A Christmas Carol the Musical Brings Hope, Healing, and Heart to Filipino Families This Holiday Season

9 Works Theatrical restages A Christmas Carol the Musical, starting November 29 at the Proscenium Theater

As the holidays draw near, many Filipino families are eagerly returning to beloved traditions—among them the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol. This year, 9 Works Theatrical invites audiences to rediscover the story’s enduring magic as it restages A Christmas Carol the Musical, beginning November 29 at the Proscenium Theater.

Fresh from the success of The Bodyguard the Musical, the company once again turns to a classic that feels especially meaningful today. After a year marked by calamities, challenges, and uncertainty, this production hopes to offer what Filipino families may be craving most: joy, hope, and a gentle reminder of what truly matters.

Photo from 9 Works Theatrical

A Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Love

For the cast, bringing the musical back on stage is more than a performance—it’s an act of collective healing.

Franco Laurel, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, believes the show speaks directly to the heart of what Filipinos need right now.

“This show really shares that message of what compassion is all about, what family is all about—forgiving and love. That’s what our country needs,” he says.

Franco adds that audiences will witness the cast, including many talented children, pour their hearts into every scene: “You will see all these beautiful kids sharing their God-given talent for everyone to see.”

Jon Joven, who hosts the press conference and plays Bob Cratchit, relates deeply to the struggles of everyday families—especially parents trying to juggle work, responsibilities, and uncertainty.
“Just like us working people trying to make ends meet—minsan wala nang matitira—but you still keep that good attitude for the family to stay together. Despite what’s happening, we stay positive,” he shares.

For Jon, and echoed by Franco, the musical’s message is clear: To understand the present, we must learn from the past—and in doing so, we rediscover our power to shape a better future.

Photo from 9 Works Theatrical

Rediscovering the True Meaning of Christmas

In an age of endless holiday parties, glittering gadgets, and festive chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas is really about. Actor CJ Navato, who portrays the young Ebenezer Scrooge, admits he often reflects on this himself.

“Maraming tao get lost in what Christmas is really about,” CJ says. “We’re all on different journeys. Is it the food? The gifts? Ultimately, we realize it’s about spending time with the people who love you.”

He adds that Scrooge’s transformation mirrors the journey many of us take, at different phases in life, toward rediscovering love, gratitude, and joy.

Cast member Matthew Barbers agrees and believes the show creates an important pause for Filipino families.

“Christmas has become so festive that it can become a distraction,” he explains. “All the glitz and glam—we think that’s what matters. But a Christmas story brings us back to the center. It’s a compass pointing us to what truly matters.”

Matthew emphasizes that understanding our past helps us show empathy and presence in the present:
“When you see things clearly, it allows you to be more present, more grateful, and move toward a better future.”

Photo from 9 Works Theatrical

Timeless Lessons for Families

Directed by Robbie Guevarra with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, A Christmas Carol the Musical offers both spectacle and soul, making it a powerful, family-friendly show.

Parents bringing their kids can expect more than entertainment. The musical gently teaches children about kindness, generosity, second chances, and the importance of choosing compassion over convenience—lessons that resonate long after the final curtain call.

Ultimately, A Christmas Carol isn’t just a holiday tradition. It’s a reminder to slow down, look inward, and celebrate the people who matter most.

And this year, as Filipino families continue to navigate challenges and rebuild joy, its message feels more timely than ever.

A Christmas Carol the Musical runs from November 29 to December 21 at the Proscenium Theater. For tickets, check out Ticketworld outlets and Power Plant Cinemas.

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