Fifty-one years ago, Ira David Wood III debuted his musical, A Christmas Carol. His comedic imitation of the Charles Dickens classic fosters Christmas spirit in Raleigh and Durham every holiday season.
The novel, A Christmas Carol, follows Ebenezer Scrooge — a selfish man who despises the holiday season — as he learns the errors of his ways and becomes a more generous person. The musical is a retelling of this story, with a humorous and modern spin.
Theatre in the Park, a performing arts center in Raleigh, creates A Christmas Carol. Ira David Wood III is the Executive Director of Theatre in the Park, and he also writes and directs the show. For 50 years, Wood III played Ebenezer Scrooge, until he retired in 2023. This year is the first time he will not be performing the starring role.
Wood III’s son, Ira David Wood IV, is taking over the role. He and his father have shared the role over the last several years, so Wood IV has experience playing Scrooge. Many other cast members have been performing in the show for a long time, making the show flow smoothly.
Hannah Allen, junior, is a dancer in A Christmas Carol. “The show has stayed great since Ira David Wood IV took over. It’s been cool because we get to see more of his ideas work well with his father’s,” texted Allen, via iMessage.
Allen has performed in A Christmas Carol for around eight years. “I do the show with my dad, which makes it really special. I enjoy coming back and seeing the same people I love every year,” texted Allen.
I have seen A Christmas Carol several times over the course of my life; my mom and I attend every Christmas season. I love the show, and the cast always displays high chemistry. This year, I saw the performance on the evening of December 6 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, and it was very energetic. It was also — as always — hilarious.
Because I’ve seen it so many times, you would think I would be tired of the show at this point. You would think I would know every punchline and every tear-jerking moment, and would want to bid farewell to this tradition. However, it’s like being a little kid and asking my parents to read the same storybook every night before bed. It remains heartwarming, even though I know how it goes.
Also, the show is never the exact same as it was the year before. It is unique in that it changes its jokes to adapt to popular culture.
Emily Gagan, senior, went to see the show last weekend. “I liked the up to date jokes that they change every year. I thought it was really fun and enjoyable,” said Gagan.
The show stays relevant by incorporating the year’s trends into one-liners and skits throughout the performance. Since 2020, there has always been a reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this year’s performance, they reference Taylor Swift, the Wicked movie, and Peanut the Squirrel, to name a few.
The show also has references to older pop culture, such as Paul Bunyan. As a teenager, sometimes I do not pick up on every joke, but I find them funny regardless.
A Christmas Carol finds ways to include jokes, as well as lessons, that appeal to everyone. Although it is a comedy, there is also moral sentiment, with several emotional musical numbers. The show presents a clear message about kindness and generosity that the audience can learn from.
“The show’s message is about how acknowledging your grief, and even your happiness, — in the past, present, and possible future — can help you embrace who you are and appreciate those around you. The audience can connect with the message because there is so much hate and tension outside, so when they watch the show, they are united in their joy of Christmas,” texted Allen.
Another reason A Christmas Carol is special is because it is unique to Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. Performances are generally held in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and Durham Performing Arts Center. The show has run for five decades just in this local area.
“It being in Raleigh is cool because a lot of the same actors participate and advance in their roles every year. It’s special that it has been happening for so long in one area,” said Gagan.
“Having the show take place in Raleigh is really special because it becomes one of the defining parts that makes Raleigh special. With having it every year for 51 years, it has built a pretty great reputation,” texted Allen.
A Christmas Carol performed at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium) from December 6-8.
Future performances will be at Durham Performing Arts Center from December 18-22. Purchase tickets here.
Visit Theatre in the Park’s website for more information about the show.
A Christmas Carol is a fantastic show, with many talented performers and festive songs. Anyone looking to get in the Christmas spirit should attend.
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