Philip Wm. McKinley & Suzanne Buhrer's musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' most famous work has become a family tradition for many in Northern New Jersey

Chatham, NJ -- Bring the entire family and leave filled with joy.! The Chatham Community Players keeps their longstanding holiday tradition alive with the 32nd anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol”. Our production is an original musical version of the Tale, adapted from Charles Dickens’ text, letters and journals, by Philip Wm. McKinley and Suzanne Buhrer. Susan Speidel of Springfield returns to the Chatham Playhouse to direct/choreograph the show, while Jake Cannon of New York City is the musical director. “I am so happy to return to this production of “A Christmas Carol” and work with Chatham Players once again to bring Dickens’ classic tale to life on stage. In a challenging and polarizing world, it is good to be reminded that we all are, as Dickens said, “fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys,”” said Speidel.

In this version, produced exclusively at the Chatham Playhouse since 1988, Dickens serves not only as narrator, but also as a character that befriends Scrooge and walks beside him during his life-changing journey through memories and premonitions. While the script remains true to the original story, the playwright also pulled from letters that Dickens wrote to family and friends. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge has become one of the most beloved of all holiday tales, and this unique production also reminds us that Dickens’ inspiration for penning the story goes much deeper. A family friendly musical for all.

The large and talented cast includes actors from all around New Jersey: Ed Faver of Roselle as Ebenezer Scrooge, David Romankow of Gillette as Charles Dickens, Susie Paplow of New Providence as Ghost of Christmas Past / Nancy, David Simon of Berkeley Heights as Marley / Mr. Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Present / Pawnbroker, Nick Foil of Somerset as Bob Cratchit, Leo Caravano from New Providence as Tiny Tim / Baby Scrooge, Tracey Lynne Haskell of Lebanon as Charity Woman / Mrs. Fezziwig / Charwoman, Emma Stoicescu of Warren as Belinda Cratchit / Want, Lucas Stoicescu of Warren as Frederick Cratchit / Ignorance, Ajay Tolia of Short Hills as Peter Cratchit / Fezziwig Guest / Boy In Street / Future, Josiah Irwin of Basking Ridge as Dick Wilkens / 3rd Gentleman / Fezziwig Guest, Jules Baker of Chatham as Martha Cratchit / Fezziwig Guest, Lisa Barnett of South Orange as Mrs. Dickens / Fezziwig Guest / Emily / Laundress, Marin Wilson of Chatham as Harriet Cratchit / Fan, McKenna Burns of Chatham as Molly / Fezziwig Guest, Missy Renwick of Summit as Belle / Scrooge’s Niece / Fezziwig Guest, Peter Corley of Summit as Fred / Young Man Scrooge / Undertaker, Rachelle Rennagel of Montclair as Mrs. Cratchit / Fezziwig Guest, and Anthony Diambrosio of Montclair as Businessman / Topper / Fezziwig Guest. Director Speidel added, “we have assembled a wonderful cast of talented actors, including a great group of young actors to play Tiny Tim and the Cratchit children, and everyone is bringing their A game in rehearsals and working hard to bring joy and holiday cheer to their audiences.”

Rounding out Speidel’s talented production team, Producer is Joe DeVico, Production Coordinator & Stage Manager is Joëlle Bochner, Assistant Stage Manager is Eileen Cadorette, Scenic Designer is Roy Pancirov, Costume Designer is Fran Harrison, Wig Coordinator is Kenya Kruse, Sound & Projection Designer is Joe DeVico, Scenic Artist is Dean Sickler and Props & Decoration by Carol Saso.

A Popular Holiday Tradition

This marks the 21st time in 34 years that the Chatham Players has produced this show. From 1988-1995, the group produced the show every December, and it now produces the show on a biennial basis. This unique production has become a popular family tradition for many in the area – entertaining more than 37,000 audience members since 1988. After presenting the show essentially the same way since 1988, Chatham Players re-staged the show in 2005, 2008 and 2016 giving it a new look and feel. This production features the set we have remounted since 2018 courtesy of the combined talents of Roy Pancirov’s set design and Dean Sickler’s Scenic Artistry. Our current production focuses on the joyous uplifting message that Dickens intended, with all the music that our audiences have found so enchanting over the years.

The show will have audience members leaving the theatre with the "true Christmas spirit," and will remind each and every one of them to embrace the joy and happiness associated with the holiday season. Our continued productions of “A Christmas Carol” are not only a holiday present, but a present that keeps on giving throughout the year and throughout the years. Producer, Joe DeVico, shared “I couldn’t be happier to be able to bring this magical musical holiday tradition back to the stage at Chatham to be performed in front of a live audience for the first time in over four years. The cast, crew and production staff have all been working extra hard to bring something truly special to the playhouse for all audiences.”

You can help the show go on! A COVID exposure means that our show could potentially lose a performance or be shut down. Masks encouraged while inside the theater, not required. Proof of vaccination is not required. We ask if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you stay home. These requirements are subject to change based on local health advisories.

Box Office Information – Online Ticketing

Performance dates are December 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 & 21 at 8PM and December 10, 11, 17, & 18 at 3PM.

All performances are at the Chatham Playhouse, 23 North Passaic Avenue, in Chatham, NJ 07928.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for youth/senior. The theater expects this show to sell out and encourages people to reserve their tickets early.

Tickets can be purchased online by accessing the theater’s online ticketing service, where you can now reserve your particular seat, simply go to www.ccp.booktix.com. The service is available 24 hours a day. Purchasing tickets in person at Chatham Playhouse’s box office will begin on November 29.

For information regarding box office hours, please call the box office number at (973) 635-7363. Patrons with special needs requiring seating accommodations should contact the Playhouse at least 24 hours prior to the performance. Without prior notice, accommodations cannot be guaranteed.