show, take a photo in front of beautifully decorated trees, and settle in for a story that highlights the importance of compassion and connection.
Group Discounts: Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off tickets—perfect for office parties, youth groups, book clubs, and family gatherings. Email [email protected] to reserve tickets.
Accessibility: McCarter is committed to ensuring performances are accessible to all patrons. For accommodations, contact Patron Services at (609) 258-2787 or visit mccarter.org.
* ASL-Interpreted Performance: Saturday, December 20 at 1:00pm
* Audio Described and Open Captioned Performance: Sunday, December 21 at 1:00pm
* Relaxed Performance: Sunday, December 28 at 1:00pm
Relaxed Performances invite all patrons to enjoy a “shush-free,” judgment-free experience where self-expression is welcomed and encouraged.
Holiday Food Drive: Help McCarter support Mercer Street Friends this holiday season! From December 1–28, donations of food and essential items can be dropped off in front of the Box Office during regular hours (Tues–Sat, 12–6 p.m.) and during performances of A Christmas Carol.
Food items (please no glass containers) canned protein (tuna, chicken, salmon), soup (no ramen), veggies, beans, fruit (no syrup), grains, peanut butter, milk, spices, condiments, and oil (no glass containers). Non-food items include cleaning products, deodorant, menstrual products, paper towels, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, garbage bags, and aluminum foil.
McCarter is one of the country’s flagship theaters and a vibrant hub for the performing arts and community engagement. Located on the campus of Princeton University, McCarter is an independent nonprofit organization offering theater, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter has premiered landmark works including Our Town, You Can’t Take It With You, and Bus Stop, and continues to collaborate with leading playwrights and artists from around the world.
Each year, more than 100,000 community members engage with McCarter’s performances and programs, including over 5,000 students across Princeton, Trenton, and the region. Guided by its values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” McCarter creates art and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and strengthen community.
