Casting has been announced today for the First National Tour of the five-time Tony Award®-winning production of A Christmas Carol with Tony and Emmy Award® nominee Kate Burton (Ghost of Christmas Past) and Grammy® and SAG Award nominee Alex Newell (Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig) joining the previously announced Bradley Whitford (Ebenezer Scrooge).
This magical new interpretation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story, adapted by Tony Award winner Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and originally directed and conceived by Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus (Matilda), will play the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles (November 30, 2021-January 1, 2022) and The Smith Center in Las Vegas (November 23-28, 2021), with additional stops at Spokane’s First Interstate Center for the Arts (November 12-13, 2021) and Phoenix’s Orpheum Theatre (November 18-21, 2021).
The cast includes Chante Carmel as Mrs. Cratchit, Dashiell Eaves as Bob Cratchit, Brandon Gill as Fred, Evan Harrington as Fezziwig, Chris Hoch as Father/Marley, Sarah Hunt as Belle, Alex Nee as Ferdy/Nicholas, Sebastian Ortiz and Cade Robertson alternating as Tiny Tim, Brett Ryback as George, Harry Thornton as Young Ebenezer, Glory Yepassis-Zembrou as Little Fan, and Grace Yoo as Jess. Celia Mei Rubin will standby for Jess and Mrs. Cratchit, and Andrew Mayer is a Swing. Eight cast members – Eaves, Gill, Harrington, Hoch, Hunt, Nee, Ortiz, and Rubin – are returning from the original Broadway cast.
A holiday masterpiece for all ages, A Christmas Carol opened on Broadway to rave reviews on November 20, 2019, following critically acclaimed runs at The Old Vic, London. Breaking several box office records at the Lyceum Theatre, the production took home five 2020 Tony Awards for Best Original Score (Christopher Nightingale), Best Scenic Design of a Play (Rob Howell), Best Costume Design of a Play (Rob Howell), Best Lighting Design of a Play (Hugh Vanstone), and Best Sound Design of a Play (Simon Baker), sweeping all categories in which it was nominated. It also won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Adaptation. A Christmas Carol will return to The Old Vic for its fourth season this year. In addition to this production, a second US production of A Christmas Carol will play San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre this holiday season.
This timeless – and timely – tale of isolation and redemption welcomes theatergoers into an immersive experience that is brimming with Christmas spirit. The production features dazzling staging, moving storytelling, and 12 of the most cherished Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”
A Christmas Carol features scenic and costume design by Tony Award winner Rob Howell; lighting design by Tony Award winner Hugh Vanstone; sound design by Tony Award winner Simon Baker; music, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Christopher Nightingale; music direction by Remy Kurs; music supervision by Paul Staroba; music coordination by Howard Joines; casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA and Jason Thinger; movement by Lizzi Gee; and direction by Thomas Caruso.
A Christmas Carol is produced by Tom Smedes, Heather Shields, Nathan Gehan, Jamison Scott, Catherine Schreiber, Peter Stern, Xin Wen, Cornice Productions, Jack Lane, Instone Productions, Nancy Gibbs/Joseph Longthorne, Mark Lonow & JoAnne Astrow, J. Scott & Sylvia G. Bechtel, Walport Productions, Alexandra Weinstein & Tobi Pilavin Weinstein, Propaganda Productions/42nd.Club, Beth Lenke/Wolfstone Productions, Tanninger Entertainment, CHK Productions/Louise H. Beard & Seriff Productions, Mark Lippman, Fiona Howe Rudin/Sammy Lopez, David Lambert/Shawn Arani, Brian Mutert & Derek Perrigo/Gary & Reenie Heath, and Terry Schnuck/Joel t Newman, with Associate Producer Chase Thomas.
Cast Bios
BRADLEY WHITFORD (Ebenezer Scrooge) is a classically trained stage actor and three-time Emmy® winner who gained fame as Josh Lyman on NBC’s “The West Wing.” He is grateful to be able work in theater, film, and television and currently stars as Commander Lawrence in Hulu’s Emmy-winning series “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Upcoming: tick, tick… Boom! directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Film: Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated drama The Post, the critically acclaimed horror-thriller Get Out, Other People (Grand Jury prize, 2016 Sundance Film Festival), HBO’s Lyndon B. Johnson biopic All The Way, the Hank Williams biopic I Saw The Light, Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks. TV: NBC’s “Perfect Harmony,” National Geographic’s “Valley of the Boom,” POP TV’s “Flack,” Amazon’s award-winning comedy series “Transparent.” Stage: Boeing-Boeing and A Few Good Men (Broadway), Hansel and Gretel (24thStreet Theater), Pasadena Playhouse, Lincoln Center Theater, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club. Wisconsin native and alumnus of Wesleyan University and the Juilliard Theater Center. He is an executive producer of the documentary Not Going Quietly about his hero, Ady Barkan.
KATE BURTON (Ghost of Christmas Past). Broadway: Present Laughter (2017, Kevin Kline), Spring Awakening, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, An American Daughter, Wild Honey, Company, Doonesbury, and Jake’s Women. Tony nominated for Hedda Gabler (directed by Nicholas Martin), The Elephant Man (directed by Sean Mathias), and The Constant Wife (directed by Mark Brokaw). Drama Desk nominated for Some Americans Abroad (directed by Roger Michell). Theater World Award winner for Present Laughter (1982, starring and directed by George C. Scott). Film/TV: Big Trouble in Little China, Unfaithful, Ice Storm, Liberal Arts, 2 Days in NY, 127 Hours, and Where’d You Go, Bernadette, “Law and Order(s)”, “Empire Falls,” “West Wing,” “Homeland,” “This Is Us,” “Charmed,” “Supergirl,” and soon “Longboard,” “The First Lady,” “The Dropout,” and “Bosch” spinoff. Emmy nominated for “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” and will soon be seen in “Inventing Anna,” all created by Shonda Rhimes. Professor at USC. Brown/Yale grad. This is for Melissa Smith.
ALEX NEWELL (Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig). Alex Newell has an extensive list of credits both in Broadway and television. TV credits include the recent fan favorite “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and two hit Fox series, “Empire” and “Glee,” in which Alex played the role of Wade “Unique” Adams. Alex has also released music through Atlantic Records and toured the world both as a solo artist and along with Adam Lambert. His music has been heavily featured across film and television including most notably the primary driving force in HBO’s Martin Scorsese/Mick Jagger series “Vinyl.” Alex has received overwhelming accolades and award nominations for his work including Critics Choice, Gold Derby, Screen Actors Guild, and Hollywood Critics Association. Broadway credits include Once on this Island which earned him a Grammy® nomination for Best Musical Theater Album, and the show won the Tony® for Best Musical Revival.
CHANTE CARMEL (Mrs. Cratchit). Los Angeles native. U.C. Santa Barbara alumna. Broadway: Motown the Musical (Martha Reeves). Tours: The Lion King (Queen Sarabi, u/s Nala, Shenzi), Motown the Musical, Rent (Joanne), Dreamgirls (Michelle). TV: “A Different World, “ER,” “New Girl,” “Baby Blue” (BET Her). Web Series: “Buppies” (BET). Film: A Beautiful Soul. Songs: “Live Your Dreams,” “Save the Last Dance.” Special thanks: God, my Husband, my amazing parents and family, and my agency, FSE. IG: @iamchantecarmel.
DASHIELL EAVES (Bob Cratchit). Upcoming (someday): Sing Street on Broadway. Broadway: A Christmas Carol, A Time to Kill, A Behanding in Spokane, Coram Boy, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, James Joyce’s The Dead, 1776, The Sound of Music. Off-Broadway: Signature Theatre, LCT3, Atlantic Theater Co., Playwrights Horizons, 2nd Stage, Rattlestick, Stomp (original NYC cast). TV: “Dr. Death,” “Mindhunter,” “Gotham,” “Limitless,” “Blue Bloods,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Good Wife,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Instagram: @dashielleaves. Twitter: @dasheaves.
BRANDON GILL (Fred). Broadway: A Christmas Carol (Matthew Warchus), Holler If Ya Hear Me (Kenny Leon). Off-Broadway: Too Heavy for Your Pocket (Roundabout Underground), Bella (Playwrights Horizons, Robert O’Hara, Lucille Lortel nomination), Neighbors (Public Theater). Regional: The Last Goodbye (Old Globe, Alex Timbers). Film: Bashira; Big Momma: Like Father, Like Son; Radium Girls; Sorcerer’s Apprentice. TV: “The Punisher,” “Madam Secretary,” “Blue Bloods,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Golden Boy,” “Law & Order: SVU.” Graduate of Juilliard, LaGuardia HS. IG: @BBoyInc.
EVAN HARRINGTON (Fezziwig) is grateful to be back with A Christmas Carol after playing Fezziwig on Broadway in 2019. Broadway: Chicago (Amos), Once (Billy), Peter and the Starcatcher (Alf), The Phantom of the Opera (Piangi), Avenue Q (Brian). Tours: Fiasco Theatre’s Into the Woods (Baker), Once (1st National Tour), The Music Man, Camelot. Other credits: Roundabout’s revival of The Robber Bridegroom, Assassins, Sweeny Todd, The Full Monty. TV: “30 Rock,” “Orange Is the New Black.” Instagram: the_evanharrington. www.evanharrington.com .
CHRIS HOCH (Father/Marley). Broadway: A Christmas Carol, War Paint, Amazing Grace, Matilda, La Cage aux Folles, Shrek, Spamalot, Dracula, Beauty and the Beast. National tours: Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast. Off-Broadway: Clueless, Far from Heaven, Die Mommie Die!, Nantucket Sleigh Ride. Regional: Signature Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Williamstown Theatre Festival. Television: “30 Rock,” “Guiding Light,” “All My Children,” “The Good Wife,” “Gossip Girl,” “Braindead,” “God Friended Me.” BFA: Carnegie-Mellon University. Special thanks to David and Emily.
SARAH HUNT (Belle) is thrilled to return to this exquisite company. Recent: CBS’s “FBI: Most Wanted.” Select TV/film: “Manifest,” “Prodigal Son,” “Animal Kingdom.” Broadway: A Christmas Carol, The Last Ship, Do I Hear a Waltz, Spring Awakening, among others that can’t fit a 75-word bio. Juilliard graduate. Love and thanks to Soffer, Namoff, CESD, and everyone who made this possible with their hard work/invisible support. For Mom, Dad, John, NM, and Miremal. Thank you for always knowing. IG: @sarahhuntny.
ANDREW MAYER (Swing). Broadway: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 . Stage credits include I Spy A Spy (Off-Broadway), The Hello Girls (Prospect Theater), Oliver (Goodspeed), Prince of Egypt (Dreamworks), Dying for It(Atlantic Theater). TV credits include “New Amsterdam,” “The Blacklist,” and “FBI.” Aside from acting and singing, Andrew is also a professional violinist and stage combat performer. Training: Boston University School of Theatre, Manhattan School of Music, LAMDA. Instagram: @TheAndrewMayer or at www.Andrew-Mayer.com.
ALEX NEE (Ferdy/Nicholas) is deeply thankful to be back on stage, reprising his role from Broadway. As a California native, he is thrilled to bring this tale of hope and change to his home coast. Favorite roles include Johnny (American Idiot, US/UK Tour), Andrej/Guy understudy (Once, 1st National Tour), Emcee (Cabaret, Celebration Theatre), and Romeo (Pat Benatar’s Romeo and Juliet Project, Bay Street Theater). Lots of love to his family, loved ones, agents, and cats. @alexnee42.
SEBASTIAN ORTIZ (Tiny Tim). A happy, fun-loving 9-year-old with Cerebral Palsy from New York City who is thrilled to be a part of this amazing show. He enjoys playing wheelchair basketball and racing. He loves to dance using his walker, read, write, draw, beatbox, freestyle, and listen to music. He’s extremely grateful for all the providers who have helped him reach his goal. He can’t wait to tour the west coast and make amazing memories along the way!
CADE ROBERTSON (Tiny Tim) is thrilled to be performing in his debut role as Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. Cade is ten years old and has performed in local and school theatre performances. Cade enjoys playing basketball, video gaming with his pals, and going to the beach with his family. He wants to thank his parents, twin sister, and younger brother for supporting him as he follows this dream.
CELIA MEI RUBIN (Standby for Mrs. Cratchit and Jess). Broadway: Matilda; Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812; A Christmas Carol. National Tours: Chicago, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls. London’s West End: Parade, Candide, Joseph… Dreamcoat. Regional: A Chorus Line (TUTS Houston), Paradise Square (Berkeley Rep), Waterfall (5th Avenue Seattle). Multiple original Broadway cast recordings, morning TV shows, Thanksgiving parade performances, and Tony Awards. Cheers to The Hybrid Agency, Saks&. Love to Mom, Dad, Joyce, Victor.
BRETT RYBACK (George) is an actor, composer/lyricist, and writer. Off-Broadway: Murder for Two. Regional: History Boys (Ahmanson), Lieutenant of Inishmore (Mark Taper), Shrew! The Prince of Atlantis, Dr. Cerberus (South Coast Rep). TV/Film: Hail, Caesar!; “ Modern Family;” “ House;” How I Met Your Mother.” Original Works: “In Strange Woods” (Apple Podcasts), Passing Through (Goodspeed), Nate the Great (South Coast Rep), Free Speech Zone (Austin Film Festival Semifinalist), Liberty Inn (Ovation Award nomination: Best Music/Lyrics). www.brettryback.com .
HARRY THORNTON (Young Ebenezer) is an actor, writer, and musician from Brooklyn, NY. Harry studied at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and at the Manchester School of Theatre in England. He has studied classical cello since the age of five and plays the bass, guitar, and keyboards. He would like to thank his dad for teaching him to love music as a child and his friends and family for their love and support.
GLORY YEPASSIS-ZEMBROU (Little Fan) is excited to be bringing this classic story to life! A recent graduate of AMDA College and Conservatory. Past credits include Stranger Sings! (Swing, Nancy/Eleven, Lucas), Aida (Aida), Rent (Joanne Jefferson). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support. A huge thank you to Natalie Kollar at L.A Talent, Jim Carnahan, Jason Thinger, and the entire A Christmas Carol team. All glory be to God!
GRACE YOO (Jess) is thrilled to join the ACC family! She was last seen on stage as Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Outside SCR). Other credits include Florinda in Into the Woods (LA Phil Hollywood Bowl), Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! (East West Players), and Kei Kimura in Allegiance (SpeakEasy Stage). She would like to thank Team KMR, friends, family, and Max for all their love and support.