Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

Arnel Carrion

Jude Cartalaba

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9workstheatrical%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02MngngNQkGEo7rAbY6VqhH9uAwjBtSDesyV8XWiieHVddFjaEvMqbjr8fi9ZGzEDjl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="448" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Actor Arnel Carrion is set to bring his own take to one of theater’s most enduring characters — the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge — as &quot;A Christmas Carol&quot; returns to the stage from November 29 to December 21.Offered the role without an audition, Carrion said he felt both honored and challenged to continue the legacy of the late Miguel Faustmann, who had long been associated with the character in past productions by Repertory Philippines and 9 Works Theatrical.“I was deeply honored when they entrusted me with such an iconic and beloved character,” Carrion said. “Ebenezer Scrooge is a role that carries so much history, weight, and meaning, especially for audiences who have grown up with &#x27;A Christmas Carol.&#x27;&quot;“To be chosen for it without auditioning made me feel not just grateful, but truly seen for what I could bring to the production. I am thankful to 9 Works for their confidence and trust, and I am committed to honoring that trust every time I step on stage,” he added.Asked how his portrayal might differ from those who came before him, Carrion said every actor inevitably brings a distinct perspective to the role — one shaped by personal experiences and emotional depth.“The late Miguel Faustmann delivered a memorable Scrooge that many people still cherish, and I have the deepest respect for his body of work,” he said. “My portrayal will naturally be different because my personal journey in theater, and in life, has shaped how I understand Scrooge. Still, I think Miguel and I would agree on the core truth of the character — his emotional journey from bitterness to redemption. “That emotional transformation is universal and timeless, even as each actor approaches it in their own unique way.”When asked what Christmas means to him — especially at a time when many Filipinos are facing hardship — Carrion said the season is a reminder to return to compassion and connection.“To me, Christmas is ultimately about opening our hearts to compassion, generosity, understanding, and love. It reminds us that we are all connected, regardless of what hardships or divisions we face as a society,&quot; he said.“But I also believe that the spirit of Christmas should not be confined to the holidays. If we could carry that same spirit of empathy and openness into our everyday lives, we would find ourselves living in a kinder and more hopeful world. Especially in difficult times, Christmas should remind us of our capacity to care for one another.”Asked how he keeps the Christmas spirit alive amid the uncertainty in the world and at home, Carrion said it often begins with simple acts of kindness.“I believe that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. We never truly know what battles people are fighting privately, and sometimes a simple gesture of respect, patience, or compassion can make a difference in their day,&quot; he said.“When we choose kindness, we offer others a sense of warmth and humanity — that, to me, is the essence of the Christmas spirit. It doesn’t require grand gestures. It simply requires empathy.”In the musical, Scrooge encounters four Christmas ghosts: the ghost of Jacob Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Among the four, Carrion resonates most with the Ghost of Christmas Past.“I believe our past plays a significant role in shaping who we are and how we move through the world,&quot; he explained. “The memories we carry, both joyful and painful, can either weigh us down or guide us forward. It’s through acknowledging and understanding our past that we gain the clarity and strength to create a better future. That is where personal growth and transformation begin.”The musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, based on Charles Dickens&#x27; 1843 novella of the same title, will run weekends from November 29 to December 21 with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center in Makati City.Robbie Guevara directs with Raul Montesa as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director; Mio Infante as scenographer; PJ Rebullida as choreographer; Yek Barlongay as tap choreographer; Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer; Aji Manalo as sound engineer/designer; Joee Mejias as video and projection designer; Sheik Completado as technical director; and Elliza Aurelio as hair and makeup designer.Tickets will be available via Ticketworld.

Arnel Carrion steps into the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol,' continuing the legacy of the late Miguel Faustmann.

Arnel Carrion steps into the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in ' A Christmas Carol ,' continuing the legacy of the late Miguel Faustmann.

Arnel Carrion takes on legacy of Scrooge in 9 Works' 'A Christmas Carol'

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Arnel Carrion takes on legacy of Scrooge in 9 Works' 'A Christmas Carol'

Jude Cartalaba

Published November 10, 2025 05:38 PM PHT

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Arnel Carrion

A Christmas Carol

Scrooge

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9 Works Theatrical

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