Lance Joseph Martinez

Arnel Carrion Takes on the Iconic Role of 'Ebenezer Scrooge' in Rockwell’s Upcoming Show of 'A Christmas Carol'

Article (news)

<p>Every year, the Philippines eagerly welcomes its most magical and anticipated time—the <strong>Christmas season</strong>. Known around the world for having the longest holiday celebration, Filipinos officially usher in the spirit of Christmas as early as September 1.</p><p>And this year, the joy of the season takes on a theatrical twist as Filipino audiences are invited to spend the holidays with one of literature’s most iconic characters—the grumpy yet unforgettable<strong> Ebenezer Scrooge.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762484232682A Christmas Carol at the Proscenium Theater.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo courtesy of Rockwell</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>In partnership with <strong>9 Works Theatrical, Rockwell</strong> brings the beloved Broadway musical <strong><em>A Christmas Carol </em></strong>to life at the <a href="https://metro.style/people/2025/9/18/inside-rockwell-s-the-proscenium-theater-raul-manzano-tours-the-new-cultural-landmark-1115"><strong>Proscenium Theater</strong></a> from November 29 to December 21, 2025.</p><p>Helmed by director <strong>Robbie Guevara</strong>, with music by <strong>Alan Menken</strong>, lyrics by <strong>Lynn Ahrens</strong>, and a book by <strong>Mike Ockrent</strong> and <strong>Ahrens</strong>, this spectacular adaptation of <strong>Charles Dickens’ </strong>timeless classic follows the emotional transformation of <strong>Scrooge</strong>—a man whose cold heart begins to thaw after being visited by the <strong>Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, </strong>and <strong>Yet to Come</strong>. Through these magical encounters, Scrooge rediscovers compassion, joy, and the redemptive power of love during the most wonderful time of the year.</p><p>First published in 1843, <em>A Christmas Carol</em><em></em><strong><em> </em></strong>has touched generations through countless adaptations on film, television, and stage. Its Broadway version brings new life to Dickens’ classic with powerful music, heartfelt performances, and a timeless message of compassion and generosity.</p><p>Staged at the state-of-the-art Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center, the production offers an intimate yet grand holiday experience for families and theater lovers alike. Following Rockwell’s stellar lineup of <strong><em>The Bodyguard: The Musical</em></strong> and the <em><strong>MaestroClass Concert Series</strong><strong></strong> </em><strong>with Ryan Cayabyab</strong>, <em>A Christmas Carol </em>shines as the grand holiday centerpiece.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-10" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQoWCnoCeTC/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A10%2C%22os%22%3A4155680.0000000005%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-10" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Recently, the production has been teasing audiences with hints about who will portray the iconic <strong>Ghosts of Christmas</strong>—<strong>Past</strong>, <strong>Present</strong>, and <strong>Yet To Come</strong>—posting, “Not all hauntings end in October. Prepare to meet the Ghosts of Christmas.”</p><p>But beyond these mysterious spirits, the spotlight shines brightest on the story’s heart: the beloved Ebenezer Scrooge, to be portrayed by the esteemed <strong>Arnel Carrion.</strong></p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQTxoLoCTp0/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A4126042.9999999995%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Curious to know more about the man bringing A Christmas Carol’s timeless character to life on stage? <strong>Let’s get to know Arnel Carrion.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong>Arnel Carrion as Ebenezer Scrooge</strong></div><p style="text-align:left">&quot;A man who counts every coin… until the echoes of his choices catch up with him. Catch ARNEL CARRION as the miserly and unforgettable EBENEZER SCROOGE in #AChristmasCarolAtRockwell!&quot; the production wrote.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQmEb5LCf7m/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A4337519%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>A Seasoned Performer on Stage and Screen</strong></div><p>With a career spanning over three decades, Arnel first stepped into the spotlight in 1990 and has since built an impressive résumé in theater. He has graced the stage in beloved productions such as <strong><em>The Wizard of Oz, Seussical, Disney’s Tarzan, August: Osage County, </em></strong>and <strong><em>Liwanag sa Dilim</em></strong>. Beyond the stage, Arnel also made his mark on television, appearing in several <strong>ABS-CBN</strong> and <strong>GMA</strong> series.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEw2dLlzfVA/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A4828160%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>From Voice Booth to DJ Booth</strong></div><p>The production also revealed that Arnel’s versatility extends beyond acting—he has lent his voice to numerous radio and TV commercials, as well as corporate events. Offstage, he brings the energy to the decks as <strong>DJ Daddy A</strong>, spinning tracks in various bars across Metro Manila and at exclusive private parties and events.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLkAxZ4vW84/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A4796003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><em></em><strong><em>Tickets are now available via <strong><a href="https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=AXMASCTM25">TicketWorld</a>.</strong> Follow Proscenium Theater on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prosceniumtheater">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prosceniumtheater/">Instagram</a> for the latest updates and announcements.</em></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from<strong> @prosceniumtheater</strong></p>

<p>This holiday season, Rockwell is set to spread festive cheer in a grand theatrical fashion with its upcoming stage production of “A Christmas Carol,” inviting the Filipino audience to celebrate Christmas through the timeless tale brought to life on stage.</p>

This holiday season, Rockwell is set to spread festive cheer in a grand theatrical fashion with its upcoming stage production of “A Christmas Carol,” inviting the Filipino audience to celebrate Christmas through the timeless tale brought to life on stage.