South Coast Repertory’s A Christmas Carol
22 December 2025 Featured Performance Review
This season’s production of Charles Dickens’ timeless story, A Christmas Carol, on the Segerstrom Stage at the South Costa Repertory (SCR) in Costa Mesa marks a milestone 45th anniversary. Directed by Hisa Takakuwa and adapted by Jerry Patch, this heart-warming production continues to be hailed as a “cultural rite of passage” and a “gold standard” for faithful Dickensian adaptations.
A Christmas Carol is set in Victorian London during the Christmas season of 1843. The colorful costumes from this time and the beautiful voices of the singers uplifted the spirits of the audience. The set, designed by Thomas Buderwitz, is awe-inspiring with magical special effects.
Founding member Richard Doyle returns for his fifth season as Ebenezer Scrooge. His interactions with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future had the audience spellbound. The scene was frightening when Bob Marley appeared in his coffin! Doyle’s performance is touching and moving as he pivots from the unhappy miserly ”Bah Humbug!” Mr. Scrooge to a happy, free-spirited, generous and kind human being.
The supporting cast includes SCR veterans such as Louis Lotorto (Bob Cratchit), Sharon Omi (Mrs. Fezziwig), and Richard Soto (Spirit of Christmas Present). The production also features 16 students from SCR’s Youth Conservatory, split into “Red” and “Green” teams to play the Cratchit children.
The production is semi-immersive, with performers often engaging the audience. A popular tradition is the sea of red scarves worn by regular attendees in the audience. I will definitely return next year to see A Christmas Carol again!
For the 2025 season, SCR added a Hot Chocolate Bar in the lobby featuring 45th-anniversary mugs. Location: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Tickets available at the SCR Box office November 29-December 28, 2025.
Reviewed by Haleema Sood, host of KUCI’s Peace Time.