Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Flashback Theater Co. (FbTC)! This year, the company will return to The Virginia with a brand new spin on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Patrick Barlow and presented by Weichert Realtors. In this playful performance directed by Jade Ellis, 5 actors will take on dozens of characters to bring the beloved holiday tale of redemption to life. Audiences will have just three opportunities to catch the show December 18-20, 2026 at The Virginia in downtown Somerset. Expect laughter and mirth in equal measure!
The Story of A Christmas Carol
The story of A Christmas Carol needs no introduction. The heartwarming tale of a miserly man learning the power of generosity and care through one wild night with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future is beloved around the world. For many families, catching a staged production of this classic tale is a treasured holiday tradition. Flashback is delighted to be bringing the tradition to Somerset with a unique comedic spin.
“If we all do our jobs right, our Christmas Carol will be hilarious,” says Director Jade Ellis. Barlow’s adaptation is fast-paced, quick-witted, and highly theatrical. Ellis is no stranger to the farcical style of Patrick Barlow, having directed Flashback’s 2023 production of his adaptation of The 39 Steps. She describes Barlow’s style as “somewhere between an Abbot and Costello routine, the Carol Burnett Show, and clowns running a marathon.” Audiences can expect quick costume changes, a slew of funny character voices, and a wealth of physical comedy – all while retaining the heart of Dickens’ redemptive story.
The Cast of A Christmas Carol
Chris Harris, a Flashback veteran, will lead the cast as Mr. Scrooge. Audiences might recall Harris’ past performances in roles such as Kris Kringle in A Miracle on 34th Street or the title character in Uncle Vanya. Joining him as every other character…are just four actors. Familiar faces Billy Christopher Maupin (FbTC: Getting and Spending, Brother Wolf) and Nicole Strickler (FbTC: Men on Boats, Count Dracula) will be joined by two Flashback debuts: Emma-Kait Grider and Sarah Werth.
The show will be directed by Jade Ellis. Renate Dopp will serve as Stage Manager, with additional support from Assistant Stage Manager Abigail Tollison. Traci Bray will design costumes and Mahayla Mounce will be propmaster.
About the Venue
There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than Downtown Somerset. For this very special holiday performance, Flashback will return to The Virginia. This historic performance space gives going to the theater a sense of occasion. Ellis encourages audiences to savor the experience, “Walking through downtown to get to the theater is absolutely lovely. When you walk through the doors and look up to the left there’s a gorgeous copper Virginia sign handcrafted by local artist Bradley Shane Gilmore. That piece always takes my breath away and is especially moving if you know the history of the theater.”
Though The Virginia is a larger venue, Flashback Theater Co. urges audiences to buy in advance. FbTC’s 2022 holiday production of A Miracle on 34th Street previously ran a sold-out run in the venue. Given the popularity of the title, and the limited three-night run, A Christmas Carol is expected to be a sold-out show!
Establish a new holiday tradition when you bring your family to A Christmas Carol at Flashback Theater Co.
Performance Dates and Times
Friday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 at 2:30 p.m.
Ticket Information
Purchase online at flashbacktheater.co/events/christmas-carol or by visiting the box office in person at 209A E Mount Vernon St. during office hours, or by calling the box office at (888) 394-3282, ext. 1. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p. M.
Single ticket pricing for the 13th Season of Flashback productions is:
Adults – $23 Advance, $25 Door
Students – $12 Advance, $15 Door
Seniors – $20 Advance and Door
Sponsors
A Christmas Carol is brought to you by Title Sponsor Weichert Realtors. Additional support comes from artist sponsors American Woodmark Foundation, Faith Healthcare, First Southern National Bank, and Citizens National Bank.
Flashback Theater Co. is grateful to our 2026-27 Starlight Sponsors: Applied Behavioral Advancements, The City of Somerset, and The Shubert Foundation. Spotlight Sponsors: M&W Printing and Kentucky Arts Council; as well as our Footlight Sponsors: David Daring Rentals, First & Farmers National Bank, The Weigel Family, United Cumberland Bank, T. Ronald Kidd Trust, and Somerset Community College.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Flashback Theater Co. with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.