Music by Aaron Kenny
Lyrics by Rob Berliner
Book by Harrison Bryan & Rob Berliner
Original Concept by Harrison Bryan
Directed and Choreographed by Marlo Hunter
November 20 - December 29, 2024 | World Premiere

Misanthropic millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin’s internet followers are turning into haters. Desperate to regain her popularity, Chava shuns anything and anyone she sees as an obstacle, including her family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways—or be cursed forever. The spirits lead Chava on a madcap journey through Hanukkahs past, present, and future to help her reconnect with her spirit of generosity, her Jewish identity, and an appreciation of her real-life supporters. Winner of the Audience Favorite Award at the Broadway Shark Tank, A Hanukkah Carol is a heartfelt, family-friendly riff on a holiday classic that celebrates making the world a kinder place.

A Hanukkah Carol is produced by special arrangement with Daryl Roth, Jim Kierstead, and Feelin' Gelty.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Lead Sponsors: David & Sherry Smith and The GPS Fund
Sponsors: Bonnie & Alan Hammerschlag and Martha Newman & Brian Sutton
Pegaschvitz Sponsors: Ellen and Jon Bortz
Additional Support from Nan Beckley and Gil & Rona Eisner

The 2024-2025 Season is sponsored by Linda J. Ravdin and Don Shapero.

Online Program

Additional content about A Hanukkah Carol, including dramaturgy and program notes, can be found in our ONLINE PROGRAM.

Videos

Cast

Understudies

Lily Burka

Dickensian Orphan/Barb Kratzyt/Mimi Marley Understudy

Lily Burka (Dickensian Orphan, Barb Kratzyt, and Mimi Marley Understudy) is thrilled to be making her Round House Theatre debut after participating in the 2023 workshop of A Hanukkah Carol. International Tour credits include The Sound of Music (directed by Jack O'Brien). DC-area credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Olney Theatre Center; Nate the Great and Wake Up, Brother Bear! at Imagination Stage; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Adventure Theatre; Frankenstein at NextStop Theatre; and Shakespeare in Love at Keegan Theatre. Regional credits include A Recipe for Disaster (Initial Reading) at Windy City Playhouse. Education: Lily holds a BA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Psychology from American University. Instagram: @lilyburka | www.lilyburka.com

Brian Lyons-Burke

Dad and Hanukkah Present Understudy

Brian Lyons-Burke (Dad and Hanukkah Present Understudy) is thrilled to make his Round House Theatre debut. DC credits include Jersey Boys at Toby’s Dinner Theatre; Urinetown and The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Lorton Arts Center; Little Shop of Horrors at Constellation Theatre Company; The Bridges of Madison County at Red Branch Theatre; Annie and Spamalot! at Way Off Broadway. Other credits include Murder on the Orient Express, A Christmas Carol and The Producers (WATCH award for Best Supporting Actor) at Little Theatre of Alexandria; Sweeney Todd (WATCH Award for Best Supporting Actor) at The Arlington Players; and An Empty Plate at the Cafe Du Grand Boeuf at Silver Spring Stage. Film and television credits include The Marshall, The Only Ones, and Evil Kin.

Bekah Zornosa

Chava Kanipshin Understudy

Bekah Zornosa (Barb Kratzyt…and more) is so happy to be back at Round House Theatre for A Hannukah Carol. Previous Round House credits include “We declare you a terrorist…,” and She Sings Me Home (reading). DC credits include King Lear at Shakespeare Theatre Company; Sanctuary City at Arena Stage; There’s Always the Hudson at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company; and West Side Story Concert at Olney Theatre Center. Regional credits include ALIEN/NATION at the Williamstown Theatre Festival (Director Michael Arden); Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at North Shore Music Theatre; and Pipeline at Everyman Theatre. TV/Film credits include Trivia at St. Nick’s on Hallmark; The Floaters (upcoming feature); Human Theories (upcoming feature); and Evil Lives Here on Discovery. Training: American University Musical Theatre, Fiasco Theater FTI 2023. Instagram: @bekahzornosa | bekahzornosa.com