About
Written by
Clark BaxtresserDirected by
James TolbertPerformances
Nov. 21-24, 2024Venue
Apollo Theater Chicago
Chicago, IL
StarKid returns to The Apollo Theatre with their retro-rewind holiday hit, VHS CHRISTMAS CAROLS!
Travel through the past, present, and future alongside the Greediest Geezer as the spirits of 1980s MTV help him discover some Christmas Electricity! Witness Jim and Della have a major bummer as they search the mall for the perfect gift! And visit secret worlds with the Matchstick Girl as she tries desperately to escape the cold, cold streets of the city...
Inspired by The Gift of the Magi, The Little Matchstick Girl, A Christmas Carol, and the best 80s pop hits!
Based on the stories…
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen, & A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
cast
Scrooge – AJ Holmes
Narrator – Clark Baxtresser
Marley – Meredith Stepien
Christmas Past – Jaime Lyn Beatty
Christmas Present – James Tolbert
Christmas Future – Jamie Burns
Bob Cratchit / Fezziwig – Joey Richter
Emily Cratchit – Lauren Lopez
Tiny Tim / Fred – Brian Holden
Match Girl - Ali Gordon
Jim / Young Scrooge – Curt Mega
Della / Belle– Darilyn Burtley
Simon Keiser - Understudy
Melody Murray - Understudy
Creative Team
Writer – Clark Baxtresser
Director– James Tolbert
Lead Producer – Brian Holden
Associate Producers – Jaime Lyn Beatty & Meredith Stepien
Stage Manager – Angela F. Kiessel
Costume Designer – June Saito
Scenic Design - Eric Luchen
Lighting Designer - Alexa Wiljanen
Sound Designer - Connor Boyle
Assistant Sound Design - Carrie Brewer
Production Manager - Dusty Brown
Choreographer - James Tolbert
Music Director/Keyboard 1 – Clark Baxtresser
Percussion/Keyboard 2 – Meredith Stepien
FAq
The Show
+ Is VHS CHRISTMAS CAROLS a musical?
Yes! It's a two-act, 90 minute musical adaptation from longtime StarKid composer, Clark Baxtresser (A Very Potter Senior Year, Ani: A Parody, Movies, Musicals & Me).
+ Is this the same thing as A VHS Christmas Carol from years past?
No! We've added an entire additional act to the show! Clark has written some beautiful music to adapt The Gift of the Magi and The Little Match Girl, and has woven it brilliantly into VHS CHRISTMAS CAROL for a full night of fun!
+ How long is the show?
Anticipated run time is 90 minutes, plus intermission!
+ Will the show be released on YouTube?
While we don't yet know if the 2024 production will be on YouTube, you can currently rent this year's production! The one-act version of the show from 2021 IS on our YouTube channel!