About A Cold, Cold Reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

A Cold, Cold Reading In The Big, Red Barn Is A Family Tradition

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was first published in December, 1843. Less than two months later, it received its first stage adaptations, three of them to be exact, in London.  Since then the popular novel has received scores, then hundreds, and now thousands of readings and productions, yearly. But rarely is it presented in the brisk air of winter…in a barn.

The Lantern Theatre presents the seventh annual A Cold, Cold Reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, now a Christmas, family tradition and a mainstay of The Lantern Theatre’s season.  

Beginning at 2 p.m. on December 22nd and December 23rd  six brave actors and a piano accompanist will take the stage in Gleeson’s barn to read Mr. Dickens’ masterwork.  The one-hour reading will be accompanied by hot cocoa, cider, baked goods and Christmas cheer and will be followed by Christmas Carols sung by all. Dress warmly. It’s a barn.

A Cold, Cold Reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is presented Saturday, December 22 and Sunday, December 23.  Admission is $12. Children 12 and under: $8. Reservations are suggested. Call (216) 401-5131 or order online.

Our Season



THE LANTERN THEATRE co-founded in 2012 by Bill Hoffman, David Wingenfeld and Jacqueline Percher, is dedicated to producing theatre for the whole family that reveals and celebrates the history of our region, state and country.

THE OLD GLEESON FARM, now CANAL CORNERS FARM & MARKET, at the corner of Canal Road and Tinkers Creek Road in Valley View, Ohio, is just a stone’s throw away from the Ohio-Erie Canal and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Towpath.  Most folks from the area know its 1905 Wisconsin-Style, dairy barn as The Big, Red Barn and now more and more people are learning that this impressive structure is home to The Lantern Theatre, a new theatre company producing theatre for the whole family.