The Spirit of Kindness lives on in A Christmas Carol, running through Dec. 24, 2025, at Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.
One of southeast Michigan’s most cherished holiday traditions takes the stage for its 43rd year with hope and optimism that is greatly needed during the frantic holiday season.
The evening performance I attended was very full and merry. The pre-show carolers are always a delightful treat for the senses and immediately put you in a festive mood. Even the recent heating woes at Oakland University (which felt very Dickensian) couldn’t dampen the spirit of this production. Rest assured, MBT has taken measures to make sure audiences are nice and toasty by keeping the bitter cold on stage in Victorian London, where it belongs.
Throughout the show, the audience was actively engaged and rewarded the actors’ efforts with laughs, cheers, and a few gasps. Anthony Guest returns as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, and his performance was a real crowd-pleaser. Also returning in the role of curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge is MBT veteran Phil Powers. Last season, there was a bit of a hullabaloo over Powers replacing longtime Scrooge, Thomas D. Mahard, but while change can sometimes be hard, it is important to remember that the heart of A Christmas Carol is all about change. Powers brings his special interpretation to the role, a mixture of cranky and quirky that has quickly captured the hearts of audiences, young and old.
It is easy to understand Scrooge’s grumpiness with society, especially during the holidays when we feel we have nothing left to give. This past year has given us plenty of highs and lows. As we cautiously wait to see what 2026 has in store, 2025 and A Christmas Carol still have a couple of lessons to teach us. First, kindness isn’t just for Christmas, but a present that can be perpetually given all year long. Second, change is a valuable component for growth.
In A Christmas Carol, we see Scrooge’s nephew Fred (Antonio Vettraino) extend kindness not only to Scrooge but also to others who need it. Bob Cratchit (Stephen Blackwell), Scrooge’s overworked and underpaid clerk, gives kindness even when others, like his wife, Mrs. Cratchit (Dani Cochrane), think the person is undeserving. Honestly, I am always in awe of Bob Cratchit’s seemingly endless optimism. His character is truly an inspiration.
What Scrooge learns over the course of his visits with The Spirit of Christmas Past (Mary Magyari), The Spirit of Christmas Present (Tamara Della Anderson), and The Spirit of Christmas Future (Sean Ryan) is, “his wealth is no use to him.” His priorities have shifted so far from sentimental value to material wealth that he hasn’t noticed the exchange rate is no longer in his favor.
That is the funny thing about change. We notice the big changes, but often overlook the smaller, incremental changes that add up over time. The good news is that we can course-correct and adjust our actions, which in turn positively impacts the lives of those around us. Change requires true action for it to work and consistency to make it stick. A Christmas Carol is a poignant reminder that it is never too late to change if we are willing to put in the work.
As in the past, the role of Tiny Tim is divided between two actors. In this production, Robert Spiro (at my performance) and Russell Clauser share the honor of playing the youngest Cratchit child, who sets the ultimate example of kindness and love for us all.
Last year, I listed all the youngest actors in this production. And it’s a tradition I plan to continue. Their enthusiasm, fearlessness, and talent are inspiring:
Adalynn Allen (Want), Logan Andrews (Londoner), Cambrie Augustyniak (Londoner), Sawyer Blake (Turkey Boy), Oliver Caloia (Matthew Cratchit), Tala Caloia (Londoner), Bennett Cichoracki (Peter Cratchit), Ella Clauser (Belinda Cratchit), Russell Clauser (Tiny Tim/Ignorance), Louis Dewey (Turkey Boy), Hailey Hampton (Londoner), Tallulah Hodister (Fan), Connor Maday (Scrooge as a Boy), Liliana Mastrangelo (Martha Cratchit), Conrad Nichols (Boy Caroler), Bradley Patrick (Peter Cratchit), Wyatt Reynolds (Scrooge as a Boy), Maya Schaedel (Belinda Cratchit), Justin Shovein (Londoner), Evelyn Spiro (Londoner), Robert Spiro (Tiny Tim/Ignorance), Chase Thomas (Boy Caroler), Haven Thomas (Want), Victoria Tsamaidis (Londoner), Emery Ulin (Matthew Cratchit), Daniela Ysunza (Fan), and Eliza Zarrilli (Martha Cratchit).
A Christmas Carol is truly a show for all, with a timeless message we all need to hear. Whether it’s a small child learning the concept of kindness or an adult who needs to have their memory jogged that kindness is valuable in every season of life, A Christmas Carol reminds all of us that it is never too late to change.
Start your generational family tradition this season with A Christmas Carol and “God bless us, everyone.”
The Meadow Brook Theatre adaptation was written and originally staged by Charles Nolte. Travis W. Walter directs this season’s production with original choreography by Jan Puffer. Scenic design is by Peter W. Hicks, lighting design by Reid G. Johnson, associate lighting designer Phill Hall, costume design by Mary Pettinato, and sound design by Mike Duncan. Brittanie Nichole Sicker is the stage manager, and Stacy White is the assistant stage manager.
This performance runs for approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission.
Please note that smoke, flash, and loud noises are used. MBT has rated this show for all ages.
Standard tickets range from $41 to $51 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.
About Sarah Hovis