Keegan Theatre Brings Back Holiday Favorite An Irish Carol

The Keegan Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the 2025 production of "An Irish Carol," Matthew J. Keenan's beloved holiday show that returns to the DC stage December 11-28. The homegrown production has become one of the city's most cherished seasonal traditions since its debut 15 years ago.

An Irish Carol at Keegan Theatre

"An Irish Carol" offers a distinctly Irish take on Charles Dickens' timeless classic, reimagining the tale of transformation and redemption in a contemporary Dublin pub. The play follows David, a prosperous pub owner who has sacrificed his connection to others in pursuit of wealth and emotional safety. Over the course of one fateful Christmas Eve, David encounters a voice from his past, faces challenges from those around him in the present, and confronts the prospect of an isolated future. Through these encounters, his life stands at the threshold of profound change, delivered with the warmth, humor, and poignancy that only an Irish storytelling tradition can provide.

"It's truly amazing that it's been 15 years of AN IRISH CAROL here at Keegan," remarks director and Keegan Founding Artistic Director Mark A. Rhea. "The concept of a modern Irish take on A CHRISTMAS CAROL set in an Irish pub became a dream of mine during our years touring Keegan Theatre productions around Ireland. I couldn't have asked for a better artistic partner than my friend, Dublin-native Matthew J. Keenan, who wrote a script that has stood the test of time. Thanks to his rich and relatable writing and the amazing artists who have contributed to the IRISH CAROL story over the years, what was originally planned to be a single season production has become a holiday tradition for us here at Keegan — and truly a favorite of so many DC theatergoers. We couldn't be prouder to continue bringing it to the stage all these years later."

Leading this year's production is Kevin Adams, reprising the role of David after earning a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2023. He'll be joined by several returning cast members including Timothy H. Lynch as Frank, Mike Kozemchak as Jim with Michael understudy duties, Theo Hadjimichael as Michael, Matt J. Bannister as Richard, and Mick Tinder in an additional Richard role. Fresh faces joining the production include Drew Sharpe as Bartek, Joe Baker as Simon, and Brenna Horner as Anna, with Ben Ribler and Brigid Wallace Harper serving as understudies.

Behind the scenes, Rhea leads an extensive creative team that includes Ray Ficca as Associate Director, Sheri S. Herren as Assistant Director, and Emilie Knudsen handling both stage management and costume coordination. The design team features Dan Martin on lighting, Cindy Landrum Jacobs on properties and set dressing, Brandon Cook on sound design, and playwright Matthew J. Keenan doubling as scenic designer. Josh Sticklin serves as Technical Director, while Kelly Peacock, Jake Null, and Matt Rippetoe contributed to the original designs for costumes, sound, and music respectively.

Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm throughout the season, with the exception of December 25. Matinee performances take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm, with select Sunday evening shows at 7:00 pm and select Monday and Tuesday performances at 8:00 pm.

The theatre has scheduled two special events during the run. On Sunday, December 14, the matinee performance will feature onsite childcare services for $20, with sibling discounts available through Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA Teaching Artists. Space is limited and advance registration is required. On Friday, December 19, the theatre hosts a Young Professionals Happy Hour offering discounted tickets and one complimentary drink coupon for patrons under 30.

For a decade and a half, "An Irish Carol" has proven that holiday traditions can be both new and timeless, offering DC audiences a spirited alternative to conventional seasonal fare while honoring the enduring themes of Dickens' original masterpiece.