Costume Designers - Past and Present

For decades, the visual magic of A Christmas Carol has been shaped by the creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication of Denise Ervin and Lindsay Pape. Their work ensures that every costume, wig, and accessory transports audiences into the streets of Victorian London, creating a fully immersive experience that has delighted generations.

Denise Ervin’s involvement with the show spans roughly 20 years, beginning as a costume assistant to original designers Kathy Wilson and Tom Krisp during the second season. She quickly became a cornerstone of the production, assisting in building costumes for the first Midwest touring production and traveling on the tour as head of wardrobe for three seasons. Over time, she took on the monumental task of re-designing the mainstage costumes twice, bringing the production back to Charles Jones’ original 1840s concept. In addition to her design work, Denise performed onstage in the chorus and played Lucy for two seasons.

Reflecting on her decades with A Christmas Carol, Denise recalls the late nights and countless hours spent in costume shops, sometimes managing up to 400 costumes in a single season. Despite the grueling work, the laughter and camaraderie she shared with colleagues like Joe Miloni, Amy Schmidt, Brigid Jenkins, and Mary Ann Olig made it all worthwhile. Mary Ann, who designed wigs for over 20 years, was integral to the production’s iconic look, creating more than 100 wigs per season for mainstage and touring productions. Denise also credits Charles Jones as her mentor, saying his creative genius and guidance shaped not only her work but the enduring legacy of the show itself.

Lindsay Pape inherited the costume design in 2017, maintaining decades of established costumes while gradually adding her own touches each season. Starting with the Fezziwig Party dresses and vests, she expanded her designs to Fred and Millie party attire, school boy costumes, street scene jackets and capes, and merchant outfits. Her work ensures that every new generation of performers steps onto the stage in costumes that feel authentic, playful, and full of character.

One special memory Lindsay shares is the 2020 pandemic version of A Christmas Carol, an intimate, 8-person recorded production. Though small, it highlighted the power of costumes to transform even a minimal cast into the bustling, vibrant world of Dickens’ tale, proving that creativity and attention to detail can shine in any setting.

Together, Denise and Lindsay’s artistry has shaped the look and feel of A Christmas Carol for over two decades. Their work allows performers to fully inhabit their roles and audiences to step into a magical, timeless holiday world, keeping the tradition alive for generations.