If you think you know A Christmas Carol, think again.

Just in time for the holiday season, KHUM sits down with directors Shawn Wagner and Isabel Semler to talk about their fresh and heartfelt new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, opening November 14th at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Eureka.

This isn’t your typical Dickens. Think Muppet Christmas Carol meets The Twilight Zone — with larger-than-life puppets, eerie whimsy, bold physical theater, and a cast ranging in age from 8 to 75. Shawn’s adaptation is a tightly woven 90-minute version that honors tradition while boldly stepping into new theatrical territory. From custom-built puppets and immersive audience interaction to original music by Shawn’s brother and live carolers from the cast, this production is steeped in creativity and community.

The directors open up about the inspiration behind the show — including Sean’s tribute to late mentor John Lind — and the joy of bringing Humboldt’s diverse talent together. Isabel shares her vision of using masks and puppetry to explore the spirit world, and the duo reflects on the magic of collaboration, the importance of family-friendly theater, and the power of risk-taking in the arts.

This interview is a warm, funny, and moving look behind the scenes of a holiday classic reimagined — and a great reminder of why live theater matters now more than ever.

Performances run November 14 – December 7 Where: 5th & D Street Theater, Eureka. Pre-show music, holiday cookies, and immersive magic await. Listen now for laughs, insight, and a whole lot of holiday spirit.

LoCO On The Air: A Christmas Carol at NCRT’s 5th & D Street Theater