Breckenridge’s Backstage Theatre is proud to present the world premiere production of A

Christmas Carol, featuring puppet and mask creations by Imagined Creations - Cory Gilstrap,

designer.

Exclusively commissioned by the Backstage Theatre, this new adaptation of the Dickens

classic is by Josh Hartwell, Curious Theatre Company member and writer for Buntport’s Trunks. 

Hartwell’s adaptation compresses the familiar tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s road to redemption for

a cast of five actors.  In addition, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future are

represented by elaborate and inspiring puppets created by Cory Gilstrap (designer for 

Backstage’s multi-award-winning production of The Hobbit).   A host of other characters -

including Tiny Tim - are portrayed through Gilstrap’s lifelike and detailed puppets.  

A Christmas Carol features Jim Hunt, award-winning Denver actor, in the role of

Ebenezer Scrooge.  He is joined on stage by four other actors who portray the rest of the

characters utilizing puppets and larger-than-life masks.  Josh Hartwell (BETC’s

Shipwrecked) plays Bob Cratchit, Young Ebenezer, Riggs, and more.  Brian Landis Folkins

(recently seen at the Backstage in The Wedding Eve), plays Topper, Fred, Marley and Dilber,

among others.  Mackenzie Paulsen (Vintage’s Avenue Q) plays a variety of roles including

Fundraiser, Emily and Ghost of Christmas Present.  Lindsey Pierce (BETC’s Morisot Reclining) 

plays Gertrude, Martha, Ghost of Christmas Past and more.

A Christmas Carol is produced and directed by Christopher Willard, artistic director of

the Backstage Theatre and director of last year’s sold-out hit, A Christmas Story.  The Tim

Burton-inspired set design is by Tina Anderson (The Wedding Eve).  The evocative lighting

design is by Jacob Welch (The Syringa Tree).  Costumes are by new Backstage company

member, Karen Billingsley.  Stage management is by Sasha Wanger.  Charge artist is Megan

Schaefer. 

A Christmas Carol opens November 16 and plays through December 29 at the

Breckenridge Theatre, 121 S. Ridge Street in Breckenridge.  Most showtimes are 6:30 PM.

Tickets are $25 for Adults and $17 for Youth 18 and under.  Save money by buying online at

www.backstagetheatre.org.  Phone orders may be placed by calling 970.453.0199.  Walk-ups are

welcome.  Tickets available for purchase on day of shows, one hour before curtain time. 

The full performance schedule is:  Nov. 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19,

20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 6:30 PM and Dec. 24 at 1 PM.

There will be a special Champagne Opening on November 16 with food provided by Salt

Creek in Breckenridge.  Special pricing applies.  Consult the Backstage website for details.

A Christmas Carol is proudly sponsored by Peak One Surgery Center.

For more information on the Backstage Theatre’s 39^th Season and to learn how to

purchase a Flex Pass for the season, please visit our website at www.backstagetheatre.org.   Like

us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or read behind-the-scenes events on our Backstage Blog. 

Be part of the Backstage’s social media life at one of these exciting sites, and thanks for

supporting Summit County’s premiere community and professional theatre group.