Jefferson Mays has gone from performing Mayor Shinn in Broadway’s upbeat Music Man with Hugh Jackson to a new one man version of A Christmas Carol on Broadway. He treats audiences to a dramatic portrayal of more than 50 characters, with amazing special effects, which set the production’s darker tone. Mr. Mays is incredibly talented with an equal dose of stamina to successfully pull this daunting task off.

Anyone who has seen A Christmas Carol before will remember the lessons Scrooge learns from three visiting ghosts and the happy ending showing anyone can be redeemed. In this version, the focus is all on Mr. Mays as he gives life to the many other supporting characters. He does get redeemed in the end but because it is a dramatic retelling, absent the upbeat, happy music and bright scenery typical of a Broadway production, it can be a lot to take in and be quite shocking.  

The limited 66-performance engagement is currently running at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre through Sunday, January 1, 2023. It is directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Michael Arden.

Jefferson Mays previously received eight 2020 L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Awards for his performance in A Christmas Carol at the Geffen Playhouse, including Best Production of a Play (Large Theatre), Best Director of a Play, and Best Actor in a Play for Mays. In addition to The Music Man, his other Broadway credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tony nominee), The Best Man, I Am My Own Wife (Tony Award winner), Pygmalion, Journey’s End, and Of Thee I Sing, and more, with far too many Off Broadway, TV and film credits to mention. 

The Facts:

Location: Nederlander Theatre, 208 West 41st Street, New York

Running Time: Approximately 95 minutes, no intermission.

Ticket Price Range: $79 to $215

Website: www.achristmascarollive.com