Some of Southern California's most recognizable faces are coming together for a live performance of Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol' in Burbank this December, all in support of a good cause. Bryan Cranston, known to many for his turns in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Malcolm in the Middle,' will take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the famously miserly character whose holiday encounters lead to a change of heart.
He will be joined by Emmy-winning actress Jean Smart of 'Hacks,' who is set to appear as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Noah Wyle, recognizable from 'The Pitt,' playing Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. Rounding out the central quartet will be Connor Tomlinson as Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s long-suffering employee. The ensemble cast also includes Clancy Brown, Dorian Harewood, Samantha Sloyan, Tal Anderson, Chelsea Darnell, and Spencer Harte.
The unique event, scheduled for Thursday, December 17, at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank, will be hosted and narrated by Tom Bergeron. Director Victor Nelli will oversee a performance designed as a radio play, complete with live music and a Foley artist creating theatrical sound effects in real time, offering a distinct take on the familiar holiday tale for the audience.
The performance is presented by The Ed Asner Family Center, a nonprofit organization founded by Matthew Asner and Navah Paskowitz-Asner. The center was established in honor of the late actor Ed Asner, celebrated for his roles in 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'Lou Grant.' Its mission is to support neurodivergent individuals and their families, providing essential mental health services, arts and enrichment programs, social opportunities, and pathways to employment.
During the evening, the organization will also honor Vicki Dummer, who serves as the head of current programming at Warner Bros. Discovery. Dummer is being recognized for her dedicated commitment to inclusive storytelling and her contributions to the neurodivergent community.
For those hoping to experience this star-studded reading in person, tickets come with a degree of exclusivity. The Garry Marshall Theatre, located at 4252 West Riverside Drive in Burbank, will accommodate just 75 guests for the live performance. In-person tickets are priced at $500 each and include not only the show itself, but also holiday-themed food and drinks served both before and after the performance, along with a specially curated gift bag.
For a wider audience, the event will also be available via livestream. Livestream tickets will be available during a 24-hour presale period, starting on Saturday, October 24, at noon Pacific time, for $20. After the presale concludes, the price for streaming tickets will rise to $25, beginning at noon PT on Sunday, October 25.
The performance is set to begin at 7 p.m. on December 17. Information regarding both in-person tickets and livestream access can be found through The Ed Asner Family Center. It’s an opportunity to see some familiar faces bring a holiday classic to life, all while supporting a valuable community resource right here in Southern California.
