A Christmas Carol is on stage through December 30.
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By Michen Dewey
Director Jessica Thebus discusses the evolving vision behind of A Christmas Carol. Each year brings fresh challenges and inspirations, prompting a reflection on how the world around us influences the storytelling. With a blend of traditional elements and innovative concepts, Jessica shares her excitement for this year’s surprises.
Michen Dewey: How does your vision for A Christmas Carol evolve with each production, especially with the familiarity you have with the material?
Jessica: The moment the world is in any given year affects certain choices that we make—mostly not literal references, but just the feeling the show has, as entering into this story each year has a ritual sense—so it must speak to the feeling in the air, it must ask what the audience needs and wants this year.
Michen: How do you balance the more traditional elements of A Christmas Carol while introducing new concepts?
Jessica: It’s like a quilt! The fabric is strong and the pattern is familiar, but details can be added to keep it fresh and new. The goal is to have a harmonious relationship between classic and novel ideas.
Michen: What new elements or themes are you exploring this year, particularly with the inclusion of new actors?
Jessica: New actors bring their own stories and experiences to the quilt in unpredictable ways—so we will see what emerges once we all get into the room with the story. There are a few surprises—in my imagining, the spirits are all elements of the natural world—the Moon, the Holly and Ivy, the Crow, the Deer—and a couple new visitors are expected!
Michen: Do you have a favorite moment or scene this year that you’re particularly excited to see come to life with this new cast?
Jessica: Every Scrooge is unique, and the moment when he realizes he has not missed Christmas after all is special to that actor. I am excited for the nature of that beautiful revelation in the hands of Christopher Donahue.
Michen: What do you hope the audience takes away from Scrooge’s journey this year?
Jessica: The journey between a director and an actor is a collaboration and a mutual process. We really create the story together, and our love of it will blend in a particular way—there will be surprises! It’s part of the magic and the mystery that unfolds in the theater.
Communications Content Manager Michen Dewey is the Managing Editor and Graphic Designer for the Goodman’s Playbill.
