A Christmas in July Carol

It’s (a) Christmas (Carol) in July! Join us on Saturday, July 25 from 3-6 p.m. for A Christmas In July Carol, a staged reading of The Civic’s 2026 holiday show, A Christmas Carol: A Play with Music.

Hosted by Dave Schlenker, this will be the first public reading of the script, brought to life by some of your favorite Civic actors. This stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is by OCT Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson and includes favorite songs of the season. It offers a fresh theatrical take on Dickens’ timeless classic while remaining faithful to the heart and spirit of the beloved story.

The house opens at 2:30 p.m. and the festivities commence at 3 p.m. The audience will be seated onstage for this festive, family-friendly event. There will be a 10-minute intermission. You’ll also meet the playwright and participate in a post-reading discussion to help put the finishing touches on The Civic’s new family-friendly holiday tradition.

Apple cider and gingerbread cookies will be provided to get you in the holiday spirit, and a cash bar backstage will offer selected libations. Christmas music and decorations will arrive early this year to provide (out-of-season) seasonal ambiance. Scrooge’s cold and miserly heart will offer extra cooling for relief in the summer heat. Chills also provided by the four ghosts.

Despite Scrooge’s strong objections, this event is free if you wish. Or, to humor him, you may name your own price and pay what you like. (Charitable contributions are, as always, welcome and appreciated during the holiday season, whenever it may fall.)

Don’t say bah, humbug – join us for Christmas in July and be among the first to experience this exciting new work! RSVP by July 21.