I have often been asked the favorite character I have played. My standard answer has been, “the one I am currently playing.” I don’t mean that as a smug response to a genuine inquiry, but the question is difficult to answer. I have been so fortunate to play such a variety of roles, both small and large, and each one brings a richness to my life.
I rarely repeat a role, but there is one role I never tire of playing, Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol.” I am thrilled to perform this role again in a production with Rabbit Room Theatre. (check the RR website for all info) This new adaptation by A.S. Peterson is the best version of the play I’ve ever read.
In preparing for this role, Mr. Peterson sent me a one-man play written by Dean Batali based on Charles Dickens’ notes and thoughts on the creation of this classic story. As I studied this excellent work I discovered some interesting thoughts on the combination of the words “Bah,” and “Humbug.”
The word “humbug” was widely used long before Dickens employed it. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, humbug referred to “a hoax; a jesting or befooling trick,” as well as any “thing which is not really what it pretends to be,” like a sham or fraud. And as for “Bah,” well, it is simply a one-syllable noise used to express contempt and annoyance. And “bah” means “bah” in any language.
Dickens points out that while he did not invent either word, he does credit himself as the one who put the two words together and in that order. Whenever Scrooge is saluted with a “Merry Christmas” his response is “Bah”, the rejection of all-things represented in the merriment of the season. But when hailed with “God save you,” his reply is “Humbug.” This is a rejection of redemption itself. Scrooge thinks he does not require redemption and has no inkling that he is about to receive its offer.
The hounds of heaven in the form of four different spirits come on a rescue mission for Mr. Scrooge. These spirits will take a chisel to the hardened heart of this man. What will be found inside the cemented casement? You must come and see.
