For 25 years, Open Stage’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” has brought the timeless tale of redemption and generosity to downtown Harrisburg. Since its debut in 1999, the production has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, drawing families, school groups and audiences of all ages.
From the very beginning, Nicholas Hughes has been at the center of it all, portraying Ebenezer Scrooge for a quarter-century with depth, humanity and heart. This year, as the production celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary, Hughes will take his final bow as Scrooge, concluding a remarkable journey with the iconic role.
“We wanted this to be our ‘Nutcracker’—our annual piece, a holiday tradition for the community,” said Don Alsedek, Open Stage’s founding artistic director, who spearheaded the launch of “A Christmas Carol” with a script adapted by his son, Edward Alsedek.
The production opened at Open Stage’s home on Court Street, on the street level of the Walnut Street Parking Garage in downtown Harrisburg. From the beginning, the production aimed to create a sense of magic and nostalgia, using imaginative staging and a family-like cast atmosphere.
Hughes joined the production in that first year, stepping into the role of Scrooge with limited theatrical experience.
“Don must have seen something in me,” Hughes recalled. “I said to him, ‘You want me to play Scrooge? I’m too young for this!’ But he just waved it off and said, ‘You’ll do fine.’”
From 2005 to 2010, the production moved to the larger Sunoco Theatre at Whitaker Center to accommodate growing audiences and daytime matinees for school field trip groups. In the years that followed, Open Stage reimagined the show as a staged reading, keeping the tradition alive in a new format. A partnership with WITF led to a broadcast radio play version in 2016, bringing “A Christmas Carol” to new audiences and airing multiple times during the holiday season.
That same year, Open Stage returned the production to its intimate downtown space, launching a new adaptation that balanced tradition with fresh elements.
“We wanted to bring back that close, personal feeling of the original production,” Hughes said.
The refreshed version introduced dancing ghostly apparitions, whimsical humor and a “magical moving bed” that transported Scrooge through time.
Over the years, Hughes’ portrayal of Scrooge has evolved alongside the production.
“I’m not the same actor I was 25 years ago,” Hughes reflected. “Every performance, I discover something new about Scrooge—he’s such a complex character.”
This depth hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Nick doesn’t ‘act’ Scrooge,” said longtime patron Beryl Kuhr, who serves as board president. “He becomes him, capturing every nuance, every shade of the character.”
The production owes its success to a dedicated team of actors, designers, crew members and countless volunteers, alongside student performers of The Alsedek Theatre School and their parents. Gwen Alsedek, the original costume designer, crafted the Victorian wardrobe that defined the show’s aesthetic for decades.
“I remember the early years when we were figuring everything out, and I’d think, ‘How are we going to pull this off?’” she said. “But we always did, and it always felt special. Watching the cast transform in their costumes—it’s magic.”
The show’s unique backstage community has also been a cornerstone of its charm for returning artists.
“It was chaos in the best way,” said Trish Baillie Koser, a longtime cast member and choreographer. “You had adults doing quick changes, kids running around, and parents helping out. It wasn’t just a show—it was family.”
For Danni Ryan, who grew up performing in the production, “A Christmas Carol” has become a lifelong touchstone.
“Now that I’m a mother, I want to share this story with my kids,” she said. “It’s funny how the show becomes a part of you.”
This year, Open Stage celebrates the production’s 25th anniversary with “To Mister Scrooge!” a special event honoring the artists and volunteers who created this production. The event will be held on Dec. 8 at both Open Stage and Whitaker Center, with former cast members, crew and community supporters invited to attend.
For Hughes, the milestone is bittersweet.
“Playing Scrooge has changed me,” he said. “Every year, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into this story, and it’s been the greatest gift.”
Open Stage’s production of “A Christmas Carol” runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 22 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.
Stuart Landon serves as producing artistic director at Open Stage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
Stage Door Series
A reading of “The Tragedy of Mariam”
Dec. 17
The Popcorn Hat Players
Countdown to Noon
A New Year’s Eve Party for children!
Dec. 28
TMI Improv Presents
“Last Laughs”
An improv event leading up to the New Year
Dec. 28
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Who’s Holiday!”
Cindy Lou Who is back!
Nov. 23 to Dec. 22
“A Christmas Carol”
The 25th anniversary of this magical production
Nov. 30 to Dec. 22
A Very Court Street Cabaret
“Christmas Cabaret”
Dec. 4 to 20
Black NewsBeat
With Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
EFF Live!
Erotic Fan Fiction Live!
Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
