Each year, holiday theater in the D.C. area tends to orbit Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. With its grand productions at Ford’s Theatre, Olney Theatre Center’s solo take, and Keegan Theatre’s Irish-inspired twist, the timeless tale has become a local tradition alongside the National Christmas Tree and Smithsonian visits. But this year, a fresh adaptation is shaking things up: A Hanukkah Carol, or Gelt Trip! The Musical offers a witty, heartfelt alternative to the yuletide mainstay.
Directed by Marlo Hunter, this world-premiere production blends humor, sentimentality, and unabashed creativity. With a cast of characters ranging from sentient dreidels to doughnuts, it’s a spirited take on redemption—and an influencer’s search for meaning.
A Modern-Day Scrooge for the Social Media Era
At the heart of A Hanukkah Carol is Chava Kanipshin, a self-centered influencer whose fading fame leaves her grappling for relevance. Samantha Sayah plays Chava—known online as Queen Vava—with sharp comedic timing and a touch of Regina George swagger. Her character sleeps beneath a poster of her late mentor, Mimi Marley (a tongue-in-cheek nod to the viral Ice Bucket Challenge), and interacts more with her Alexa-like device, Bestie, than with actual humans.
Chava’s influencer career thrives on exposing others online, but her follower count has dipped. In a desperate bid for engagement, she secretly films and schedules a humiliating video of her childhood best friend, Barb Kratzyt, played endearingly by Bekah Zornosa. Unbeknownst to her, this act sets the stage for a supernatural intervention.
A Hanukkah Tale With a Dickensian Twist
Cue the ghost of Mimi Marley herself, portrayed with zany flair by Kit Krull. Draped in a chaotic tangle of wires and framed by a ring light, Marley sets the stage for the three Hanukkah spirits. These spectral guides aren’t mere echoes of Dickens—they’re reimagined with originality and charm.
Sarah Cooney, filling in for Nicole Halmos during this performance, brings confidence to the Ghost of Hanukkah Past. Jordan Friend’s Ghost of Hanukkah Present leans into whimsy with playful humor. But Katrina Michaels steals the show in her dual roles, toggling seamlessly between a fourth-wall-breaking orphan and a younger, more grounded version of Chava.
In these encounters, the production balances humor with depth. Chava’s neglect of her Jewish heritage and estrangement from her loving parents (played by Aviva Pressman and Steve Routman) hit emotional notes, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural identity.
A Musical Score That Shines
The musical numbers, crafted by Aaron Kenny and Rob Berliner, provide the show’s emotional and comedic backbone. From Chava’s defiant anthem “Click Block” to the stirring “A Light in the Dark,” the songs span a spectrum of moods. Standouts include the bittersweet “The Girl I Used to Know” and the triumphant “Rekindled,” each showcasing the production’s blend of humor and heart.
While some vocals lack power and the five-piece band doesn’t always fill the theater, the scrappy quality of the performance lends an endearing charm. The imperfections feel fitting for a production that celebrates individuality and resilience.
Vibrant Production Design and Clever Humor
Round House Theatre’s production design elevates the show’s energy. Andrew Cohen’s rotating set creates dynamic staging opportunities, while Ivania Stack’s costumes pop with color and personality. Max Doolittle’s lighting design punctuates key moments, adding emotional weight to the story.
Berliner and Bryan’s book brims with wit, packing clever nods to Jewish culture and irreverent Dickens references. A Fiddler on the Roof gag lands effortlessly, while a Tiny Tim-inspired puppet—a cat with a miniature crutch—is hilariously absurd. However, some audience members might wish for even more of the offbeat humor that peppers the script.
A Celebration of Roots and Redemption
Beyond its laughs, A Hanukkah Carol centers on universal themes of compassion and self-discovery. This adaptation emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots—whether familial, cultural, or personal. It’s a heartfelt counterprogramming to the traditional holiday lineup, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar seasonal narrative.
Will A Hanukkah Carol join the annual rotation of holiday staples? Only time—and perhaps a spectral visit—will tell. But for now, it stands as a bold, inventive addition to the theater calendar, delivering laughs, lessons, and a heaping dose of charm.
