We finally had the chance to watch this year’s retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol by 9Works Theatrical—and oh, how I’ve missed local theater.
My sisters and I grew up watching musicals. It’s something my mom has always loved, and I was fortunate to be raised with a deep appreciation for the theater. This photo takes me back to my very first musical at the Meralco Theater. Years later, while I was in high school, I even had the chance to perform on that same stage.
In my early corporate years, I also served as the Wellness Leader for books and movies, which allowed me to share this passion with my colleagues at Procter & Gamble (oh yes, I was raffling off theater tickets to the employees!). Theater has always been part of me—and coming back to it feels like honoring my mom in more ways than one.
The last local theater production I watched was way back in 2009, I remember it was Sweeney Todd, so it’s safe to say it’s been quite a while. This was also my first time watching a show at the Proscenium Theater, and my first time seeing a performance from seats outside the orchestra. But honestly, none of that mattered. I was just so excited to be there.
What made it even more special is that it’s my nephews’ very first musical, and there’s something incredibly meaningful about returning to the theater with them. Adding to the excitement, the lead actor is our dear friend Arnel Carrion, who delivers a powerful and compelling performance as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The show is about 2 hours with a 15-minute interval after about an hour and 15minutes. The 2025 production of A Christmas Carol is a beautifully staged, heartfelt retelling that captures both the magic and moral weight of Dickens’ classic. From the moment the curtain rises, the production draws you in with strong performances, thoughtful direction, and a rich sense of atmosphere that feels both timeless and fresh. I was surprised my 10-yo nephew really enjoyed the music.
The cast delivers with remarkable clarity and emotional depth, making Scrooge’s transformation genuinely moving. The music, lighting, effects, and set design work seamlessly together, enhancing the storytelling without ever overpowering it. The young performers were especially impressive—confident, expressive, and a joy to watch.
It was truly inspiring, and I hope the experience sparked a love and appreciation for theater in my nephews. This production is a beautiful reminder of why live theater matters: warm, stirring, and perfectly suited for audiences of all ages, especially those encountering this timeless story for the very first time.
Congratulations to Arnel and the rest of the cast of this year’s A Christmas Carol.
Venue: The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Philippines.
Dates (2025): November 29 to December 21, 2025
Get your tickets from: Ticketworld
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