Feel Good Family Theater: Why A Christmas Carol Still Hits the Heart

This reimagined classic blends music, lessons, and nostalgia—perfect for families seeking a meaningful holiday outing

If you’re looking for a meaningful yet magical way to usher in the holidays, the classic A Christmas Carol—now restaged by 9 Works Theatrical—is a wonderful place to start. The malls are glowing, Christmas music is everywhere, and the kids are buzzing with excitement. What better time to introduce them to a timeless story brought to life onstage?

Arnel Carrion and John Joven Uy in A Christmas Carol the Musical Photo by Loreta Arroyo | 9 Works Theatrical

Premiering last November 29 at the Proscenium Theater, this well-loved tale by Charles Dickens follows the famously grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge, who has zero patience for Christmas cheer. When the ghost of his old friend Jacob Marley visits him—along with the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—Scrooge is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and the life he has built.

You’ve probably seen A Christmas Carol in movies, TV adaptations, cartoons, and books—but watching it live with your children adds a whole new layer of magic and meaning. If you’re planning a family date this month, here are four reasons to catch the show until December 21.

Photo by Loreta Arroyo | 9 Works Theatrical

1. A Musical Treat You’ll Want on Your Holiday Playlist

Because it is a musical, expect the kids (and you) to get swept away by the music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens—two names parents will recognize from beloved productions. Menken is the genius behind the scores of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. Ahrens, meanwhile, has charmed audiences with shows like Once on This Island, Seussical, and Anastasia.

Together, their work brings warmth, emotion, and a bit of Disney-like magic to Scrooge’s journey. It’s the kind of soundtrack you’ll find yourself humming on the way home.

Arnel Carrion and Franco Laurel as the Ghost of Christmas past Photo by Loreta Arroyo | 9 Works Theatrical

2. Lessons From the Past, Present, and Future—Made Easy for Kids to Grasp

As parents, we know that kids learn best through stories. Scrooge’s transformation—from a man who mistreats his loyal clerk Bob Cratchit to someone who finally sees the weight of his actions—is a powerful reminder for children that choices matter.

The visits from the three ghosts serve as a visual, heartfelt way to help young viewers understand cause and effect, empathy, and responsibility. And yes—these are lessons we still relearn as adults. The past shapes the present; the present shapes the future. A Christmas Carol conveys the message gently and beautifully.

Photo by Loreta Arroyo | 9 Works Theatrical

3. A Heartwarming Reminder of Gratitude Through Tiny Tim

If Cratchit represents the hardworking parent trying their best for their family, Tiny Tim is the spirit of pure gratitude. Despite his disabilities, he radiates joy and appreciation for the life he has—something that resonates deeply with audiences of all ages.

His solo number is a quiet but powerful moment, often leaving parents misty-eyed. When he exclaims the wonder of Christmas toward the end of the show, expect to feel that familiar tug at the heart. Children remind us of the true essence of the holiday season: gratitude, love, and simple joys.

4. A Show That Allows Everyone—Parents Included to Be Kids Again

There’s a reason A Christmas Carol remains a classic. It reconnects us with the values we grew up with and hope to pass on to our children. The show offers a much-needed escape from holiday stress—two hours of storytelling that uplifts, entertains, and gently nudges us to slow down.

And really, isn’t that what we parents need in December?

Photo by Loreta Arroyo | 9 Works Theatrical

A Holiday Memory Worth Making

If you’re still planning a pre-Christmas family outing, A Christmas Carol the Musical is a meaningful choice. It’s more than a production—it’s a chance to introduce kids to theater, enjoy time together, and revisit a story that reminds us what the holidays are truly about.

Not the gifts. Not the food. Not the endless rush.

But kindness. Gratitude. And the people we love.

Bring the family, and let Scrooge’s journey remind everyone that goodness always comes full circle.

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