Preview: Chance Theater’s ‘Scrooge! The Musical’ Gives a Timeless Story Some Tuneful Flair

Few stories feel as inseparable from the holiday season as A Christmas Carol, and few musical adaptations embrace its timeless blend of redemption, humor, and heart as fully as Scrooge! The Musical, now playing at Chance Theater in Anaheim through Sunday, December 21st. Based on the 1992 stage version by Leslie Bricusse — itself an expansion of the beloved 1970 film — the production arrives as a festive, family-friendly offering that folds Victorian charm, enlivening musical numbers, and a message of generosity into a warmly staged seasonal outing.

Under the direction of James Michael McHale, Chance Theater’s staging leans into both the intimacy of the venue and the expansiveness of Charles Dickens’s tale about the miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge. McHale guides a cast of 16 performers, weaving together veteran leads and enthusiastic youth actors to create a bustling portrait of 19th-century London. At the center is Bruce Goodrich as Scrooge, whose journey from misanthrope to philanthrope forms the spine of the musical. Surrounding him is a talented ensemble that includes Kayley Stallings as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Winston Peacock as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Justin Ryan as Jacob Marley, Adam Leiva as Tom Jenkins, and Matt Takahashi as Bob Cratchit — each adding their own tonal color to the production.

This adaptation stays true to Bricusse’s signature melodies, with numbers such as “I Hate People,” “Father Christmas,” “I’ll Begin Again,” and “Thank You Very Much” anchoring the show’s rhythmic shifts from sardonic bite to jubilant celebration. Live piano accompaniment by musical director Lex Leigh, who ensures a united front on display through the dramatic proceedings, gives the show an added vibrancy.

Design elements further enrich the world. Gwen Sloan’s costumes evoke Victorian silhouettes, offering visual cohesion for a large cast. The scenic and lighting design by Masako Tobaru supports the story’s supernatural elements with mood-shifting interiors. Moreover, Niko Montelibano’s choreography underscores a kinetically transformative odyssey for the cantankerous protagonist and those who have been wronged by him.

One of the most notable features of this Scrooge! is its multigenerational cast, which mirrors the story’s emphasis on community and renewal. The young performers reinforce the musical’s accessibility — and with Chance Theater recommending it for ages four and up, it’s one of the season’s most approachable holiday outings for families seeking a theatrical tradition.

The production’s heart, of course, lies in its message. Dickens’s meditation on empathy, memory, and human connection remains evergreen, reminding audiences why Scrooge’s transformation has endured across centuries — in other words, everyone loves a good comeback story.

With its mix of performances, exuberant design, and age-inclusive storytelling, Scrooge! The Musical at Chance Theater stands as a warm invitation to step briefly out of the holiday rush and into a world where spirits roam, laughter resurfaces, and redemption arrives just in time for Christmas morning.

Cover image caption: Left to right are Adam Leiva, Kayley Stallings, Bruce Goodrich, Sydney DeMaria, and Lizzie Spellman in Scrooge! The Musical at the Chance Theater in Anaheim, CA. Photo credit: Doug Catiller.

Chance Theater’s Scrooge! The Musical runs through Sunday, December 21st. For further details and to purchase tickets, visit chancetheater.com.