Just as Ebenezer Scrooge eventually finds the holiday spirit, join the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket for the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol, and we’re positive you, too, will be leaving any “Bah Humbug” inclinations behind! With opening night upon us, and plenty of opportunities to catch the show before closing on December 13, N Magazine checked in with some of the cast members to talk rehearsal memories, favorite scenes, and what they’re asking for this Christmas.
JACK BULGER
“After being away from the theatre for many years, I became active again in 2010, doing TWN plays, staged reading, and some film work.”
N MAGAZINE: What character do you play in A Christmas Carol? Is there anything in particular about your character that you related to when you first read the script?
BULGER: Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge’s life wasn’t easy growing up, but in the end, he discovers the trick is to appreciate the “good.”
N MAGAZINE: What is your favorite scene in the show?
BULGER: Probably when Scrooge is welcomed back by his family.
N MAGAZINE: What is it you’re asking Santa for this Christmas?
BULGER: Health, happiness, and a milder winter than last year!
KELSEY SELF
“This is my first time to Nantucket and I think it is absolutely magical… it seems like something out of a fairytale!”
N MAGAZINE: What character do you play in A Christmas Carol? Is there anything in particular about your character that you related to when you first read the script?
SELF: I play the character Emily. She falls in love with Ebenezer Scrooge before his heart is hardened by money and time. I immediately identified with this character and I imagine most people will as well. Anyone who has experienced love and loss can relate to Emily.
N MAGAZINE: What has been your favorite moment or memory while rehearsing A Christmas Carol?
SELF: Learning the choreography to “Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball.” The cast had so much fun learning and laughing together as Bryan taught us this upbeat number!
N MAGAZINE: Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol is a classic piece of literature and has seen many iterations on stage and on film. What is it about this version that you think makes it special?
SELF: I have enjoyed this version of A Christmas Carol immensely! I love that it is the story we all know and love, but the script and the music really spice it up. There are moments where you will laugh and there are moments that will move you to tears. The songs encompass so many styles… Some are jubilant, while others are eerie and haunting, but they are all beautiful and moving.
CONNOR HUBBARD
“I’m asking Santa Claus for rent money for my apartment in Brooklyn… but I’ll probably just get coal.”
N MAGAZINE: What character do you play in A Christmas Carol? Is there anything in particular about your character that you related to when you first read the script?
HUBBARD: I play both Fred, Scrooge’s nephew, and Young Scrooge. Given the opportunity to play Scrooge at such pivotal moments in his past has been an eye-opening experience. It helps remind me that the life I live today truly influences the life I will live tomorrow. Since I arrived on Nantucket for rehearsals, I’ve taken several moments to stop and take stock of the present for nostalgia’s sake…and also taken hundreds of (super touristy) photos!
N MAGAZINE: What is your acting background?
HUBBARD: I grew up in Queens, NY and first performed on stage when I was in the 8th grade playing Louis in The King and I. Throughout high school I performed in every show I could and ended up getting my degree in Theatre at Davidson College. Since then, I’ve been performing in and out of New York. This past summer I worked at the Weathervane Theatre up in New Hampshire. I must be getting used to this New England lifestyle!
N MAGAZINE: What has been your favorite thing about working on Nantucket this fall?
HUBBARD: Discovering Stubby’s! After the first night of rehearsal, one of the local cast members suggested that the four off-island actors try a place called “Stubby’s” for dinner. I fell in love. If they read this, do you think I’ll get a discount…?
TOMMY VENTO
“I love working with our Director, Bryan Knowlton. He encourages me to be my very best and I love having the opportunity to learn from him.”
N MAGAZINE: What character do you play in A Christmas Carol? Is there anything in particular about your character that you related to when you first read the script?
VENTO: I play the role of Tiny Tim. Tiny Tim has a very special relationship with his father and I very much relate to that bond.
N MAGAZINE: What is your previous acting experience?
VENTO: My first role on the stage was actually two years ago when I was in the ensemble of TWN’s 2013 production of this very show! Since then, I’ve played a Who character in the Dreamland’s 2014 summer production of Seussical the Musical, Jr, and last spring I played the role of Charlie in the Dreamland’s Willy Wonka, Jr.
N MAGAZINE: What is your favorite scene in the show?
VENTO: Christmas Day when I discover it’s snowing outside, and when Scrooge comes to our house in such a good mood and hands me the prize Christmas turkey.
LIBBY BRUNO
“My favorite scene in the show is when Young Ebenezer and Emily get engaged. They sing a trio with Scrooge and it is the most beautiful music in the show!”
N MAGAZINE: What character do you play in A Christmas Carol? Is there anything in particular about your character that you related to when you first read the script?
BRUNO: I am playing the roles of Mrs. Cratchit and Scrooge’s Mother. I definitely identify with Mrs. Cratchit in terms of her love and loyalty to those she holds dear. She is a kind woman who wants the best for her loved ones and makes it known.
N MAGAZINE: What is it about this musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol that you think makes it so special?
BRUNO: I like that there isn’t a specific narrator in this version. It’s so much easier to be drawn into the magic of the story this way.
N MAGAZINE: What is your connection to Nantucket?
BRUNO: This is my first time to Nantucket and I’m already so in love with it! Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and it is such a beautiful place to have the opportunity to explore.
MARIO CASTRO
“I lean towards characters that challenge me on many levels.”
N MAGAZINE: What character do you play in A Christmas Carol? Is there anything in particular about your character that you related to when you first read the script?
CASTRO: I play Bob Cratchit. I definitely relate to Bob’s love for his family and his willingness to work as hard as possible to provide for the one’s he loves.
N MAGAZINE: What has been your favorite moment with your castmates while rehearsing?
CASTRO: We took a group outing to Madaket to watch the sunset. It was a beautiful evening of sharing stories… I couldn’t be happier knowing that I get to spend the next month with such a lovely group of people.
N MAGAZINE: What is it you’re asking Santa for this Christmas?
CASTRO: A chance to perform on a Broadway stage one day!
A Christmas Carol will run November 20 – December 13 at Bennett Hall. Purchase your tickets here.
