BWW Reviews: The Denver Center Theatre Company Brings Christmas Joy with A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The Denver Center Company brings back its beloved company classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL playing on the Stage Theatre now through December 29th. 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.

Back by very popular demand, the Denver Center Company brings us true Christmas joy with this exceptional production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. You may see several variations popping up everywhere during the holidays, but it is this production that truly honors the storytelling, the sarcasm, the heart, the sheer joy and the true genius of this masterpiece of Charles Dickens. The Denver Center Company has found this niche in this adaptation by Richard Hellesen with music by David de Berry that carries the audience on the epic journey and brought everyone ultimate Christmas delight! The thing that I appreciated most was the unique storytelling that featured so many of this talented ensemble who brought exceptional variations and inflections to their roles. Not only that, but the addition of the music brought us some memorable songs and exceptional singers in the cast. Welcome Christmas Day set the scene as the working depressed class got a glimmer of hope and Christmas joy. Philip Pleasants really is the pinnacle Ebeneezer Scrooge and his little additions to his character brought an elderly twinkle of glee to his performance. I also noticed that this massive cast featured a breath of new life from several local Denver actors mixed in with the company veterans playing their favorite roles, positive energy and high-spirits that made this show soar and this classic tale shine from exciting beginning to enchanting, wintery end. I was thoroughly impressed by the talented children in the cast that brought a youthful innocence and playful quality to the production.

This in demand Christmas tradition at the Denver Center would not be complete without the amazing Philip Pleasants taking the helm in the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge that he has done so well for so many memorable productions of this show. I have enjoyed his performance in this role many times in the past, but this time was a little different. I noticed that he was having more fun with his reprised role, especially during his Bah Humbug grumpiness in the beginning. His inflection of each of his signature "Bah Humbugs" had small variations and inflections that delighted the audience and made them fall in love with Ebeneezer and cheer his self-discovery and transformation on. This is the genius of this fine actor - he can play this role for the 40th time and yet still find a way to make this production and his character unique and memorable from all the others.

With its superb cast and exceptional set and costume design, I can honestly see why this has been a Denver Center Company tradition that will be welcomed back to the Denver holiday lineup for many more festive years to come. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is enchanting audiences now through December 29th. on the Stage Theatre of the Denver Center. For tickets or more information, contact the box office at 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jennifer M. Koskinen

Philip Pleasant as Ebeneezer Scrooge and John Hutton as Jacob Marley

Stephanie Cozart as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Thomas Russo as Young Ebeneezer and Philip Pleasants as Ebeneezer Scrooge

Leslie O’Carroll and Michael Fitzpatrick as Mrs. and Mr. Fezziwig

The Crachet Family

Fezziwigs Annual Christmas Ball

Philip Pleasant as Ebeneezer Scrooge