The Forgotten Carols is a deeply moving and spiritually rich Christmas musical written by Michael McLean that has touched audiences for decades. Blending heartwarming storytelling, original songs, and faith-centered themes, the show offers a fresh, intimate perspective on the Nativity story—told through the lens of those who might have been "forgotten" by history, but whose encounters with the Christ child reveal powerful messages of hope, redemption, and grace.
Synopsis
At the heart of The Forgotten Carols is Connie Lou, a young, tightly-wound nurse who is assigned to care for John, an eccentric, elderly patient with no known family. She finds his joyful demeanor and strange stories unnerving at first—especially when he insists that he has lived for centuries and personally met people from the Nativity story who the world has forgotten.

John begins to recount his experiences with these “forgotten” characters, each one brought to life through an original song and narrative. Through this storytelling, we meet:
The Innkeeper, who regrets turning Mary and Joseph away but finds peace knowing his failure helped fulfill prophecy (“Let Him In”).
Shepherds, who were forever changed by the angelic announcement and now struggle to share their witness (“He Was Here”).
A woman named Mary, not the Virgin Mother, but a grieving woman from Bethany who discovers healing in Christ’s love (“Mary Let Me Hold Her Baby”).
Joseph, whose quiet strength and humble obedience are honored in a tender ballad (“Joseph (I Was Not His Father, He Was Mine)”).
As John shares each story and song, Connie Lou begins to soften. Her own barriers—emotional wounds, loss of faith, and a fear of opening up—begin to crumble. Through John’s infectious belief and these intimate accounts, she is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas: that Christ came for everyone, especially the unseen and overlooked.
The musical crescendos in a transformational moment of healing and belief, as Connie Lou finds herself changed forever—her heart opened to the love and light of the Savior. By the end, what began as a routine caregiving job becomes a divine encounter that restores faith and kindles new joy in the Christmas season.
We intend to present "The Forgotten Carols" for three shows on November 14, 15 and a matinee on November 16. - two weeks before Thanksgiving, and as we herald in the Holiday season.