Presented by TowneBank and City of Norfolk, Arts Alliance, VCA and NEA

a Merry Little Christmas Carol
by Mark Shanahan
Adapted from the novella by charles dickens
directed by Steve pacek

December 2-23, 2026

A joyful holiday tradition returns to the Wells Theatre. In this imaginative retelling of Dickens’ beloved story, a spirited ensemble brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to life with warmth, humor, and a touch of theatrical magic.

Follow the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they guide Scrooge through the memories, mistakes, and moments that shaped him… and remind us all that it’s never too late to rediscover the joy of the season.

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  • Run Time: Approximately 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission

    Audience Recommendation: 6 & up

    Content Advisory: Effects: Theatrical haze is used intermittently throughout the show. Alcohol/Drug Use: Brief depictions of characters socially drinking alcohol. Content: Ghosts! Some ghosts may be scary for very young students. 

  • December 2-4 | Preview Performances
    December 2 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
    December 3 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
    December 5 at 7:30 PM | Opening Night
    December 8 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
    December 9 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
    December 12 at 2:00 PM | Open Caption and Audio-Described Performance
    December 15 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
    December 16 at 10:30 AM | Student Matinee
    December 19 at 7:30 PM | Theatre for Everyone and ASL Interpreted Performance

    *Seating for Audio Description & Open Captioning is provided in the Orchestra Left. Please use promo code “AccessVA” on checkout for proper booking.

    *Seating for ASL is provided in the Orchestra Left side of the House. Please use promo code “ASL” on checkout for proper booking.

  • Directed by STEVE PACEK
    Playwright MARK SHANAHAN
    Scenic Designer JO WINIARSKI § 
    Costume Designer JENI SCHAEFER
    Lighting & Projections Designer MARANDA DEBUSK
    Sound Designer STEVEN ALLEGRETTO
    Assistant Designer RYAN BIBLE
    Music Director/Arranger REFIYE TAPPAN
    Stage Manager RACHEL KILGORE *
    Assistant Stage Manager ABBIGAIL LAROCQUE *

    † Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers Inc., an independent labor union.
    §  Member of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE
    * Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States