“A Christmas Carol”
As the Open Stage staff decorates the lobby with garland and puts the finishing touches on the holiday scenery and costume designs, anticipation builds for the return of two cherished productions: “Who’s Holiday!” and “A Christmas Carol.” The two shows have become staples for central Pa. audiences and artists.
Nicholas Hughes has played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge since the professional theatre company first staged “A Christmas Carol” in 2000. Based on the classic story of redemption by Charles Dickens, the show follows Scrooge as he is visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, Rachel Landon is taking her fourth turn as Cindy Lou Who in “Who’s Holiday!” an irreverent parody twist on the story of the Grinch.
The artists behind these iconic characters sat down to discuss their holiday shows, playing this month during Open Stage’s 38th season in downtown Harrisburg. The two veteran performers were happy to give a glimpse into the festive worlds the company brings to life each holiday season. Whether you’re in the mood for irreverent comedy or a classic tale of redemption, Open Stage promises a festive month of shows that capture the heart of the season.
Q: It’s been nearly a quarter century of you embodying Ebenezer Scrooge, Nick. Rachel, this is your fourth season as Cindy Lou. How do you approach your roles each year and keep it fresh?
Nick: Well, it sort of provides its own impetus. It doesn’t get repetitive over time. Audience members come voluntarily…
Rachel: Thank goodness.
Nick: They return again and again because they enjoy it. And I do too. It’s a bit like revisiting an old friend. Scrooge is a character with layers, and, each year, I find something new to explore. There’s a depth and richness to his journey that makes it rewarding. Mr. Dickens himself toured and gave recitals of his story time after time for many years. Probably managed to make a different rendition of his wonderful story. I hope to emulate that.
Rachel: Cindy is a lot of fun to play. You have a different audience every night who gets to experience the story. Cindy Lou’s story is a comedy and a tragedy. The funny stuff comes from the bad things that have happened to her. Each year, I find new moments in the script and in her character. It is the same old story, but it’s new for me every single day.
Nick: Cindy Lou has such a catastrophic and deprived existence, but she remains cheerful. Yet, there’s Mr. Scrooge, presumably living with money rolling in, but so grumpy and miserable. What a counterpoint. Whoa!
Q: After 24 productions and countless rehearsals, what keeps you coming back to “A Christmas Carol” each year?
Nick: It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this annual production with a wonderful cast, many of whom come back to the show year after year. Forging those connections each year—it’s what makes this tradition truly special. Plus, I believe we had the best audiences last year, the highest percentage of seats filled in the theater!
Q: And Rachel, why Cindy Lou again? What keeps you coming back?
Rachel: It’s the massive paycheck that I get.
Nick: Damn right.
Rachel: In all seriousness, I think she’s such a wonderful and unique character. I tell my students [at The Alsedek Theatre School of Open Stage] that what we do should be fun. When you’re on stage, you should be having a good time, even when telling a dramatic story.
Nick: And it is different every time. It’s new every year. Every performance, actually.
Q: What lessons do you take from these stories during the holiday season, Rachel?
Rachel: It’s all about gathering. Both Cindy Lou and Scrooge’s stories share the idea of connecting once again to the outside world after a long time away. Christmas represents being with the ones you love, having a good time, sharing laughter and love.
Q: These shows have become traditions for Open Stage and for the community. Why do you think each show has such a strong following?
Nick: For me and my fellow cast members, this production is Christmas. It dominates three months of our year. For those who attend every year, it’s something familiar, but it’s also exciting and better. Every year, it gets better. The costumes, the adaptation, the choreography, the spectacle and even the themed drinks at the bar!
Rachel: I’ve heard it said about both shows that, “It’s not Christmas until I see ‘Who’s Holiday!’” or “until I see ‘A Christmas Carol!’” This time of year is when families and friends gather, and people want to do something special. Theater is the perfect thing to do together for the holidays!
Q: What do you want people to take away from these shows?
Rachel: Cindy Lou tells us to be kind, to “surround yourself with people who are kind, and if they don’t treat you that way, watch out, beware.” I want audiences to walk away thinking about that. Let’s all choose love, family and kindness.
Nick: We also want to reward people for making the effort to go out and see a live show. It makes life richer and more enjoyable. Everyone should join us downtown for a show.
Rachel: Absolutely, but folks should get their tickets now because both shows sell out. Don’t wait!
Nick: I see people who casually know me; they see that my hair and beard are beginning to grow at this time of year. They say, “Oh yes. Oh you do that thing! You’re Santa Claus” or whatever. And they, say, “Oh well, I really have been meaning to come to that show. I should go.” “Well, look,” I say, “this is year 24, so really, you shouldn’t leave it too long.”
“Who’s Holiday!” and “A Christmas Carol” run through Dec. 23 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.
Stuart Landon is the producing artistic director of Open Stage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
Gilbert & Sullivan’s
“H.M.S. Pinafore”
Dec. 1, 2, 3
Popcorn Hat Players
Countdown to Noon
Dec. 31 at 11 a.m.
TMI Improv
Last Laughs of 2023
Dec. 31 at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. & 11 p.m.
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Who’s Holiday!”
Now to Dec. 22
Cindy Lou is back and funny as ever.
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 2 to 23
The 24th annual production
“A Very Court Street Cabaret Christmas!”
Dec. 8 to 22
Late-night shows of holiday tunes
NYC Showtune Drag Queen
Paige Turner: Slay Ride
Sat., Dec. 9 at 7:30pm
Tony Wayne & The Figgy Pudding Band
Sunday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Rock & jazz arrangements of Christmas favorites
Black Newsbeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Tuesday, Dec 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Be in the live studio audience of this talk show
EFF Live! Holiday Edition
Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 9:30 p.m.
An evening of naughty (not nice) fan fic
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