Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL relies on steadfast storytelling and visceral thrills

• By drediman
• January 2, 2026
• No Comments

This past December during a trip to the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky region, I had the opportunity to catch Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s staging of A Christmas Carol. Adapted from Dickens for the stage by artistic director Blake Robison, Bridget Leak’s production (which was originally staged by Robison) is a relatively straightforward take on the holiday staple, animating the novella’s familiar progression of scenes with steadfast — if at times languorous— theatrical storytelling. Although there’s nothing notably distinguishing or radical about Robison’s take, it’s nevertheless a crowd-pleaser that’s buoyed by genuine holiday cheer and laced with a bevy of classic Christmas carols that’s bound to get folks into the spirit of the season.

Playhouse in the Park’s production really shines when it leans in on the supernatural aspects of the tale, in the process conjuring visceral thrills (no spoilers here) — some of which may frighten younger audience members — that were specifically designed to wow and incite audience reaction. Indeed, the production has been spruced up and technically enhanced just in time for the unveiling of the theater’s thoughtful 2023 renovation, which included a reconfigured mainstage auditorium (now a proscenium instead of a thrust stage, thereby necessitating a re-staging of the Christmastime offering). The updated interpretation also brings a gritty realism to Dickensian London (credited to set designer Wilson Chin) and is visually dominated by an imposing clock in the background, imbuing the familiar proceedings with a looming inevitability, as well as welcome urgency.

As if to counteract some of the darker aspects of this new production’s conceit, the performances tended towards the broader side of the spectrum, which should appeal to younger patrons and those who infrequently attend live theater. At the performance I attended, the central role of Ebenezer Scrooge was admirably played by understudy R. Ward Duffy, who put extra elbow grease and a knowing wink into the character’s gruffness, to the amused delight of many in the audience. Overall, Playhouse in the Park’s A Christmas Carol has something for everyone; it’s a well-balanced affair that knows its audience-base and delivers in a way that will likely succeed in making repeat ticket buyers out of many in attendance.

RECOMMENDED

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Regional, Play
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
2 hours, 10 minutes (with one intermission)
Closed