By Vicky Mejia
This year, A Christmas Carol returned to The Goodman stage with both new and familiar faces! Returning for a third time to the heartwarming and cherished production is actress Tatiana Bustamante who debuts as BELLE for her first time after participating as an understudy for previous productions. Formerly a marketer for The Goodman, Tatiana opened up about her close relationship to the Chicago holiday story from both the perspectives of an arts admin and an artist, and what she’s most looking forward to this season.
Tatiana Bustamante
Goodman Theatre: What is it like to work on The Goodman’s A Christmas Carol from starting as an Understudy to now taking the role as Belle?
Tatiana Bustamante: I would argue that I started as a marketer! I first saw the show on Opening Night, 2022, and it deeply impacted me. During the curtain call I leaned over to my partner in tears and very boldly said, “I’m going to be in this show next year.” Some would call that manifestation or even brujeria, and I’m not ruling those out, but I think it’s just intuition. In that moment I was overcome with the powerful feeling that this production was going to be a meaningful part of my life for many years. My time as an understudy was a huge part of my overall experience. It feels like there isn’t a part of the show I haven’t touched, which made my transition to an onstage track much smoother.
I still get nostalgic about my first couple years swinging for the show because they brought me these extraordinary humans that I get to make theatre with every year. Coming back to A Christmas Carol is like coming back to my holiday home. This year I am so honored to have the opportunity to share my interpretation of this classic character with Goodman audiences. I love how my involvement with the production changes and evolves over time. I think that’s what makes this production so unique and special. The collaborative nature of the show allows us to leave our little contributions that live on past our time. On my way out of the theatre last week I saw a t-shirt in the gift shop inspired by the “World Carol” we built with Merry Christmas written in different languages, and I teared up as my castmate said “WE DID THAT!”
GT: What were some of your favorite parts of bringing A Christmas Carol to the stage as a marketer?
TB: Like it’s hard! I love to market shows that I’m passionate about, and this one is SO accessible. Our version is rich with representation, and it’s such a joy to be able to say “Sure, you’ve seen Christmas Carol, but you’ve never seen it like this!”
Photo by Hugo Hentoff.
GT: What is something you wish people knew about the work that happens behind the scenes in promoting a large production such as A Christmas Carol as well the preparation that an actor goes through to prepare for a prominent role?
TB: The scale of this production is massive. It takes an astonishing amount of labor, time, and energy to make the magic happen, and that involves hundreds of dedicated humans, many of whom sacrifice their own holiday traditions to be a part of this beautiful Chicago one. The holidays bring up complicated feelings for a lot of people, and with that comes a lot of vulnerability. The schedule is challenging, and this time of year, many of us struggle to find balance in our lives. I am immensely grateful for the culture of care established by our director, creative team, cast, crew, and Goodman staff. Through all the Christmas chaos, they see our humanity and encourage us to find sustainability in our process.
Photo by Meg on Unsplash.
GT: As a Florida native, what do you like most about festivities that take place in Chicago around the holidays?
TB: Though I famously hate snow (don’t come for me), I can’t deny the visual masterpiece it creates as it coats my favorite city skyline. Growing up I always romanticized the idea of spending Christmas in a place that actually has seasons. Don’t get me wrong, Christmas lights on palm trees have their charm, but I always felt like I was missing out on the quintessential Christmas experience. Now that in live here, I see the appeal. I appreciate that Chicago makes it a community affair. There are tons of festivals and holiday-themed activities to choose from, and it’s so cute and fun to show my Florida family around. They get all starry-eyed when they see the decorations all over the city, and yes…the snow!
Photo by Brett Beiner.
GT: Your character BELLE plays a significant role is Scrooge’s life. What is a lesson that this role teaches you and hopefully others, too?
TB: In a society dominated by capitalistic principles, BELLE unapologetically fights for human connection. She bravely challenges Young Scrooge to acknowledge his greed and realign his moral compass. Her unwavering values have inspired me to confidently ask for what I need in my relationships. I am learning that confrontation is care, especially when you’re fighting for something this important. I really hope audiences walk away feeling empowered to reexamine their definition of wealth. To quote Mr. Fezziwig, I am “rich in friendship” and “wealthy in fondness!”
GT: What are lobby offerings/photo ops that A Christmas Carol attendee should visit?
TB: The Scrooge standee is a must! I take a grumpy photo with it every year.
GT: Do you have any pre or post-show rituals you’d like to share?
TB: I live for our greenroom shenanigans! A couple of years ago we started A Christmas Carol game club. What began as a way to pass the time between shows turned into an opportunity to connect with each other through friendly competition. Who needs caffeine when you have a sweaty, high stakes game of Catan to wake you up? We also LOVE a watch party, and we’re real cute about it. We set up a projector, make themed snacks, get cozy, and fill the space with our giggles. Wholesome hits like The Muppets Christmas Carol and Over the Garden Wall are sooo good for morale, and this year I’m realizing that the energy we cultivate in those greenroom hours finds its way onto the stage. My smile is just a little bit bigger at the Fezziwig party because I shared those moments with my ensemble.
Photo by Hugo Hentoff.
GT: Who should come see A Christmas Carol
TB: Anyone who wants to believe that change is possible. In just 2 acts, we are shown the value of accountability, the power of reparations, and the joy of forgiveness. If Scrooge is capable of change, so is anyone, and so are you. Yes, metamorphosis can be uncomfortable because it forces us to confront the darkest parts of ourselves, but the outcome is always a thing of beauty. This story is ripe with hope, humanity, and heart, and in a time dominated by the pressures of productivity and individualism, our ghosts are here to remind us that the greatest investment you can make is the one you make in your community.
Vicky Mejia is the Digital Marketing Associate at Goodman Theatre
