Photos from the making of the DCPA Theatre Company’s 24th staging of the holiday classic, ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Photos include new costumes and scenic elements. To see more, click the forward arrown on the image above. Photos by John Moore for the DCPA NewsCenter.

By Hope Grandon
For the DCPA NewsCenter

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was first published on  Dec. 19, 1843. Now, 173 years and 24 DCPA Theatre Company productions later, audiences continue to make it the company’s most popular show.

The Theatre Company has produced A Christmas Carol since 1990 (with a few gap years). The current musical version has been a Denver staple since 2005. This year marks Kevin Copenhaver’s 12th time designing costumes for the beloved holiday tradition.

A Christmas Carol features more than 100 Dickensian costumes — some old, some new but always a few finishing touches to make it sparkle anew each year.

This year, Copenhaver gets to outfit a brand new Scrooge – Sam Gregory. “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with Sam to bring his version of Scrooge to life,” Copenhaver said.

Director Melissa Rain Anderson, who is making her DCPA directorial debut with A Christmas Carol, and Copenhaver also have been discussing a new take on two of the spirits Scrooge encounters.

Upon first meeting the Ghost of Christmas Past, Scrooge asks, “Good Heaven. Please madam, could you dim your glow?”

Past designs for the Ghost of Christmas Past have relied on Don Darnutzer’s lighting design for that illuminating moment. This year, Copenhaver is exploring what it would look like if the spirit’s costume had the ability to be a self-contained light source. You also may see The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come rising a little higher above you. According to Copenhaver, the team is “looking into the possibility of that other-worldly specter coming in on stilts this year.”

Pictured above and right: Kevin Copenhaver’s new look for The Ghost of Christmas Past. Photo by John Moore.

A Christmas Carol: Ticket information
At a glance: Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge’s triumphant overnight journey to redemption. A Christmas Carol illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.

Presented by the DCPA Theatre Company
By Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Richard Hellesen
Music by David de Berry
Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson
Nov. 25-Dec. 24
Stage Theatre
ASL Interpreted and Audio-Described Performance: 1:30 p.m. Dec 11
Tickets: 303-893-4100 or BUY ONLINE

Selected previous NewsCenter coverage of A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol undergoes its own rebirth with new director, star
Cast lists: A Christmas Carol, The SantaLand Diaries begin anew
Video: Leslie O’Carroll performs A Christmas Carol in five minutes
Photos, video: Philip Pleasants takes final bow as Scrooge