This December, The Kenan Center invites audiences to experience Charles
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as they’ve never seen it before. Running December 5 – 14 at the
Taylor Theatre, this new adaptation, written and directed by Kevin Leary, breathes new life,
laughter, and humanity into the timeless tale of redemption.
In this inventive and fast-moving production, A Christmas Carol becomes a play within a play. A
family theatre troupe takes the stage to conjure Scrooge and portray every character in his life,
revealing not only the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation but also their own.
The result is a dazzling mix of Dickensian heart, modern comedy, and theatrical mischief; a love
letter to both theatre and the holiday season itself.
“The story is familiar, but it has never been done like this,” says Leary. “Our new adaptation is a
play within a play. The family performing A Christmas Carol finds their own redemption in the
process, blending Dickens’ story with the humor, chaos, and heart of a modern family dynamic.”
Drawing inspiration from classic sitcoms like Frasier and Schitt’s Creek, Leary’s version
intertwines moments of hilarity with genuine emotion, tilting from laughter to heartbreak in a
single page turn. The cast features Stan Klimecko as Scrooge, joined by Sarah Teplitsky,
Madeline Rehm, and Quinn McGillion as members of the family ensemble, with an additional
role yet to be announced.
Behind the scenes, some of Western New York’s top theatre artists bring the world of A
Christmas Carol vividly to life: Collin Ranney (Sets and Costumes), Matt DiVita (Lighting
Design), Mason Beggs (Sound Design), and Michele Costa(Puppets). Together, they’ve crafted
a visually and audibly stunning experience that honors Dickens’ original depth while infusing it
with energy, humor, and contemporary resonance.
“We don’t treat A Christmas Carol like a dusty old Bible of a show,” Leary adds. “We don’t
revere the story – we live it. It’s still relevant because people still struggle, still fail to choose
love, still look down on others. We can all be Scrooge in our own way, but we can all be Tiny
Tim, too.”
This production marks the second show in the 2025-2026 Kenan Theatre Season, continuing
the Center’s commitment to presenting bold, high-quality theatre that connects deeply with
audiences.
Performance Details
Dates: December 5–14, 2025
Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Location: The Kenan Center’s Taylor Theatre, 433 Locust St., Lockport, NY
Tickets: $28 General Admission | $18 Students
Tickets are available now at KenanCenter.org/theatre.
Gather your family, bring your friends, and experience this unforgettable twist on a holiday
classic at the Kenan Center’s Taylor Theatre.
About the Kenan Center Theatre
Located in the heart of Lockport, NY, the Kenan Center Theatre is an intimate 153-seat venue
housed within the historic Kenan Center Campus. The Theatre presents a diverse season of
productions showcasing local talent and professional artistry, offering audiences powerful
performances in an up-close setting.