As the author of a sequel to A Christmas Carol, I have always held Dickens’ timeless classic close to my heart. That’s why I was thrilled to experience A Christmas Carol performed in the way Dickens originally intended, at the Olney Theatre. There’s something profoundly special about seeing the story come to life in the very style that the author himself would have recognized.
Dickens didn’t just write A Christmas Carol—he performed it. During his lifetime, he gave dramatic readings of his own work, bringing his vivid characters to life through voice and emotion. Watching Michael Russotto at the Olney Theatre channel that same energy and passion reminded me of the raw magic of live storytelling. The intimate setting, the careful attention to detail, and the spirited performance captured the essence of Dickens’ approach, making it feel as if I were transported back to the 19th century, experiencing the tale through the lens of its original creator.
My love for this Christmas classic ghost never fades, and it’s the reason why I wanted to continue the legacy of A Christmas Carol with my novella, From Humbug to Humble: The Transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge. Watching the performance at the Olney Theatre was both inspiring and humbling. It reinforced why this story endures—it’s not just about the characters, or the themes of redemption, but about the way the tale connects with the heart of anyone who hears it. There’s a reason A Christmas Carol continues to be retold, reimagined, and brought to life in so many forms. It’s a story that invites us to be better, to hope, and, most importantly, to believe in the possibility of change.
For anyone who loves Dickens, or A Christmas Carol, or simply great storytelling, the Olney Theatre’s performance is a must-see. It’s a reminder that the heart of this story beats stronger than ever.
About the author:
STEPHANIE VERNI is the author of THE ONES CLOSEST TO YOU, THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS; FROM HUMBUG TO HUMBLE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EBENEZER SCROOGE; BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE; INN SIGNIFICANT; LITTLE MILESTONES; THE POSTCARD; and ANNA IN TUSCANY. She is also a co-author of the textbook, EVENT PLANNING & MANAGEMENT: COMMUNICATING THEORY & PRACTICE. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University Online, she instructs communication courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, have two children, and a little boat that makes them immensely happy.
