‘Tis the Season for a Carol
This month, A Christmas Carol The Musical comes alive on stage, spreading cheer and magic ahead of the holidays.
Words Mikaelah Bianca Panopio
Photos courtesy of Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical
November 18, 2025
Nicole Omillo captivates the audience with a stunning vocal performance, giving a glimpse of the magic awaiting theatergoers this holiday season.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Filipinos are known for their enthusiasm when it comes to Christmas, one of the country’s most anticipated and celebrated holidays. From vibrant decorations and hearty feasts to festive performances, the holiday spirit fills the air even before December arrives.
This year, that same spirit comes alive on stage through music, choreography, and storytelling with A Christmas Carol The Musical.
The upcoming musical held a press conference at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, introducing its talented cast and thrilling the audience with exciting details about the production.
A Christmas Carol Poster
The beloved classic will be the 2nd show to take place at the state-of-the-art Proscenium Theater, presented by Rockwell and staged by 9Works Theatrical.
The Season of Joy and Giving on Stage
A Christmas Carol: The Musical follows the life-changing journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter miser, played by actor Arnel Carrion, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
The Broadway adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, directed by Robbie Guevara and reimagined by award-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Lynn Ahrens, delves into the power of redemption, love, generosity, and compassion—reminding everyone of what Christmas is truly about.
Guests were treated to a special performance from the cast at the Proscenium Holiday Fair Grounds, a preview of the magic to come this Christmas.
An ensemble of more than 30 actors will bring the timeless tale to life. Award-winning actor Franco Laurel plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Past, stars CJ Navato and Nicole Omillio as Young Ebenezer and Emily respectively, and multi-award-winning performer John Joven Uy as Bob Cratchit.
On his fourth time directing the show, Guevara strives to make each show unique while keeping the core message, as it is always the heart of what he wants the audience to remember.
The seasoned director described the musical as “one of the best classical stories ever written,” noting that the theater is “the best venue in the country” to present such a grand production.
Director Robbie Guevara shares his excitement for staging one of the best classical stories ever written at the country’s premier venue, the Proscenium Theater.
A Christmas Carol has been adapted countless times into films, series, and musicals. Yet, for Guevara and Santi Santamaria, 9 Works Theatrical’s Executive Producer and Managing Director, the musical version by Menken and Ahrens stands out as the best adaptation.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Rockwell has been a true holiday destination for years, with its annual tradition of embracing the joyful season through dazzling tree lightings, mesmerizing decorations, and a festive atmosphere.
The main cast, led by Arnel Carrion, amaze the crowd with powerful vocals that bring the spirit of A Christmas Carol to life.
“Everybody comes here for Christmas. So, we said, ‘Hindi pwedeng walang Christmas musical,’” said Tracey Castillo, Rockwell Land’s Vice President for Marketing, highlighting their commitment to continuing the holiday tradition at the recently opened theater.
According to Rockwell and 9Works Theatrical, A Christmas Carol The Musical stood out among several other titles for its beautiful music, perfect-for-the-family charm, and heartwarming story—truly embodying the spirit of Rockwell’s Christmas.
The show will run from November 29 to December 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Center, Makati. Tickets are now available on Ticketworld.
