Denver Center Theatre Company production never fails to impress and inspire
The holiday season would not be complete without a production of A Christmas Carol. Having been adapted into countless films, plays and other works, we are lucky enough to have an annual big-time production from the DCPA Theatre Company. Based on the timeless story by Charles Dickens, this current version is adapted by Richard Hellesen and directed by Anthony Powell.
Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Santo) is a miserly, holiday-hating excuse for a human being. However, this Christmas Eve is going to be different. Scrooge is visited by three ghosts, the first being Ghost of Christmas Past (Erin Willis), taking him on a journey through his past, showing him his childhood and young adulthood. He is reminded that there was a time in his life when he was happy and filled with love in his heart.
The second ghost, Ghost of Christmas Present (TopherEmbrey), unveils the joy and celebration of Christmas today through the humble eyes of Bob Cratchit (Geoffrey Kent) and his family — including his young son Tiny Tim (Hope Clarkston).
Topher Embrey returns as the Ghost of Christmas Present in ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Denver Center. | Photo: Jamie Kraus Photography
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Marco Alberto Robinson), finishes out the trio of spirits by showing Scrooge his bleak future, in which he dies alone and unloved. During his peek into the future, Cratchit’s young son, Tiny Tim also dies — deeply affecting the hard-hearted Scrooge. Shaken by these visions of the past, present and future, Scrooge vows to change his ways, becoming a kinder, more generous person. And indeed, he does!
In the role of Scrooge, Santo is the embodiment of a loathsome person who garners little sympathy from the audience during his time travels. Santo has a long list of DCPA credits, and he caps them off with this notable performance.
Kent, another familiar face on DCPA stages, is the perfect foil for Scrooge. Bob Cratchit is a humble, family-oriented man who treasures his time with those he loves, especially during the Christmas season. Kent brings to his performance a sense of well-being despite the obstacles he is up against working for Scrooge. Clarkston as Tiny Tim tugs at your heartstrings the moment she first appears. She carries with her a tiny crutch symbolizing the plight of those less fortunate and constrained by forces beyond their control.
Willis, Embrey and Robinson are the three ghosts who share the spotlight with Scrooge and make their mark on his ultimate transformation from hateful to happy. They are a talented trio with each actor capturing a moment in time that clearly illustrates the need for Scrooge to redeem himself.
Powell has directed a winning production that captures the audience’s imagination from beginning to end. It is a beautifully staged presentation that features music and dance along with spectacular effects to accentuate Scrooge’s vision of the past, present and future. Credit must be given to David De Berry for the music that brings joy and excitement to the performance while moving the storyline along through time. Kevin Copenhaver has outdone himself with a magnificent costume design that captures the essence of a previous century.
There is still time to see A Christmas Carol at DCPA and this production is perfect seasonal entertainment for every member of the family.
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