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Ira David Wood III's A Christmas Carol at Durham Performing Arts Center

Why see Ira David Wood III's A Christmas Carol?

here's to the next 50 years!

Don't miss the 50th Anniversary of this iconic Durham tradition.

 Cited as "one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theater history", the show, with a cast of over 100, turns the tale of Scrooge into a joyous musical comedy, packed full of spirit and show-stopping tunes, while still preserving the poignant heart of the original.

What is the story?

Published in 1843, Charles Dickens' morality tale helped to cement the true meaning of Christmas as a time for kindness and charity to our fellow man. 

Following the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a penny-pinching business owner who sees no reason to grant his employees even just half a day off for Christmas, A Christmas Carol offers a rude awakening to the man. As he settles down to sleep on Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner who begs him to change his ways or end up tortured for eternity.

Ignoring his pleas, Scrooge dismisses him, only to be visited by three more spirits, Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who offer him a view of his actions, and how they affect those around him. Will Scrooge shape up and accept his responsibilities? Or will he end up in the chains like his ex-partner? Watch on to find out!

Key Information

Audience

Suitable for all the family

Dates

Dec 18 - 22

Creative

  • Conceived & Produced by Ira David Wood III
  • Based on the novel by Charles Dickens

Reviews

Customer reviews

10 reviews, average rating: (2.2 Stars)

Steve Lee

A great show

It wasn’t what I was expecting but I loved every minute of it It’s a wonderfully poignant musical comedy that reaches an emotional climax There were some political jokes and innuendo which I found witty and amusing , as did all the audience that night but there again I’m a fan of SNL ... Read more

VictoriaB

Terrific show with a perfect message

We have seen this show many times over the years and always look forward to uncovering all of jokes and satire. Always, no matter the politics of the day, Ira David Woods chooses to poke fun at our current situation in order to add some tongue in cheek levity to this Dickens' classic. And yet, the message remains the same - We should approach every day, every person, every situation with the love of Christmas in our hearts, whether or not we agree. Opening our lives to see how precious and short life is can only serve to change our perspective. Thank you RLT and IDW (all of you!) for another fun evening to usher in the holiday season and remind us all that we really are in this together! ... Read more

Maria G

One of the best shows I’ve seen

I love theater and have been going to shows since my early 20’s but only caught this for the first time in 2019. I had no idea this gem existed! It’s definitely full of local jokes and some political jabs. Nothing too scandalous just tongue-in-cheek. By some of these reviews, you would think they are making fun of Christ himself, but no, that’s not the case. I wouldn’t even compare it to an SNL political skit. A jab at the governor and president, here and there. If you’re easily offended by this show, you might be taking politics too seriously. The show changes the jokes every year from what I understand and brings in whatever current event is happening at the time. It’s a show the whole family will enjoy and I hope to catch it again soon. ... Read more

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