A Confident Second Act for Rockwell Proscenium
Rockwell’s Proscenium Theater is no longer just a promising new venue—it has found its footing. After opening strong with The Bodyguard: The Musical, the theater steps confidently into the holiday season with A Christmas Carol, its second collaboration with 9 Works Theatrical. The result is a production that feels assured, generous, and thoughtfully made.
This musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic draws from Alan Menken’s rich score, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Ahrens and Mike Ockrent. What could have easily leaned on familiarity instead unfolds with clarity and warmth. From the first notes, the audience is carried into Victorian London—not through spectacle alone, but through a careful balance of music, storytelling, and mood. The experience feels immersive without being overwhelming, polished without losing intimacy.
A Scrooge You Can Sit With
At the center is Arnel Carrion as Ebenezer Scrooge, whose performance anchors the entire evening. He resists caricature, allowing Scrooge’s bitterness to feel earned rather than exaggerated. When the character finally softens, the shift feels human, not performative. It’s a transformation that unfolds gradually, handled with restraint and emotional intelligence.
Tiny Tim, portrayed alternately by Enzo Dognidon and Jethro Ting, brings quiet sincerity to the role. Their presence avoids sentimentality, instead offering a gentle grounding that lends the story emotional weight. The trio of spirits—Franco Laurel as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Lorenz Martinez as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Carmelle Ros as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come—each brings a distinct energy and texture to the narrative. Boo Gabunada’s Jacob Marley leaves a chilling, lingering impression, briefly stilling the room.
An Ensemble That Holds the World Together
The production’s strength lies equally in its ensemble. CJ Navato’s Young Ebenezer provides emotional context to Scrooge’s present hardness, while Nicole Omillo’s Emily brings grace and quiet resolve. John Joven Uy and Anna Santamaria bring warmth and emotional grounding to the roles of the Cratchits. Jasper John Jimenez, Meliza Reyes, and Neo Rivera add charm and levity without disrupting the tone.
Even the young performers—Sofia Aguilar, Atalie Castillo, Drake Manlapaz, and Liam Nery—blend seamlessly into the world of the play, a testament to careful casting and direction. Their presence deepens the sense of a living, breathing community.
Direction That Trusts the Story
Director Robbie Guevara’s vision gives the production its spine. The staging never feels rushed or indulgent. Each scene carries intention, allowing moments to breathe when needed. Victorian London comes alive through rhythm, pacing, and movement rather than excess. Assistant Director Raul Montesa ensures seamless transitions, keeping the storytelling fluid and focused.
There are moments when the theater falls quietly still—when laughter fades into reflection, or when a simple exchange lands more deeply than a grand musical flourish. These are the moments that linger.
A Production Built on Balance
What ultimately distinguishes A Christmas Carol at Rockwell Proscenium is its sense of balance. It knows when to dazzle and when to pull back. Comedy never overwhelms emotion. Spectacle never eclipses story. The theater’s state-of-the-art design elevates the experience without calling attention to itself.
Running until December 21, this production offers more than holiday nostalgia. It delivers a steady, thoughtful reminder of why theater endures—especially during a season that invites reflection. With strong performances, disciplined direction, and care evident in every detail, A Christmas Carol affirms Rockwell Proscenium Theater as a growing home for Filipino theater that understands both scale and intimacy—and tells stories with heart.
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