Mark Shanahan has a knack for reimagining beloved stories, transforming them into theatrical experiences brimming with heart, humor, and ingenuity. As the playwright of A Merry Little Christmas Carol and A Sherlock Carol, Shanahan combines his love for classic literature with his talent for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with modern audiences.
You may recognize him as the director of previous Virginia Stage Company productions of The Hound of the Baskervilles, The 39 Steps, and Dial M for Murder, and as the playwright for our Virtual Reading of A Murder at Fernly Hall.
Mark Shanahan is an actor, director, playwright and teacher. He is the author of the Off-Broadway and international hit play A Sherlock Carol (NY Times Critic’s Pick and nominated Best Play 2022 by the Off-Broadway Alliance,), the Off Broadway and regional comedy The Dingdong: Or, Take Me I’m Yours!, A Merry Little Christmas Carol and Agatha Christie’s The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd, adapted in association with Agatha Christie Ltd. He is also the creator/author of original radio drama for White Heron Theatre and NPR’s Ghost Light Series, featuring luminaries like Christopher Plummer, Judith Ivey, Rhonda Ross and others. Mark was nominated for an Edgar Award for his adaptation of The Chronology Protection Case, and co-wrote the short screenplay Kill Me (Adirondack FilmFest). His directing work has been seen at The Alley Theatre, Westport Country Playhouse, Irish Rep, White Heron, Florida Rep, George Street, Virginia Stage, Penguin Rep, The Fulton, Arkansas Rep, Theatre Squared, and Hudson Stage among others. He has acted on Broadway in The 39 Steps and Philadelphia, Here I Come! And appeared Off-Broadway in As Bees In Honey Down, Checkers, The Shaigraun, Tryst, and more as well as performing at many notable regional stages throughout the United States. Shanahan is Artistic Director of the historic Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Ct., and a longtime former faculty member at Fordham University.
His work brings fresh energy to timeless tales, whether as a director or playwright. With an eye for detail and a flair for the unexpected, Shanahan continues to enchant audiences and remind us of the enduring magic of storytelling.