Michael Cerveris Brings New Emotional Depth to Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC

There are certain roles that feel woven into the fabric of holiday tradition, and for Tony winner Michael Cerveris, taking on Ebenezer Scrooge means stepping into one of theater’s most recognizable figures. Yet in the new staging of A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC, Cerveris is discovering a version of Scrooge that goes beyond what audiences may expect.

Cerveris shares that although the production honors the historical world Charles Dickens created, it also feels surprisingly current. The story remains rooted in Victorian England, but he notes there is a very present conversation about wealth, privilege, and the people who fall through the cracks.

For Cerveris, this immediate relevance gives the classic holiday tale a sharper resonance. It becomes less a nostalgic tradition and more a mirror held up to the world outside the theater. It is part period story and part commentary on the way we live today.

What excites him most is how this adaptation digs deeper into who Scrooge was before bitterness consumed him. Instead of focusing only on his transformation, this version reveals more history and interior life, which means Cerveris must approach the role with significant emotional groundwork. The result is a performance that asks audiences not only to reflect on the familiar message of generosity but also to look within themselves. As Cerveris admits, the role is demanding and unexpectedly affecting, yet it is a challenge he is embracing.

With a story rooted in tradition and a performance that feels remarkably present, Cerveris and PAC NYC are inviting audiences to rediscover A Christmas Carol through a more intimate and timely lens. For more information, visit PacNyc.org.