Cast & creatives
People behind the production
Coney Island Christmas is a theatrical work penned by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Donald Margulies, best known for Dinner with Friends. Premiering in 2012 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, this intimate production centers on Shirley Abramowitz, a Jewish girl growing up in 1930s Brooklyn who is cast as Jesus in a school pageant. The show blends nostalgia, family dynamics, and music to illuminate themes of faith, identity, and community. Licensed by Concord Theatricals (Dramatists Play Service collection), the piece has enjoyed a steady presence in regional theaters and stays resonant with audiences seeking heartfelt, character-driven storytelling.