The role of Scrooge is the Chicago theater actor’s equivalent of James Bond: it’s iconic, full of bells and whistles, and has been played by only a handful of actors over the years.
A couple of years ago, when I heard that Larry Yando would be stepping away from the role, I immediately called my agent to ask about auditioning. My opportunity would have to wait: Chris Donahue had already been cast. I was disappointed, and I thought I might never get another chance. But when the chance arose again, I asked for an audition—and that began the journey that brought me to The Goodman.
I’m thrilled to be here helping tell this beautiful story. I want to be part of any play that encourages us to see one another as “fellow-passengers to the grave, and not just another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”
Connection. Connecting ourselves to one another. Perhaps that’s where Scrooge’s transformation truly begins: when he recognizes the lonely child he once was in the caroler he frightens away from his door. It continues when he connects the memory of his beloved sister, Fan, to her child, whom he has treated so badly. And it deepens when he recognizes Fezziwig’s generosity as a model for his own treatment of Bob Cratchit. Scrooge still has a ways to go, but he now has an unshakeable foundation on which to build.
Perhaps one reason this story continues to be told is its belief in the possibility of redemption. We all have days when we are not our best selves. It helps to believe that we can change—that tomorrow, we can do better.
Thank you so much for being here.
I hope you enjoy the journey.
Tim Hopper
