‘A Christmas Carol’ Brings Together Actors of Color

Portland Playhouse’s award-winning mainstay “A Christmas Carol” is returning this holiday season with a diverse cast and an artistically forward take on the Dickens classic.

Due to renovations at the theater’s northeast home (in the former Mt. Sinai Baptist Church building), the show will be taking up residence at the Hampton Opera Center at the base of the Tilikum Crossing.

The production officially opens Dec. 6 and will run until Dec. 30.

As with previous years, the Playhouse’s “A Christmas Carol” features several actors of color – including Charles Grant in his returning role as The Ghost of Christmas Present.

The non-traditional casting choices of the theater company fit perfectly in line with its ethos, said co-founder and artistic director Brian Weaver.

“We cast a diverse company of actors to reflect the truth of our community and highlight the strengths of both our differences and our commonalities.”

Weaver, who is also co-directing “A Christmas Carol” with Cristi Miles, says the story of redemption and transformation reflects certain universal truths.

“We are all in this together and connected through how we are similar,” he told The Skanner. “But I also value what makes us different: race, culture, family history. This is what makes our lives more rich and our community more resilient in the ability to acknowledge and celebrate our differences.”  

For tickets and more information, visit www.portandplayhouse.org.