As the holiday season approaches, Cottonwood Community Drama is gearing up to present one of literature’s most beloved Christmas classics, A Christmas Carol. Directed by Charles Klippenstein, this production promises to deliver the heartwarming tale of redemption and reflection in true Dickensian style, with a few creative twists.
“We’ve done Christmas-themed productions in the past, but A Christmas Carol is one of the ultimate holiday stories,” shared Klippenstein. “This version stays true to classic Dickens, with all the lines and characters audiences know and love. What’s unique is that Charles Dickens himself is a character, weaving in and out of the story as the narrator. It’s a clever way to bring the tale to life.”
A cast of many talents
With a cast of 24 actors ranging in age from 10 to over 60, the production brings together community members of all generations. These performers juggle 66 different roles, showcasing their versatility with multiple costume changes. “There’s a lot of moving pieces with a large cast, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see it all come together,” Klippenstein noted.
Cottonwood Community Drama, which has been active for 16 years, continues to foster a sense of connection through theater. “It’s wonderful to have adults, teenagers, and kids sharing the stage. It’s part of what makes our productions so special.”
A classic with a creative touch
Though the story remains rooted in Victorian England, the director is prioritizing character depth and emotional resonance over strict adherence to accents or period costumes. “We’ll hear some Victorian English accents, but the focus is on seeing the emotion and development of the characters,” Klippenstein explained.
Costuming such a period piece presents its own challenges, but the team is up to the task. “Our costume designer, Sonya, is incredibly creative. We’ll see some rich, beautiful costumes that evoke the era in a fresh way.”
Opening night anticipation
As opening night approaches, Charles is eager to see the cast bring their characters to life in front of an audience. “Rehearsals are one thing, but once there’s an audience, the energy shifts. The characters take on a life of their own,” he said.
This production also marks Charles’ return to the director’s chair after several years, with his last show being It’s a Wonderful Life. Meanwhile, longtime Cottonwood contributor Bruce Penner is taking on dual roles as tech director and actor, adding his expertise to the behind-the-scenes magic.
Cottonwood Community Drama invites you to experience the joy and wonder of A Christmas Carol. With its heartfelt message and talented cast, it’s a production sure to capture the spirit of the season.
Show dates and tickets:
December 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 pm
December 8th at 2:30 pm
Tickets for A Christmas Carol are on sale now. Visit www.mciblues.net to secure your seats and join in the holiday cheer!