Indy’s holiday tradition A Christmas Carol returns to the Indiana Repertory Theatre
After a forced pause, the annual favorite lights up the stage with new changes, hope

Indianapolis, Ind.—After an interruption of its decades-long run due to COVID-19 last season, the Indiana Repertory Theatre joyfully brings back its holiday tradition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol this month. Featuring the return of local acting favorites and the familiar hopeful spirit, this version, adapted by Tom Haas, will be directed for the first time by IRT’s Playwright-in-Residence James Still and will feature a new Scrooge, Indianapolis’ own Rob Johansen. This reimagined treasure will be live on the OneAmerica Mainstage November 26 – December 26 and available for streaming December 10 – 26, 2021.

“We have been longing to return to the beloved landscape of A Christmas Carol, having interrupted its 25-year stage life during COVID,” IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Janet Allen said. “The production will preserve the many beauties of our historic production, while re-examining Dickens’ text to find new resonances to our current times. It will also mark the return of beloved local actors David Alan Anderson, Ryan Artzberger (our Scrooge of the last many years), and Jennifer Johansen, playing new roles.  Given our social isolation and worries during the pandemic, we need the heart-opening lessons of A Christmas Carol like never before.”

At its heart, A Christmas Carol is a tale of redemption: of the scourge of isolation and fear examined and overcome through the guidance of four ghosts. Bringing that journey to new life, Rob Johansen will step into the iconic role of Scrooge. While Johansen is new to Scrooge, he’s not new to A Christmas Carol. It’s his 14th year in the production and his 50th production at the IRT.

“Each year the IRT lovingly makes a new version that celebrates Mr. Dickens’ story of redemption and like all art that endures over time, our relationship to A Christmas Carol continues to evolve as the story finds new meaning,” James Still said. “The IRT production is a celebration between actors and audience that ultimately restores a sense of awe and gratitude.”

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
IRT’s focus on artistry is also matched by its focus on safety, and entry to the IRT will require a mask and photo ID, as well as proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test (administered no more than 72 hours prior to the performance). This vaccine and mask requirement will also apply to IRT artists (except when performing), staff, and volunteer ushers.

In an effort to welcome families and offer greater accessibility for all to share in the joy of live theatre and our holiday tradition, unvaccinated children between the ages of 4 - 11 who attend A Christmas Carol with vaccinated adults will only be required to wear a mask and are not required to have a PCR test. Due to production content and length, IRT’s policy is that children under 4 are not permitted in the Theatre.

The IRT will also have two performances of A Christmas Carol solely for patrons who are fully vaccinated. There are no exceptions for these performances and all patrons, regardless of age, must be fully vaccinated.

Vaccination-only A Christmas Carol performances: Sunday, December 12 at 6 pm and Tuesday, December 21 at 7:30 pm. 

Please visit irtlive.com/faq for the full information regarding IRT’s health and safety policies.

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage. Streaming online via irtlivevirtual.com. 

RUN DATES: Live in-person November 26 – December 26, 2021, various times. Streaming online December 10 – 26, 2021. A Christmas Carol is approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule are available at IRTlive.com/carol.

TICKETS: Tickets for live performances start at $25. Click to buy. Virtual tickets are $40. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:
DAVID ALAN ANDERSON  | Fezziwig, Christmas Present, Pawnbroker, & Ensemble
RYAN ARTZBERGER  | Bob Cratchit, Marley, Topper, & Ensemble
QUINTIN GILDON  | Child Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Poulterer’s Son, & Ensemble
NINA JAYASHANKAR  | Felicity, Belle, Laundress, & Ensemble
JENNIFER JOHANSEN  | Mrs. Fezziwig, Prudence, Charwoman, & Ensemble
ROB JOHANSEN  | Scrooge
WILL MOBLEY  | Fred, Young Scrooge, Christmas Future, & Ensemble
MARIA ARGENTINA SOUZA  | Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit, Penelope, & Ensemble
JAMES STILL  | Director
RUSSELL METHENY  | Scenic Designer
LINDA PISANO  | Costume Designer
MICHAEL LINCOLN  | Lighting Designer
MICHAEL KECK  | Composer
NICHOLAS A. OWENS  | Choreographer
RICHARD J ROBERTS  | Dramaturg
ERIN ROBSON-SMITH  | Stage Manager
BECKY ROEBER  | Assistant Stage Manager

SPECIAL EVENTS:
This production will have a filmed pre-show chat and post-show discussion available for viewing. 

Vaccination-only A Christmas Carol performances: Sunday, December 12 at 6 pm and Tuesday, December 21 at 7:30 pm. 

December 26 at 1 pm: Sensory Friendly Performance

For more information contact Danielle M. Dove, Director of Marketing & Sales at ddove@irtlive.com or 317.916.4878


###
​
ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.
 

Indiana Repertory Theatre announces new Director of Finance
Jeffrey Bledsoe joins IRT to lead financial strategy, sustainability, and business planning

Indianapolis, Ind.— The Indiana Repertory Theatre has hired Jeffrey Bledsoe as the new Director of Finance for the organization. In this position, he will bring his extensive background in theatre management and finance to lead as the chief financial executive of the Theatre. As part of IRT leadership, Bledsoe’s decades of experience will lend to his success in planning the Theatre’s future strategy, maintaining operational integrity, overseeing fiscal controls, and leading financial administration, business planning, and budgeting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to our leadership team,” Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney said. “His experience at Signature Theatre and Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City bring a new perspective to the IRT, while his Indiana roots make him an ideal fit as we move the Theatre into the future.”

Originally from Indiana, Bledsoe’s education and employment has taken him to Michigan for college and work at Tibbits Opera House, Connecticut for his MFA in Theater Management from Yale School of Drama and subsequent teaching role at the school, and New York for business management and finance roles with the Manhattan Theatre Club and Signature Theatre. Bledsoe also served as Director of Finance for Symphony Space, Pilobolus, and Frankel Green Theatrical Management, supervising the financial activity for Broadway, off-Broadway, and touring productions.

"I'm excited to be returning to Indiana after 30 years and eager to bring my experience to the team at the IRT," Bledsoe said. 
​


​For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

###

ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.