After this—its 18th consecutive season in the Valley—the annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” by Actors Theatre Company goes silent. So, don’t play Ebenezer: Book seats for one of the 15 shows at the Herberger Theater Center in Downtown Phoenix.
Charles Dickens’ tale of hope and redemption, first published as a novella in December 1843, runs Dec. 4-24, including Sunday 2 p.m. matinees and a 1 p.m. Christmas Eve performance. When that final curtain falls, Phoenix-based Actors Theatre Company will have performed the seasonal favorite for the 392nd time.
“After 18 years, it’s time for Tiny Tim to walk on his own,” says Matthew Wiener, producing artistic director at the company for 16 of those. “When we first started producing ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Valley, there was very little holiday programming. Over the past 10 years, more and more have popped up, and our attendance has started to decline. It may come back in the future, just not in the next few years.”
Adapted by Wiener and Michael Grady, with music and lyrics by Alan Ruch, the show features Californian Kim Bennett, who returns for his 11th season as Scrooge. Valley actors include Tempe’s Gene Ganssle, who plays Scooge’s amiable nephew, Fred; Sally Jo Bannow, Phoenix, as the Ghost of Christmas Past; David Barker, Tempe, as the Ghost of Christmas Present; and mother and son, Stephanie Likes and Casey Likes, both from Chandler, who return as Mrs. Cratchit, wife of Scrooge’s impoverished clerk, Bob, and their crippled son, Tiny Tim.
The crew for Actors Theatre Company also includes Paul Black (Lighting Design), David Temby (Sound Design), Jeff Thompson (Scenic Design), Manuella Needhammer (Hair and Make-Up Design) and April S. Smith (Stage Manager).
Other cast members are Keilani Akagi, Chandler, who plays Belinda Cratchit; Glendale’s Abby Belliston as Mrs. Fezziwig; Natalie Ellis, Scottsdale, the Nurse; Phoenix’ Robert Kolby Harper, who portrays Bob Cratchit; Beau Heckman, Scottsdale, the Sailor; Mike Lawler, Phoenix, as Jacob Marley; Tempe’s Lillie Richardson as Mrs. Fred; and Ben Tyler, also of Tempe, as Mr. Fezziwig. In addition, David Rodgers of Gilbert is the Miner, Maxx Calile-King , Phoenix, is Young Scrooge, and Alison Malony of Ahwatukee is Martha.
“This show has been significant for many of our audience members who come back year after year,” says Wiener, who has directed 30-plus productions for the company, this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. He lives in Phoenix with wife Marion and twin daughters Jordan and Claire. “The audience tells us it helps start the holiday season for them.”
He adds: “It’s also been significant for all the performers and technicians who have worked on the show for years. For many, it has been a steady gig, with most of the cast returning year after year. Several actors have actually grown up on stage and moved from one role to another.”
For 13 years, Ganssle has been playing Fred, who annually invites Scrooge to his home for Christmas and even toasts him at a party while the latter is on his journey with the ghosts. “When he shows up at the end, it’s hard for Kim [Bennett] and me to avoid tearing up sometimes,” says the New Jersey native, who teaches acting at ASU and Scottsdale Community College. “It never gets boring, and the story and the ‘family’ of actors I work with make this one of my favorite productions ever.”
