A Heartwarming Local Twist on a Timeless Holiday Classic
Bennington, VT – November 17, 2025– The Monument Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) is delighted to announce the return of its signature holiday production, A Bennington Christmas Carol, a reimagined adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale infused with local history, Vermont charm, and the spirit of community.
A Bennington Christmas Carol, written by Brian Haner and directed and choreographed by Kristine Lewis, transports audiences to 1926 Bennington, weaving together familiar landmarks, regional folklore, and the enduring themes of hope, generosity, and transformation. This family-friendly production features a talented cast of local performers, original staging, and original musical moments that capture the magic of the season.
“A Bennington Christmas Carol will quickly become one of MACC’s most beloved traditions,” said Kristine Lewis, Executive Director of the Monument Arts & Cultural Center. “It’s a beautiful blend of theatrical craft and community storytelling — a reminder of how compassion and connection can shape our lives and our town.”
Starring some of you local favorites – Brian Haner, Suzy Haner, David Sutton, Danny Townsend, Evan Pringle, Jessica O’Connell, Lauren Biasi, Michelle Marrocco, Mary Jo Greco, Hope Jasper, Shelli Duboff, Ingrid Madelayne, Danny Townsend, Phoenix Madison, and Tess McHugh.
Brian Haner, known as “Guitar Guy” is a musician, comedian and author. He toured with fellow stand-up comedian Jeff Dunham. He is a noted musician. In the late 1970s, he spent a year as one of Motown star Norman Whitefield’s main session guitar players, working with The Undisputed Truth, Rose Royce & Jr. Walker. His work with Whitfield included the songs “Car Wash” and “Wishing on a Star”. Throughout the 1980s he recorded albums and toured Europe before transitioning to scoring television shows and films. In 2005, he published his first novel, Carney Man. In 2014, Haner, along with his wife Suzy Haner, were the coordinators of the Orange County School of the Arts’ Commercial Music program in Orange County, CA. They relocated to Bennington in 2020 and have been regular performers at the MACC.
Kristine Lewis’s career in the arts spans the gamut from directing to choreographing and producing. She has developed talent, supported playwrights, cast feature films and theatrical productions and commercials. She has been a producer of Broadway and off-Broadway shows, including Enchanted April and Spring Awakening. For over 20 years, Kristien has served as owner and artistic director of a successful theatre arts center in Bucks County, PA. She has directed and worked with scores of celebrities and now brings her expertise and enthusiasm to Bennington to bring to fruition the dream at Monument Arts & Cultural Center.
The production will run at the Monument Arts & Cultural Center on:
Friday, December 05 at 7 pm
Saturday, December 06 at 2 pm and 6 pm
Sunday, December 07 at 2 pm
Thursday, December 11 at 6 pm
Friday, December 12 at 7 pm
Saturday, December 13 at 2 pm and 6 pm
Sunday, December 14 at 2 pm
Thursday, December 18 at 6 pm
Friday, December 19 at 7 pm
Saturday, December 20 2 pm and 6 pm
Guests attending the show are encouraged to visit the MACC Gift Shop before or after performances to browse local artisan-made holiday gifts, seasonal décor, and the official limited-edition A Bennington Christmas Carol T-shirt, available Thursday–Sunday from 12–4 PM throughout the season.
Tickets for A Bennington Christmas Carol are available now at www.monumentcentervt.org/christmas-carol , with special pricing for children, students and seniors. Group reservations and school-day performances may also be available upon request.
About the Monument Arts & Cultural Center (MACC)
The Monument Arts & Cultural Center is Bennington’s home for creative expression, community connection, and year-round arts programming. As the region’s largest public auditorium and a growing hub for performances, exhibitions, art shows, workshops, and cultural events, MACC is dedicated to enriching the region through accessible, high-quality arts experiences for all.
