Stage Review - A Christmas Carol (Union Arts Center)

Stage Review - A Christmas Carol
Presented By: Union Arts Center - Seattle, WA
Show Run: November 28 - December 28, 2025
Date Reviewed: Saturday, December 06, 2025
Run Time: 90 Minutes (no intermission)
Reviewed By: Doug Knoop

As someone born and raised in Seattle, I’m a little embarrassed to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen ACT’s “A Christmas Carol” (hey, it was the ‘70s and I was an Eastside boy who rarely ventured into the big city).

That was remedied earlier this month when I caught the 50th anniversary production of the Gregory Falls adaptation of Charles Dickens 1843 ghostly tale of redemption at the Union Arts Center.

Of course we all know the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his Christmas Eve transformation at the hands of four spirits, but I was amazed at the swiftness, ease and care by which this story is told.

Director Shermona Mitchell expertly guides us through all the familiar scenes, aided by a simple but effective set design from Shelley Henze Schermer, beautiful costumes from Deb Trout, and a spot on lighting design from Andrew D. Smith. 

Reginald Andre Jackson makes a fine Scrooge, all grunts and growls at the beginning who then transforms into a joyous human being by the show’s end. Acting accolades should also go to Kate Jaeger and Jon Lutyens as the joyously cheerful Fezziwigs, Shawn Belyea’s terrifying turn as Jacob Marley, Arjun Pande as courteous nephew Fred, and Aidan Bruce’s sweet and honest Tiny Tim.

The entire acting ensemble and production team should be praised for making this oft told tale a true theatrical experience, one that hits all the emotional beats and brings a tearful smile to your heart.

The 2025 edition of A Christmas Carol at Union Arts Center (formerly ACT) runs on stage through December 28. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://www.unionartscenter.org/a-christmas-carol-2025/.

Photo credit: Giao Nguyen