- Explore
- Visitor Info
Rachael Brich and Charlotte Hedican carry the joy, energy, and magic of A Christmas Carol across generations, connecting the show’s long-standing traditions to its current life on stage. Their involvement spans years, with Rachael growing up in the production and Charlotte returning as a seasoned performer to honor the show’s legacy.
Rachael Brich first joined the production at age nine in 2009 as part of the Children’s Ensemble. Her early experiences on stage planted the seeds for a lifelong connection to the story. In 2010, she took on the role of Belinda on the Mainstage, and the following year, she toured with the National Theatre Caravan as Belinda and Fan. After a break to focus on college, Rachael returned to the Mainstage, playing Martha in 2022, Lucy in 2023, and both Lucy and Mrs. Dilbur in 2024. This year, she returns to Lucy, stepping into a role she once dreamed of as a child.
For Rachael, what makes A Christmas Carol truly special is the community that surrounds it. Onstage, she delights in spreading holiday cheer through singing, dancing, and storytelling six performances a week. Backstage, however, is where the show’s heart beats strongest. She recalls childhood moments of playing card games, learning dances like “Dancing Day,” and watching older cast members like Courtney Stein bring Lucy to life with joy and laughter. Today, Rachael carries that tradition forward, mentoring young cast members, sharing laughter, and helping create the warm, playful environment that has defined the production for decades. Every year, stepping onto the OCP stage feels like stepping into a family holiday celebration, a gift she cherishes deeply.
Charlotte Hedican’s story with A Christmas Carol began nearly two decades earlier. She first joined the production in 2005 as Belinda Cratchit, returning in 2006 to reprise the role and again in 2007 as Fan. “It’s funny to think that I spent most of my time as a Cratchit child—and now I’m back as the eldest, Martha,” she reflects. “Though I’ve been away for 20 years, it’s incredible how quickly the lines and scenes came back to me. It’s been such a treat to step into this role, from the youngest Cratchit daughter to the eldest!”
Her time in the show holds treasured memories of childhood excitement and backstage camaraderie. Charlotte fondly remembers the thrill of seeing the sets and costumes refreshed between 2005 and 2006, the joy of donning new angel costumes for “Away in a Manger,” and the fun of sharing Christmas treats in the classroom that served as the children’s holding room. “James Spain, a beloved hallmark of A Christmas Carol, brought all the kids snow globes one year,” she recalls. “Back then, we didn’t have someone on staff to watch us—James just enjoyed Carol and the kids so much that he chaperoned us himself.”
Her reflections are filled with nostalgia, from celebrating Thanksgiving birthdays with the cast (“One year, my mom brought a massive cake and it seemed like Tiny Tim got a piece bigger than him!”) to marveling at how the production has evolved over the years. “I’ve had the honor of working with all three Scrooges,” she shares. “I was Dick Boyd’s last Belinda Cratchit and Jerry Longe’s first, and now, I have the privilege of working with Cork’s Scrooge. To me, this really speaks to the time-honored tradition of A Christmas Carol and how the story transcends generations.”
This year, returning for the 50th anniversary production, Charlotte describes the experience as “coming home.” Surrounded by friends she’s made in her OCP journey since her first turn as Belinda, she brings both nostalgia and gratitude to her role as Martha Cratchit.
Together, Rachael and Charlotte exemplify the enduring spirit of A Christmas Carol, bridging generations of performers and audiences alike. Their dedication reminds us that the show is more than a performance, it is a tradition, a family, and a joyful celebration of the holiday season that continues to inspire all who are part of it.