The Keegan Theatre’s ‘An Irish Carol’ is good craic and a holiday tradition worth keeping

With the holiday season in full swing, there’s truly no better way to hold onto the Christmas spirit while also supporting local theater in DC than by attending a performance of An Irish Carol at The Keegan Theatre. This beloved production has become a seasonal tradition for the company, marking its 15th annual staging this year. That alone speaks volumes about its lasting impact and popularity among DC theatergoers. Audiences return year after year not just for the familiar story, but also for the warmth, humor and heart that this unique adaptation consistently delivers.

An Irish Carol is a creative and refreshing twist on Charles Dickens’ classic 1843 story. Written by Matthew J. Keenan and first produced in 2011, the play reimagines the well-known story in a contemporary Irish setting while maintaining the emotional core that has made A Christmas Carol timeless. The story takes place on Christmas Eve in a Dublin pub. It’s owned by David, a wealthy, stubborn and emotionally guarded man who serves as the play’s Ebenezer Scrooge. Rather than relying on the familiar structure of ghostly visits, Keenan’s version eliminates the visitation of literal ghosts and instead grounds the story in realism, memory and human connection — making it feel especially relevant to modern audiences.

David is forced to confront his past, present and future through conversations, confrontations and moments of reflection sparked by the people around him — his employees, friends and family. Over the course of the night, the pub becomes a space not just for drinking and banter, but also for reckoning, vulnerability and emotional honesty. This choice makes the story feel more intimate and relatable, as David’s journey mirrors the internal battles many people face: regret over lost love, fear of loneliness, and the struggle between self-protection and openness.

At its core, An Irish Carol explores many of the same themes as Dickens’ original story — love, greed, redemption and the cost of emotional isolation — but it also expands on them in meaningful ways. The play thoughtfully incorporates discussions of immigration, disability awareness and economic hardship, grounding the story in real-world issues that resonate deeply today. These elements never feel forced or preachy. Instead, they are woven naturally into the characters’ lives and experiences. It adds emotional weight to the production and invites audience members to see themselves reflected on stage, making the story feel not just seasonal but necessary.

While the script itself is strong, it is the cast that truly brings this production to life. Directed by Mark A. Rhea, the entire ensemble delivers a polished and engaging performance, offering moments of genuine laughter alongside scenes of emotional intensity. Their use of Irish and Polish accents, combined with culturally specific mannerisms, is impressive and immersive, making it easy to forget you’re sitting in a small theater in DC rather than a pub in Dublin. The chemistry among the cast members is evident, and their interactions feel natural, which enhances the authenticity of the story.

Several performances stand out in particular. From the moment the play begins, David, portrayed by Kevin Adams, commands the stage. He storms in with an undeniable presence, immediately establishing his character as gruff, intimidating and emotionally closed off. Aspects of Adams’ physical acting such as his posture, sharp movements and expressive reactions allow the audience to understand David before he even speaks. As the story unfolds, Adams skillfully reveals the vulnerability beneath David’s harsh exterior, especially as memories of a past love resurface. Watching his character slowly unravel and reconnect with his humanity is one of the most satisfying aspects of the production.

Timothy H. Lynch delivers a standout performance as Frank, a pub regular who serves as both comic relief and emotional grounding force. Frank is loud, inappropriate and often hilariously drunk, delivering unexpected one-liners that consistently earn laughs from the audience. Yet beneath the raunchy humor is a deep sense of loyalty and genuine care for David. Lynch strikes a perfect balance between absurdity and sincerity, making Frank feel like the kind of person who might annoy you endlessly but would show up without hesitation when you need him most. He can best be described as the “raunchy grandpa who cares,” and he quickly becomes one of the most endearing characters in the show.

An unexpected focal point is Bartek, the hardworking and compassionate bartender from Poland. Bartek serves as the play’s counterpart to Bob Cratchit, and he’s portrayed with warmth, humility and quiet strength by Drew Sharpe and understudy Ben Ribler. This key role highlights the struggles faced by immigrants and working-class individuals, while also emphasizing resilience and kindness. He’s a character the audience can’t help but root for, and his interactions with David are some of the most emotionally impactful moments in the play.

Beyond the acting, the production’s technical elements deserve significant praise. Although The Keegan Theatre is an intimate space, the set design feels anything but small. The detailed re-creation of an Irish pub is visually rich and thoughtfully designed, complete with wooden textures, bar fixtures, and cozy lighting that instantly sets the mood. The set not only establishes the setting but also enhances the storytelling, reinforcing the idea that this pub is a second home for many of the characters. Combined with effective lighting and sound design, the atmosphere feels warm, lively and authentic.

An Irish Carol is a heartfelt, hilarious and deeply human production that offers a fresh take on a beloved holiday classic. It manages to honor Dickens’ original message while adapting it for a modern audience, proving that stories of redemption and connection never lose their relevance. Whether you’re a longtime fan of A Christmas Carol or simply looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season, this production is well worth your time.

The Keegan Theatre’s An Irish Carol runs through Dec. 31 at The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, with three year-end performances added in a recent extension. The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available at keegantheatre.com.