At Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, Every Christmas Story Ever Told flips the script

Sometimes all you need to get into the holiday spirit is a little laughter. At the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) delivers an energetic, tongue-in-cheek journey through nearly every holiday tale you can imagine — and possibly a few you can’t. Co-directed by Leslie O’Carroll and Branden Smith, this comedy is a lighthearted antidote to holiday stress and a great excuse to spend an evening at the theater.

Listen to the OnStage Colorado Podcast interview with the directors.

The play opens with a simple premise: Joe (Joey Folsom) doesn’t believe in Santa, Christmas magic, or any of the sentimental traditions that come with the season. All he wants to do is recite a straightforward version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Enter Caroline Turner and Selah Kreeger, who drag him — reluctantly — through a whirlwind of Christmas classics. From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to How the Grinch Stole Christmas to an epic combo of A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life, the show is packed with clever parodies and zany humor.

Selah Kreeger and Joey Folsom in ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’ at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre | Photo: Curtis Devore

Merry and bright

The first act moves at breakneck speed, jumping from one holiday tradition to the next. One of the most memorable moments was a puppet-show version of The Gift of the Magi. The absurdity of a bald puppet wife drew huge laughs. Another highlight was a sweet and unexpected duet of White Christmas, which provided a rare moment of calm and showed off the performers’ versatility.

The second act takes the humor to the next level with its mashup of A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life. The clever writing here showcases the talents of the co-directors and the cast, creating a fresh spin on stories everyone knows by heart. The evening wraps up with an entertaining medley of Christmas carols that will warm even the most skeptical heart.

Audience participation popped up here and there, adding to the fun without taking over the show. The cast kept things lively with playful banter and a few well-timed improvised jokes, including a crack about doing the show just to score their ski passes.

A cozy production with a big heart

The show’s charm lies not only in the performances but in its creative, no-frills staging. Scenic Designer Tania Barrenechea transformed the stage into what felt like a cozy 18th-century building, an ideal backdrop for the show’s mishmash of stories. Jazmin Aurora Medina’s costumes were simple and effective, fitting the playful and minimalist tone of the production. The lighting by Josiah Croegaert and sound design by Brendan O’Hara were subtle but effective, and Kylee Purcell’s clever props added a touch of whimsy throughout.

While Every Christmas Story Ever Told may not reinvent holiday theatre, it delivers exactly what it promises: a high-energy romp through the season’s greatest hits. The audience loved every minute, laughing and joining in the fun.

Whether you’re a Christmas traditionalist or more of a Grinch, you’ll leave with a smile — and maybe a little extra holiday cheer.