This holiday season, Open Door Stage & Screen welcomed audiences into a captivating, immersive experience with their fresh take on A Christmas Carol. Audiences joined Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they journeyed through a powerful tale of redemption, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas. This new rendition blended the beloved traditions of Dickens’ classic with exciting modern twists, effortlessly putting everyone in the festive spirit.

When putting the show together and directing, Theatrical Coordinators Aaron Mendoza and Samuel Nickoloff, alongside Artistic Director Cary Johnston, took a different approach with this production. They decided to create multiple entry points, allowing the audience to engage with the performance in new and unexpected ways than they were previously expecting from past ODSS shows. This choice added an immersive layer, drawing viewers even further into the heart of the story.

For Cary, this production offered a unique personal experience. As Artistic Director, she is typically at the center of the action, guiding the entire production. However, this time, Cary found herself in the hallway for the first part of the show, alongside fellow actors Allysha Coffey and Hannah Wackernagle, playing the part of rag women. Being on the sidelines allowed Cary to see the performance from a different perspective. As she stood with Allysha and Hannah, listening to the other actors perform, she found herself fully immersed in the experience. She reflected on how powerful it was to hear Allysha and Hannah cheer on their peers as they delivered their lines flawlessly. “This is exactly why I do it,” Cary said, describing the feeling of being part of the ensemble in a new way and getting to see that peer-to-peer support so closely. It was a moving moment, showcasing how far the program has come and how the spirit of collaboration continues to drive its success.

As the final performance of A Christmas Carol wrapped up, the team at ODSS expressed their heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this weekend truly special,” they shared. “Your support makes it all possible.” The production was made even more special thanks to the continued sponsorship of First Financial Bank, whose support helped bring the magic of the season to life.

Open Door Stage & Screen has an exciting lineup for 2025 that you won’t want to miss! Take a look at what’s coming up below.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous performance season sponsor, First Financial Bank, for their support in making these amazing performances possible.