When you’re taking on a character as iconic as Ebenezer Scrooge, should you try something different with the role?
No, says local actor Jim Reid, who’s playing the lead in Windsor Light Music Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol — opening Friday night at the Chrysler Theatre.
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“It’s such a classic character, and so many people already know the story, that if you start adding your own personal things — (audiences) might be put off by that,” Reid reasons. “I think I keep it pretty true to form.”
It’s telling that Reid’s favourite interpretations of Ebenezer Scrooge are classic performances: Alistair Sim in the 1951 black-and-white movie version of A Christmas Carol, and Albert Finney in the 1970 musical Scrooge.
As far as Reid is concerned, Charles Dickens’ familiar tale of redemption during the Christmas season speaks for itself.
Windsor Light Music Theatre’s portrayal of the story — directed by Michael Roy — makes sure to include Scrooge’s tragic past, which shaped him into literature’s most memorable miser.
Opening night of #AChristmasCarolTheMusical at the @ChryslerTheatre is only a week away! Do you have your tickets yet? Get them while you still can by calling the box office at 519 252-6579 or visiting https://t.co/BsVV6xys7L #YQG #theatre pic.twitter.com/0mETWsIgpC
“We try to give the backstory of why Ebenezer is the way he is,” Reid explains. “Our version talks about his father having to go to a debtor’s prison, and his mother dying shortly thereafter. He goes through a lot of trauma, as a boy.”
“It’s such a great part. Scrooge goes on such an emotional rollercoaster… It’s kind of the most extreme emotional journey that a character can go on.”
But does Reid believe in the book’s message of total positive character transformation being possible at any age?
“It’s somewhat of a fairytale. It’s possible. I think it’s unlikely,” Reid admits. “It’s a story of hope, really… That’s the magic of the story.”
Windsor Light Music Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Chrysler Theatre (201 Riverside Dr. West).
Performances take place this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., and next weekend (Nov. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 27 at 2 p.m.).
Ticket prices start at $35 for adults, $30 for youths and seniors.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.chryslertheatre.com or call 519-252-6579.
Learn more about Windsor Light Music Theatre productions at www.windsorlight.com.
Windsor police are monitoring activity at the Ambassador Bridge Saturday as reports of an anti-mask convoy headed to Windsor began surfacing.
Comedy duo James & Jamesy are bringing their rollicking holiday comedy O Christmas Tea to Windsor’s Chrysler Theatre.
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