Theater Company Adapts 'A Christmas Carol' For Harlem

HARLEM, NY — The Classical Theatre of Harlem is bringing the holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" to modern-day Harlem in a new production that debuts this week and will run through the end of the year.

Previews for the adapted "A Christmas Carol in Harlem" begin at the City College Center for the Arts' Aaron Davis Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 27 and the play's opening night will be Thursday, Nov. 29, the Classical Theatre of Harlem announced.

Writer Shawn René Graham has adapted the work of Charles Dickens — first published in 1843 — to portray themes affecting present-day Harlem such as gentrification and social inequality. Despite the heavy themes, the show remains humorous and is suitable for all ages, according to the Classical Theatre of Harlem.

"I believe that A Christmas Carol in Harlem will become a classic, seasonal offering on par with other beloved, locally based holiday productions. Shawn René Graham has taken Dickens’ classic to show how a community is healed, one family at a time and exemplifies how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love at Christmas time." Ty Jones, Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Producing Artistic Director, said in a statement.

In Graham's version of "A Christmas Carol" the character of Ebenezer Scrooge is a real estate developer who hoards his wealth instead of using it to create positive change in Harlem.

The Classical Theatre of Harlem will hold 13 performances of "A Christmas Carol in Harlem" including previews. Tickets for the shows can be purchased on the theater company's website. The shows will be held at the City College Center for the Arts' Aaron Davis Hall on the corner of 135th St. and Convent Ave.

Photo by Jill Jones courtesy The Classical Theatre of Harlem