Boston’s Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Brings Dickens Classic to Holiday Stage for Second Year

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will continue its growing holiday tradition this December with the return of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at Boston's historic Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, marking the second year of what organizers hope will become an annual Boston tradition.

The production, running December 6-23, 2025, features beloved Boston actor Will Lyman reprising his role as Ebenezer Scrooge in what The Boston Globe previously called "a musical feast." The show is part of CSC's milestone 30th anniversary season, which also includes the company's signature free Shakespeare performances on Boston Common.

CSC's adaptation joins a nationwide surge of Christmas Carol productions this holiday season. Major theaters across the country are staging their own versions, from Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. to Chicago's Goodman Theatre, while a new film adaptation called "Carol" recently hit theaters nationwide. The enduring popularity of Dickens' 1843 tale of redemption continues to draw audiences seeking holiday tradition and meaning.

"We are excited for year two of our new holiday tradition," said Steven Maler, CSC's Founding Artistic Director, who also directs the production. "We look forward to welcoming audiences to this powerful story of love and redemption."

The Boston production features an original adaptation by award-winning writer/director Steve Wargo, with traditional 19th-century carols arranged by Dianne Adams McDowell. Musical direction comes from Dan Rodriguez, creating what WGBH described as a "heart-filled new tradition."

Since launching in 1996 with free Shakespeare performances, CSC has served over 1.5 million audience members. The addition of "A Christmas Carol" represents the company's expansion beyond its summer programming, offering Boston families a new way to experience live theater during the holidays.

Foundational support for the production comes from Christy and Jay Cashman and the Poduska Family Foundation. The December run caps off CSC's 30th anniversary celebrations, which will conclude next summer with a return to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" – the same play that launched the company three decades ago.

Tickets and information are available at commshakes.org.