By Matthew R. Kerns, Arts Department – Middle and Upper School Theatre
In late November, the MICDS Upper School Theatre Arts Program brought holiday magic to the Orthwein Theatre with its spirited production of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol by Tom Mula. This year’s winter play put the often-overlooked Marley front and center, offering audiences a fresh twist on a beloved classic—and the students delivered it with heart, humor, and genuine pride.
Directed by US Director of Theatre Matthew R. Kerns, MFA, the production embraced the story’s blend of darkness and hope, giving students the chance to stretch their talents in new and exciting ways. Reflecting on the experience, Kerns shared, “Our students poured themselves into this story. They didn’t just perform—they discovered the joy of creating something meaningful together.”
The cast and crew’s hard work was clear, especially in the lead role of Jacob Marley, played by Avery Brooks ’27, who brought depth and emotional grit to the demanding part. Looking back on the experience, Brooks said, “My favorite part about playing Jacob Marley would be playing a character whose story was already known and changing people’s idea of him. Most people know who Jacob Marley is, but they don’t know his past and I enjoyed that I got to shed light on a character most people don’t think about much.”
This year, the program was especially thrilled to welcome veteran teaching artists Ian Marshall and Jack Kalan to the creative team as guest artists for the production. Kalan guided students through crafting a beautifully nuanced and complex lighting design that gave the show its ghostly glow and emotional depth. Meanwhile, Marshall worked closely with the cast to underscore the entire production live, teaching students how to blend voice, timing, and atmosphere to heighten every moment of Marley’s journey. Their expertise added a rich layer of artistry and gave students an invaluable hands-on learning experience.
That sense of collaboration—students, teachers, and guest artists working side by side—is what made this production so special. Whether onstage or behind the scenes, everyone contributed to the warm, spirited energy that filled the Orthwein Theatre. Families, classmates, and faculty packed the seats and cheered on a performance that felt both polished and deeply personal. Emma Oesch ’29, production stage manager, said, “My favorite part about my role as stage manager was the memories that I made with not only the cast, but the tech team. My light board and sound board ops truly feel like family. This was my first time being involved with a backstage job, and I had so much fun!”
With its mix of charm, craft, and holiday warmth, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol became more than a winter play—it became a celebration of the MICDS spirit and the art of storytelling. And if the applause was any indication, this may be a production remembered fondly for years to come.