Keeping Up With The Cratchits

So you may or may not have noticed that I haven't posted anything lately. I'd like to take a moment and pretend it's because you wait with bated breath for every one of my posts. A girl can dream, right?

Anyway, I haven't posted because I have been hella busy rehearsing A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre. I am playing Mrs. Cratchit and I'm loving every minute of playing a character who represents goodness and light.

Photo by Liz Lauren 

I have seen countless actors in interviews talk about how much more fun it is to play the villain than the good guy. I understand the appeal in trying to justify evil motives or bringing humor to not so funny behavior a la the wonderful actor Larry Yando who plays our Scrooge. Actors of his caliber certainly make memorable meanies.

Yet in playing Mrs. Cratchit I revel in the joy of playing a character who serves as a beacon of goodness, love, kindness and hope.

The Cratchits are poor but they are rich in spirit. Their son is crippled but they are inclusive. Their house is small but their hearts are huge.

On stage as Mrs. Cratchit I feel the audience's affection for this iconic family. I sense that the Cratchits inspire people to be as loving and as content with the gifts in their own lives. They remind people that there is a difference between wants and needs.

Mrs. Cratchit reminds me that when in peril I must choose love, joy, humility, thanks. For me, She has illuminated the meaning of abundance.

As a kid, I wanted my family to be like the Brady Bunch because they seemed so perfect and very little ever went wrong.

Now, the Cratchits have set the bar.

God bless us everyone.

And Happy Thanksgiving.