One-Person A CHRISTMAS CAROL to Return to Contemporary Theatre of Ohio

A Christmas Carol will return to The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio for its fourth consecutive year, bringing Angela Iannone's acclaimed one-person retelling of Charles Dickens' timeless holiday story back to Columbus audiences. The production runs December 10-20, 2026, in Studio Two at the Riffe Center Theatres.

Adapted by Greg Oliver Bodine and directed by Leda Hoffmann, Producing Artistic Director of The Contemporary, this intimate production draws inspiration from Dickens' own 1867 U.S. reading tour, when he performed a condensed version of his Christmas classic to sold-out crowds across America, including a stop right here in Columbus. During that tour, Dickens read his story aloud as a way to pay off debts and connect with audiences through the power of performance.

This adaptation imagines a twist on that history: What if Dickens had lost his book and had to act out every character himself without a script? The result is a vivid, one-person retelling in which Iannone brings more than 30 characters to life, from Scrooge and the Cratchit family to the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Now entering its fourth year at The Contemporary, the production continues to earn acclaim for Iannone's performance. Last season, DC Theater Arts published a piece devoted to her portrayal, calling Iannone a 'rare master of the craft' and praising her ability to create dozens of distinct characters through voice, dialect and physicality. The writer even encouraged readers to make a trip to Columbus to experience the performance.

In keeping with the story's message of generosity, The Contemporary will once again partner with the NSI Food Pantry for a holiday food drive throughout the run of A Christmas Carol. Audiences are invited to bring non-perishable food donations to the theatre to support local individuals and families in need.

A preview night will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Friday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Performances continue Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 20.

The production runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for patrons ages 13 and older. Tickets are $69.16 each, inclusive of fees, and include reserved seating.