The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio’s Beloved A Christmas Carol Returns for Fourth Year

About this event

Back by popular demand, A Christmas Carol returns to The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio for its fourth consecutive year, bringing Angela Iannone’s acclaimed one-person retelling of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday story back to Columbus audiences. The production runs Dec. 10–20, 2026, in Studio Two at the Riffe Center Theatres.

Adapted by Greg Oliver Bodine and directed by Leda Hoffmann, Producing Artistic Director of The Contemporary, this intimate production draws inspiration from Dickens’ own 1867 U.S. reading tour, when he performed a condensed version of his Christmas classic to sold-out crowds across America, including a stop right here in Columbus. During that tour, Dickens read his story aloud as a way to pay off debts and connect with audiences through the power of performance. This adaptation imagines a twist on that history: What if Dickens had lost his book and had to act out every character himself without a script? The result is a vivid, one-person retelling in which Iannone brings more than 30 characters to life, from Scrooge and the Cratchit family to the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Now entering its fourth year at The Contemporary, the production continues to earn acclaim for Iannone’s performance. Last season, DC Theater Arts published a piece devoted to her portrayal, calling Iannone a “rare master of the craft” and praising her ability to create dozens of distinct characters through voice, dialect and physicality. The writer even encouraged readers to make a trip to Columbus to experience the performance.

“Angela has made this play a Columbus favorite,” said Hoffmann. “Audiences come back year after year because she makes the story feel brand new every time. Watching her weave Dickens’ words into such an emotional and heartfelt experience has truly become a holiday tradition in our theatre.” Iannone’s performance has also earned praise closer to home. Columbus Underground called it “a masterclass in the art of storytelling,” noting how she “beautifully braids together empathy, wonder, and a sense of urgency, making the well-worn tale of Scrooge, Cratchit, and the three spirits feel as though it’s just occurred to her.”

A Christmas Carol offers a cozy, heartwarming evening filled with humor, redemption and the spirit of giving. In keeping with the story’s message of generosity, The Contemporary will once again partner with the NSI Food Pantry for a holiday food drive throughout the run of A Christmas Carol. Audiences are invited to bring non-perishable food donations to the theatre to support local individuals and families in need.

A preview night will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Friday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Performances continue Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 20.

The production runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for patrons ages 13 and older.

Tickets are $69.16 each, inclusive of fees, and include reserved seating. Tickets may be purchased online at https://tickets.capa.com/10751.

Twenty-dollar Student Rush tickets are available at the box office only, with a valid student ID, beginning two hours before showtime for any performance. Student Rush tickets are subject to availability.

Patrons may enter the building from the High Street entrance or through the parking garage accessed from Front Street. Season support comes from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the City of Columbus and Franklin County, as well as The Shubert Foundation, Inc., and the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically with state tax dollars from the Ohio Legislature. The Contemporary also appreciates the support from The Columbus Foundation, which assists donors and others in strengthening the community for the benefit of all its citizens.

About The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is central Ohio’s leading professional Equity theatre company, providing exceptional productions and educational programs for adults and young people in response to the community’s needs. We believe theatrical storytelling transforms people of all ages by immersing them into immediate, communal experiences. The Contemporary exists to harness the transformational power of theatre that engages with our current moment to inspire a community of empathy. For more information, visit TheContemporaryOhio.org.

From The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio