ACT Brings Back a Holiday Tradition with Arkansas Playwright Judy B. Goss's A Christmas Carol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2026
Media Contact:
Coburn Goss, Artistic Director
Argenta Contemporary Theatre
501-353-1443
Tickets go on sale November 11 for the December 2–20 production, featuring live music, a multigenerational Arkansas cast, and Ben Barham reprising his role as Ebenezer Scrooge.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR — November 11, 2026 — Argenta Contemporary Theatre (ACT) celebrates the return of a holiday tradition with A Christmas Carol, December 2–20, 2026. Adapted from Charles Dickens's beloved story by Arkansas playwright Judy B. Goss, the production features 23 performers, live music, and a creative team of Arkansas theatre artists. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 11.
Originally commissioned for ACT, Goss's adaptation premiered in 2017 and became an annual holiday tradition through 2019. This December, the production returns under the direction of ACT Executive Director Jeremy Williams, with new musical elements that bring another dimension to Dickens's timeless story of redemption, generosity, and community.
"One of the wonderful things about A Christmas Carol is that every generation finds something new in it," said playwright Judy B. Goss. "I'm delighted to see this adaptation return to ACT, and especially excited about the addition of live music. It's an opportunity to revisit a favorite story while discovering new ways to bring its characters and spirit to life."
Goss is an award-winning Arkansas playwright and recipient of an Arkansas Arts Council Fellowship. Her work includes original plays and adaptations produced on Arkansas stages, including ACT's production of Mrs. Miniver. A longtime theatre educator and advocate for new play development, Goss has helped nurture generations of Arkansas theatre artists.
For Artistic Director Coburn Goss, bringing back A Christmas Carol is part of ACT's commitment to creating traditions that connect artists, audiences, and families across generations.
"A Christmas Carol is a story about the kind of community we want to build—one where we look after each other and recognize our shared humanity," said Goss. "We're excited to bring Judy's adaptation back to our stage."
Ben Barham returns to the ACT stage, once again starring as Ebenezer Scrooge. The production features a multigenerational ensemble of Arkansas performers bringing Dickens's memorable characters to life.
Under the musical direction of Kathleen Turner, who will perform live, the updated production incorporates music throughout Scrooge's journey, bringing warmth, atmosphere, and a new theatrical dimension to Goss's adaptation.
Full Cast
Ben Barham — Ebenezer Scrooge
Ryan Bass — Fezziwig / Spirit 3
Natalie Barham — Fan / Want
Judith Bossi — Caroline (Debtor's Wife)
Alaina Chase — Miss Fezziwig / Sue (Beggar Woman) / Mary
Mitchell Cohen — Clerk Scrooge / Mr. Grey
Poppy Copeland — Ann Cratchit
Griffin Cox — Boy Scrooge / Ignorance
Greg Fallon — Jacob Marley / Topper / Old Joe
Robert Gatlin — Billy (Lamplighter) / George (Debtor) / Dick Wilkins
Frank Harrison — Spirit 2 / Garstin (Undertaker)
Elita Hoard — Claire
Keegan Howard — Tiny Tim Cratchit / Stephen (Schoolmate)
Steven Jones — Bob Cratchit
Oliver Lynch — Spirit 1 / John (Delivery Boy)
Dakota Phillips — Belinda Cratchit
Sebria Richardson — Mrs. Fezziwig / Mrs. Smith (Laundress)
Channing Sain — Henry Cratchit / Andrew (Schoolmate)
Carmen Smith — Mrs. Cratchit / Jane (Claire's Sister) / Jenny (Fezziwig Guest)
Crosby Smith — Peter Cratchit / Young Scrooge
Zoe Simon — Martha Cratchit / Belle
Dianne Tack — Mrs. Dilber
William Wofford — Fred / Harry (Fezziwig Guest) / Mr. Crumbly (Schoolmaster)
Children's Choir: Amara Okoli, Ava Freeney, Averie Lowe, Darby Mallett, Elliot Cullen, Emma Weber, Juniper Wenger, Kaili Owens, Kirby Bell, Marilyn Brown, Noah Williams, Nora Lako, Nova Grace Parker, Otto Weber, and Ragon Clifford.
Creative Team
Jeremy Williams — Director
Judy B. Goss — Playwright
Kathleen Turner — Music Director
Becke Wilenski — Dialect Coach
Sara Cooke — Production Coordinator
Jon Hatton — Technical Director
Thomas Drake — Sound Designer
Ivy McGrew — Lighting Designer
Lori Wegner — Scenic Designer
Shelly Hall — Costume Designer
Lauren Nicholas — Props Designer
Performance Information
A Christmas Carol
Adapted by Judy B. Goss
Directed by Jeremy Williams
December 2–20, 2026
Argenta Contemporary Theatre
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Tickets on sale Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Tickets and performance information: www.argentacontemporarytheatre.org
About Argenta Contemporary Theatre
Argenta Contemporary Theatre creates bold, contemporary live performances in the heart of North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts District. Through professional quality productions, new creative partnerships, and education programs for students and adults, ACT brings artists and audiences together around stories that entertain, challenge, and connect our community.
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