Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2026

Christmas Carol The Rap Musical

Witness the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge, told through an original hip hop musical

Yellow Bicycle Theater — September 2026
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Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

The Show

Three ghosts.
One shot.
One opportunity.

"I am not the man I was."

Christmas Carol: The Rap Musical reimagines Dickens' classic in a style reminiscent of Hamilton, bringing the energy and storytelling power of hip hop to one of literature's most enduring tales. By showcasing the distinct sounds and styles of hip hop history alongside the traditions of a Victorian Christmas, the show invites you to keep Christmas in your heart all the year (even in September).

Performances

Show Dates

1435 Arch St, Fl. 2 — Philadelphia, PA 19102  [map]

Sep 8 Tue
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
5:45 PM — Opening Night
Opening
Sep 11 Fri
Friday, September 11, 2026
8:15 PM
Tickets TBA
Sep 12 Sat
Saturday, September 12, 2026
5:45 PM
Tickets TBA
Sep 19 Sat
Saturday, September 19, 2026
5:45 PM
Tickets TBA
Sep 20 Sun
Sunday, September 20, 2026
12:45 PM — Closing Matinée
Closing
I can feel the shackles shakin'
Set the stage to reawaken

The Score

Listen

Full album available on YouTube Music.

Watch on YouTube

Stream the full album on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

The demo for Ghost of Christmas Past is available here.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year."

Auditions

Join the Cast

Auditions are currently open. Find out more at the link below.

Audition Info

Get Involved

Production
Team

Sound / Lighting
Open Role

Design and program sound and lighting cues in collaboration with the director, then run the board during performances. Must be available for technical rehearsals. Lighting changes will be minimal — this is a better fit for a sound engineer who can also run lights.

Seeking
Social Media / Marketing
Open Role

Develop and execute a social media campaign, design and distribute print materials (flyers, programs), manage the show listing on the festival website, and coordinate press and reviewer outreach.

Seeking
Videographer
Open Role

Film performances during the run for marketing and future production purposes. Deliverable is raw footage. Availability required for at least one performance.

Seeking

Additional roles may be added. If you have a skill or area of expertise not listed above but feel you'd be a valuable contributor, please reach out — we'd love to hear from you.

The Creator

About Me

Michael Radzwilla

My name is Mike Radzwilla, the writer, co-director, and (future) cast member of this project. Christmas Carol: The Rap Musical is the result of many, many years of jotting notes in my phone.

I wrote this musical because I wanted to bring the diverse energies and storytelling capabilities of rap and hip-hop to add new life into a familiar story. This reimagining aims to be more than a fresh coat of paint on an old story. Denser, more intricate lyrics allow a more expanded telling of the story beyond the important but well-established theme of rich vs. poor, heavily emphasizing the dangers of solitude and the enduring possibility of renewal through self-forgiveness and solidarity.

Get In Touch

Say Hello

We'd love to hear from you. All inquiries regarding casting, press, sponsorship, and production roles are welcome. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

mradzwilla@gmail.com
Festival
Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2026
September 8–27, 2026
Venue
Yellow Bicycle Theater
1435 Arch St, Fl. 2
Philadelphia, PA 19102
[Google Maps]
General Inquiries
mradzwilla@gmail.com
Website
christmascaroltherapmusical.com
Written, Directed & Produced by
Michael Radzwilla