OKC theater’s ‘Christmas Carol’ takes audiences to Victorian London

Local actor Jonathan Beck Reed returns for his 10th time in the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
The production features an immersive set, updated in 2023, that extends into the audience.
Post-show collections for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma have raised over $285,000 in 14 years.

Even if you’re having trouble honoring Christmas in your heart at this time of year, it’s hard to hold on to a “bah, humbug” attitude when you’re watching a faithful, first-rate presentation of “A Christmas Carol.”

Since 2011, Lyric Theatre has annually provided just that theatrical balm for the frazzled, weary or overwhelmed yuletide soul, and, thankfully, this year is no different.

Adapted and directed by Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron, Lyric’s unswerving and uplifting version of Charles Dickens’ cherished 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas” is a comforting capper to the long-running Oklahoma City professional theater’s 62nd season.

Presented by Devon Energy, the beloved show’s annual run continues through Dec. 27 in Lyric’s Plaza District theater.

Here’s what to know about this year’s production of Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol:”

Who is starring in Lyric Theatre’s 2025 production of ‘A Christmas Carol?’

Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol” annually gives Baron the chance to showcase his gift for casting top talent in the right roles, which this year includes bringing back local favorite Jonathan Beck Reed as Ebenezer Scrooge.

It’s the Edmond resident’s 10th time to take on the role of Dickens’ famously grouchy miser, whose hardened heart is softened by a series of ghostly visits on Christmas Eve. Reed previously played the part in a national touring company, in Lyric’s world-premiere production of “A Country Christmas Carol” and in a 2007 co-production between Oklahoma City University, his alma mater, and Oklahoma City Repertory Theater, which he co-founded.

Most recently, Reed shared the role of Scrooge with W. Jerome Stevenson during Lyric’s three-year run performing “A Christmas Carol” outdoors at the Harn Homestead during the COVID-19 pandemic. That mobile version of the show was considerably shorter than the fuller adaptation now playing in the Plaza Theatre, and it’s all the better for showcasing Reed’s masterful understanding of the challenging role.

He’s surrounded by a cast that’s as good as gold and better, including “A Christmas Carol” constant Charlie Monnot, who has often played the role of Scrooge’s kindly clerk Bob Crachit, but this year charms as top boss Mr. Fezziwig as well as in the smaller parts of a priest and solicitor. Fellow Lyric mainstay, Lexi Windsor, is wonderfully no-nonsense and fiercely protective of her family as Mrs. Cratchit.

Jason Bias’ appealing everyman qualities make him a good fit to take over the part of Mr. Cratchit, while Jeffrey Ambrosini effectively keeps the humanity in the fearsome specter of Jacob Marley. Heath Rawls and Mica Martinez Harkey have lovely chemistry in their dual roles as Young Scrooge and his lost love Belle and Scrooge’s upbeat nephew Fred and his spirited wife.

Isaiah Williams pulls off both the jolly grandeur of the holiday season and the sharp-tongued comeuppance Scrooge so richly deserves as the larger-than-life Ghost of Christmas Present, and Gabriella Beck sparkles quite like the light of truth as the high-flying Ghost of Christmas Past.

The entire ensemble exudes yuletide cheer as they sing vintage British Christmas carols like “Good King Wenceslas” and “The Holly and the Ivy.”

How does Lyric Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ transport audiences to Victorian London?

After spending three years outside during the pandemic, Lyric brought its annual production of Dickens’ often-adapted “Ghost Story of Christmas” back inside its Plaza District theater in 2023, and thanks to a $1 million gift from Devon Energy, the venerable nonprofit arts organization was able to continue its holiday tradition with a new set, costumes, lights and sound effects.

As usual for the state’s official theater, “A Christmas Carol” is a top-quality show, from the towering Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come puppet designed by Penny Benson to the mood-shifting lighting design by Fabian J. Garcia.

The 2025 production also features choreography by Lyric Executive Producer Ashley Wells, handsome Victorian Era outfits by costume designer Jeffrey Meek and sprawling set design by Adam Koch, which includes two swings so that Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past can soar above audiences.

That bit of theater magic hasn’t worn off at all in the past three years, and neither has the fun of the Ghost of Christmas Present’s dramatic arrival by steam locomotive.

This year, Koch’s gorgeous reproduction of a quaint 1840s London street scene has been extended off the stage and out into the Plaza Theatre auditorium. That means theatergoers are surrounded by vintage building fronts, complete with windows that often frame flashing lights heralding ghostly arrivals. Considering how often Baron has his cast take the action into the aisles, the façades truly make the show feel even more immersive.

When the huge curtain with the message “Joy to the World” comes down and the artificial snow falls at the end, it provides a huge dose of holiday spirit that’s hard to resist — and why would you want to?

How does Lyric Theatre give back to the community with ‘A Christmas Carol?’

Lyric Theatre annually closes its performances of “A Christmas Carol” by having cast members collect cash donations for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Over the past 14 years, Lyric’s holiday audiences have contributed more than $285,000 to the Regional Food Bank, and last season, theatergoers contributed in excess of $36,000.

Lyric’s 2024 run with Dickens’ timeless tale reached a pair of milestones for the nonprofit theater: It was the largest attended show in Lyric’s history, and it raised the highest donation total to help feed Oklahomans in need in the history of the production.

The chance to give to help those in need is the perfect finale for a performance of “A Christmas Carol,” so make sure you have cash in hand when you head to the theater.