From Humbug to Hallelujah: The Wick’s A Christmas Carol Shines Like a Holiday Beacon Filled with Magic, Merriment and Message.

December 7th, 2025

The Wick Theatre embraces the holiday season with a lavish and heartfelt production of A Christmas Carol. This musical adaptation, featuring a score by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, transforms Charles Dickens’ beloved classic into a full-throttle theatrical celebration, brimming with energy, spirit, and a warmth that lasts long after the curtain falls.

Running November 28th – December 24th, A Christmas Carol at The Wick is more than a retelling, it’s an experience. From the very first notes of Menken’s soaring score, it’s clear that this is a show designed to please audiences of all ages. Under the debut direction of Christopher Michaels, the production moves with confident sweep and cinematic flair, capturing both the spectacle and intimacy of Scrooge’s long Christmas Eve journey.

Executive Managing Producer Marilynn A. Wick describes the show as “a monumental achievement,” and it’s not hyperbole. This is one of the theatre’s largest casts to date, featuring a remarkable number of child performers who inject the production with heart and hope. Their presence helps anchor the story’s themes of innocence, generosity, and the resilience of the human spirit.

At the center of this beloved tale is Chris Edwards as Ebenezer Scrooge, delivering a layered, compelling performance. Edwards brings a crisp bite to Scrooge’s early scenes and later finds the vulnerability in his transformation. His final moments, brimming with gratitude and humility, are nothing short of triumphant.

Brandon Campbell offers a warm, grounded Bob Cratchit, and alternating Tiny Tims (Issa Gonzales and Arslen Shamsutdinov) are pure charm incarnate. Larry Buzzeo makes an impressively eerie Marley’s Ghost, while the ensemble provides the lifeblood of the production, navigating Bobby Peaco’s intricate musical direction with polish and precision.

Despite a collection of fine performances, the true star of this production is unmistakably the production value itself. The Wick delivers a visual feast where lush, full sets and opulent costumes create a Victorian world pulsing with life. Scene changes happen with seamless grace despite the abundance of moving parts. Nearly every inch of the stage teems with action, color, and precisely coordinated movement. The Wick’s attention to detail is evident throughout, from its sumptuous costumes to its atmospheric lighting. The large cast is almost constantly in motion, and Ralph Meitzler’s choreography bursts with energy and joy. While a few dance numbers extend a touch longer than necessary, the overall show moves at a brisk pace, running just two hours with a generous intermission.

Stylistically, this A Christmas Carol leans more toward a British Music Hall tradition than a typical American book musical. Many of the numbers feel designed to entertain in a presentational, celebratory fashion rather than to propel the plot or define a character. Yet this choice suits the material well, giving the production a festive theatricality. It’s as though the performers are throwing a holiday party to which the audience is joyfully invited. The overall feel of the evening is that of a big, warm holiday hug.

With its timeless message, admirable visual storytelling, and a cast performing at the top of their game, A Christmas Carol is another shining achievement for The Wick Theatre. It honors tradition while delivering a fresh, spirited take on a holiday classic. Whether it’s a family outing, a cherished annual ritual, or a first-time visit, this production is a joyful reminder of the magic and meaning of the season.

Performances run through December 24 at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Tickets and pre-show dining are available at thewick.org or by calling 561-995-2333.