Ebeneezer Scrooge at Contra Costa Civic Theatre

What: EBENEZER SCROOGE, a World Premiere Adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Continues CCCT’s 66th Season This December When: December 6–21, 2025 Where: Contra Costa Civic Theatre (951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530) Tickets: $20–$40, available exclusively at www.ccct.org Press Inquiries: boxoffice@ccct.org

EL CERRITO, CA — As the East Bay readies for the holiday season, Contra Costa Civic Theatre continues its 66th season with a brand-new world premiere: EBENEZER SCROOGE, an original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, written and directed by CCCT’s own Executive Artistic & Managing Director, Joel Roster.

Roster, a multiple award-winning playwright, director, and AEA actor, is a longtime CCCT collaborator and East Bay artist. He has directed and acted in numerous productions for the company and currently serves as Executive Artistic & Managing Director. Earlier this year, he directed the wildly successful Fiddler on the Roof to close out CCCT's 65th Season.

"This was an audible, for sure," admits Roster. "We'd lost out on our first choice for the holiday season, and it was actually [CCCT Administrative Staff member] Jen McFarlane who'd read an early draft of the script, loved it, and suggested it get submitted to the Board for approval."

Focusing on a deepening of relationships and a widening of backstory, Ebenezer Scrooge brings a warmth to the traditionally cold and grey streets of A Christmas Carol. Rather than simply retelling the story of a miser transformed by ghosts, this adaptation delves into the moments around the moments we all know—the choices that led this primary character to where they are, and the human connections that make Scrooge’s redemption possible.

This world premiere explores the emotional undercurrents often only hinted at in Dickens’ classic tale, shining new light on familiar figures and offering audiences a more intimate look at the world of Scrooge, the Cratchits, and those who surround them.

Roster describes the project as both an homage and an evolution of the beloved story. “There's no way to improve upon Dickens," says Roster. "All we can do with this is give our audiences a few more words and a few more moments with characters we all love so dearly. To write for characters you know so deeply is a crazily thrilling and humbling experience." He adds that this adaptation invites audiences to see beyond Scrooge’s famous transformation and into the lives of the people around him.

For Roster, the process of developing this adaptation has been a deeply personal artistic challenge—one that reflects CCCT’s commitment to telling timeless stories in fresh, resonant ways. "There's far too many elements in Dickens' story that are knock-you-in-the-head-relevant to today's society," elates Roster, "which is why so many countless adaptations already exist. For us to present our own, we had to show you personal elements you've never seen from this story."

The intimate production features a small and talented ensemble of Bay Area performers, including DC Scarpelli (Ebenezer Scrooge), Peter Budinger (Jacob Marley/Old Joe/Undertaker), Raven Douglas (Emily Cratchit), Nikki Liv Basas (Belle/Laundress), Amber McCann (Marie/Mrs. Dilber), Declan Matthews (Peter Cratchit), Evelyn McCollum (Brixton), Stephen Kanaski (Bob Cratchit), AJ Jin (Tim Cratchit), and Maria Mikheyenko (Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future).

Behind the scenes, Ebenezer Scrooge brings together a creative team of East Bay artists, including Kristin Smith (Production Manager), Chloe Wasil (Stage Manager), Martin Flynn (Scenic Designer), Ashley Munday (Lighting Designer), Denise Altaffer (Costume Designer), Heidi Button (Props Designer), Jeffrey Draper (Dialect Coach).

Ebenezer Scrooge continues CCCT’s 66th season, a year celebrating transformation, storytelling, and the joy of community through theatre. Following the success of Pippin, this new adaptation invites audiences to gather once again at CCCT for a story of love, forgiveness, and rediscovery.

Tickets are $20–$40 and available only at www.ccct.org. For press inquiries or to request press passes, please contact boxoffice@ccct.org.