Van Buren’s beloved holiday tradition celebrates eleven years of timeless storytelling and Christmas spirit. Every other December, the historic King Opera House in downtown Van Buren transforms into Victorian London. The lights dim, a hush settles, and the familiar strains of a carol fill the air. For twenty years, A Christmas Carol has been the heart of the River Valley’s holiday season, brought to life by the Earthen Vessels Drama Company, a ministry of Shady Grove Baptist Church.
What began as a small church production has grown into one of the area’s most cherished traditions, drawing near-capacity crowds for six performances every other year. Faithful to Dickens’ timeless tale, the show’s strength lies in its heartfelt performances and the people behind it.
Directed by Jolene Barker, who has guided the production since 2009, each performance features exquisite period costumes, choral arrangements, and a message that still moves audiences after all these years. For Jolene and her cast, it’s far more than theatre, it’s a ministry of hope.
“More than anything, we want our audience to experience the joyful hope of Christmas: that it’s never too late for redemption,” Jolene says. “Broken, fettered hearts can be freed, transforming a life of bitterness into a legacy of joy that impacts generations.”
A Christmas Carol takes place December 4–7 at King Opera House in Van Buren, Arkansas. Tickets: $5 (Nov 1–29), $6 (week of show) and are available at Arts on Main or evdrama.com.
