“A Christmas Carol” returns to Rockwell, a star-studded theatrical festivity by 9 Works Theatrical

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As the November breeze turns crisp and Makati’s city lights shimmer with early Christmas hues, 9 Works Theatrical unwraps a holiday gift for theater lovers: the much-awaited full cast announcement of “A Christmas Carol The Musical.” Set to fill The Proscenium Theater at Rockwell with song, spirit, and sparkle from November 29 to December 21, 2025, this timeless tale promises a radiant mix of nostalgia, artistry, and star power.

✨ The return of a classic

Forget “Bah, humbug!” The stage will glow with hope and humanity once again. At the heart of the production is Arnel Carrion, taking on the mantle of Ebenezer Scrooge. A fixture of Philippine musical theater since the 1990s, Carrion, fresh from Liwanag sa Dilim The Musical, brings both gravitas and warmth to the miser whose redemption defines the season.

Adding youthful radiance to the story, Enzo Dognidon and Jethro Ting alternate as Tiny Tim, the ever-hopeful symbol of light amid darkness.

🌙 Ghosts of Christmas past, present, and yet to be

The spirits that haunt and heal Scrooge are embodied by a dream ensemble of veteran performers:

  • Franco Laurel reprises his award-winning turn as the Ghost of Christmas Past, a role he infuses with grace and emotional clarity.

  • Lorenz Martinez, an international theater and screen actor, takes on Ghost of Christmas Present with magnetic charm.

  • Dancer and choreographer Carmelle Ros manifests as the ethereal Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be, while Boo Gabunada delivers spectral depth as Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s tormented former partner

💫 A community of artists, a constellation of characters

This year’s A Christmas Carol blossoms with an intergenerational cast that bridges experience and new energy. Star Magic talent CJ Navato appears as Young Ebenezer, opposite Viva artist and Gawad Buhay awardee Nicole Omillo as Emily.
The beloved Cratchit family is led by multi-awarded John Joven Uy as Bob Cratchit and Anna Santamaria, marking her long-awaited theater comeback, as Mrs. Cratchit.

Visual artist and singer-songwriter Neo Rivera brings charisma as Fred, while the production also welcomes Molly Langley, Jasper John Jimenez, and Meliza Reyes as part of the Fezziwig household.

In true ensemble fashion, the show features a tapestry of artists from diverse fields, including content creators, doctors, educators, and dancers, all converging in one stage story. Notably, Mariella Laurel, Richardson Yadao, Rica Laguarda, and Gary Junsay round out a rich cast that represents both legacy and new beginnings

🎶 Behind the curtain

Guiding the production is Robbie Guevara as director, supported by Raul Montesa (assistant director) and Daniel Bartolome (musical director). The show’s visual world is shaped by a powerhouse creative team composed of Mio Infante (scenography), PJ Rebullida and Yek Barlongay (choreography), Gabo Tolentino (lighting), Aji Manalo (sound), and Joee Mejias (video and projection). Together, they ensure that Dickens’s London glows with the polish and poetry that 9 Works Theatrical is known for.

🎟 A holiday tradition reimagined

Under the leadership of Santi Santamaria, the 9 Works team, with Anna Santamaria, Charyl De Guzman, Jonjon Martin, Loreta Arroyo, GM Hernandez, Cass Lim, and Pachot Festejo, sets the stage for what could be one of this holiday season’s marquee theater events.

Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 PM, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Tickets will be available via Ticketworld.

A Christmas Carol is presented by 9 Works Theatrical in partnership with Rockwell, with Metro as official media partner and MAC Cosmetics as official make-up partner.

For updates, follow @9workstheatrical and @prosceniumtheater.

💭 Unsaulicited take

There’s something timeless about seeing Scrooge’s heart thaw under the flicker of candlelight and carols, and even more powerful when it’s retold by Filipino artists at the height of their craft. This version of A Christmas Carol doesn’t just promise nostalgia; it offers a warm, shimmering reflection of community, proof that generosity, like theater, glows brightest when shared.

#AChristmasCarolAtRockwell #AChristmasCarolMNL #9WorksTheatrical #UnsaulicitedTheater

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