Toledo Rep brings back ‘A Christmas Carol’ for 40th year

Paul Causman as Scrooge in the Toledo Rep's 2024 production of 'A Christmas Carol'

From TOLEDO REPERTOIRE THEATRE

This holiday season, the Toledo Repertoire Theatre will present its 40th Anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol” — a cherished Toledo tradition that continues to bring generations together onstage and in the audience. 

For the first time, the annual production will be performed at Notre Dame Academy, 535 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, offering audiences a new setting to experience the timeless story. Showtimes will be: Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Click for tickets.

This year’s production once again features Paul Causman in his 23rd year portraying Ebenezer Scrooge — a role that has become as much a part of Toledo’s holiday spirit as the story itself.

Since its first staging in 1985, “A Christmas Carol” at the Rep has become a hallmark of the community’s holiday season — a place where the magic of Dickens’ tale of redemption, generosity, and hope meets the warmth of local families who make it their own. This year’s cast reflects that legacy, featuring multiple family members performing together, continuing the Rep’s tradition of community, connection, and storytelling across generations.

The Ghost of Christmas Present (Michael Schmitz) offers Scrooge (Paul Causman) a cup of the milk of human kindness during the Toledo Rep’s 2024 production of a Christmas Carol’

The production features an original score by local musician Luke D. Rosen, whose music has become an essential part of the Rep’s beloved retelling of the Dickens’ tale.

Returning to direct for the second year is Jeffrey J. Albright, who previously portrayed Jacob Marley for many seasons. This year, the role of Marley will be played by Toledo Rep Board President Gary Insch.

“This production is more than a show — it’s a living tradition,” says Albright. “Every year, A Christmas Carol brings our Toledo theatre family back together — parents performing with their children, lifelong friendships rekindled, and new generations discovering the joy of storytelling.

“It’s a beautiful reminder that the spirit of the season lives in the people who share it.”

For Paul Causman, returning to the role of Scrooge for the 23rd time is as much about reflection as performance.

“Each December, I find something new in Scrooge,” says Causman. “It is a reminder that kindness, generosity, and second chances never go out of season. To share that message with Toledo audiences year after year is a tremendous gift.”

Among this year’s cast is Brandi Gilbert, appearing in the chorus alongside her son, Bryce, who returns to the production as Ebby (childhood Scrooge).

“Watching Bryce perform in A Christmas Carol last year inspired me to return to the stage for the first time since high school,” said Gilbert. “Sharing the stage with my son this year makes the story especially meaningful. Each night, we have the opportunity to embody the themes of

 family and redemption — not just as characters, but as mother and son. It’s an experience we’ll both treasure for the rest of our lives.”

For group sales and additional information, call (419) 243-9277.