Dickens’ beloved tale with a touch of CentreStage magic
View(s):‘A Christmas Carol – The Musical’, on November 22-23 and 27-30 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre
By Shannon Salgadoe
This month, the Lionel Wendt Theatre will come alive with the spirit of Christmas as Cargills partners with CentreStage Productions to present ‘A Christmas Carol – The Musical’, a grand new adaptation of Charles Dickens’s beloved classic.
The production on November 22-23 and 27-30 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre marks a remarkable dual milestone — 24 years of CentreStage Productions and 30 years since its founder, Jehan Aloysius, first took to the director’s chair.
It’s a milestone that feels both personal and poetic. “Three years ago, I wanted to create something joyous that families could enjoy and something my mother could enjoy,” Jehan recalls with a smile. “My mum’s name is Carol, and she was born just before Christmas. So I decided that I would maybe do an adaptation of A Christmas Carol. I thought I could bring some magic to it and give it my own spin.”
For a director known for bold, original theatre, it might seem unexpected that Jehan chose one of Dickens’ best-known tales. But his version, while set firmly in Victorian England, carries the emotional and social depth that defines every CentreStage production. “I’ve worked with the disabled over the last couple of decades, and I’ve worked with those communities that have been affected by poverty and disaster. In my version, I’ve actually expanded on the Tiny Tim story because it’s something I feel deeply about,” explains Jehan. “CentreStage has always believed in giving back and using theatre for social change, and we hope this play will also inspire generosity, not just during Christmas, but beyond.”
‘A Christmas Carol – The Musical’ has been over three years in the making, with Jehan serving as composer, lyricist, and director. Remarkably, he composes entirely by ear. “I can’t read a note or identify a chord,” he laughs. The score is sweeping and cinematic, a blend of orchestral grandeur and contemporary flair. “It’s on the lines of Les Misérables,” he says. “It’s very rich and orchestral, but with a pop vibe as well.”
Though performed to track rather than live music, given the limitations of the venue, the music has been crafted in collaboration with Eshantha Peiris and Avanti Perera, two accomplished musicians, ensuring audiences’ experience what Jehan describes as “the sound of an 88-piece orchestra.”
The cast is a blend of seasoned performers and fresh new talent, with Jehan himself stepping into the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Joining him are Sean Amarasekara, Dion Nanayakkara, and Joanne Aloysius Rajaiyah, alongside rising stars Rachel Hettiarachchi and Chaitanya Perera, as well as a talented group of child actors. “I take a long time with casting because I don’t do multiple casts,” admits Jehan. “I want the audiences to see the same quality every night.” He also believes that “at least 60 per cent” of the work is done when the right actor is cast. “The right actor brings generosity, teamwork, and heart to the stage.”
One of the most impressive aspects of this production is that almost every actor plays multiple roles, each requiring distinct emotional and physical transformations. The ensemble of 23 actors plays nearly 80 roles, each switching between characters that range from the poor and downtrodden to the festive and joyful. “All the leads play dual or even triple characters. It’s a masterclass in versatility, and the audience gets to see just how skilled our actors are.”
For Jehan, A Christmas Carol is more than a festive show — it’s an invitation to tradition. “Around the world, troupes perform this story every Christmas,” he says. “Maybe one day, Sri Lankan families will say, ‘We’re bringing our kids and grandkids to see A Christmas Carol again.’ That’s the legacy we hope to build.”
‘A Christmas Carol – The Musical’ will take the stage on November 22-23 and 27-30 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase at mytickets.lk.
Searching for that next furry family member but couldn’t find one in your area? Hitad.lk has the solution with our extensive listings of dogs for sale in Sri Lanka!