Kevin Costley and Bill Lipski. Matthew Wegener, Bob Hensley, Cate McDonald and Kevin Costley, center, in the Music Box’ production of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ which starts this weekend.
In 1986, Kevin Costley and Ted Anderson premiered their original musical version of the Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse. Little did they know 23 years ago that the show would become a holiday tradition entertaining more than 16,000 people in 180 performances and 12 separate productions. For the folks at Music Box, “A Christmas Carol” has become as synonymous with the holidays as fruitcake and eggnog.
And what would any production of the Christmas classic be without Ebenezer Scrooge, a role Costley is joyously reprising for the 13th time? Though as usual, Costley is wearing numerous hats (starring and serving as director) and running up against a tight production schedule, he took a few minutes to chat with the Weekender about all things “Bah, Humbug.”
Weekender: What first got you interested in theatre?
Costley: When I was in third grade, I was kind of shy. My third grade teacher thought it might be good for me to try out for a play. I auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” and I was the tin man.
Weekender: What’s your theatre background?
Costley: I have a (bachelors of fine arts degree) in theatre with a concentration in directing from Central Michigan University.
Weekender: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Costley: For a long time, even going into high school, I was interested in marine biology — working with dolphins, getting a job at Sea World.
Weekender: Is there a theatre moment you’ll never forget?
Costley: I think it was the first time that I did an adult show. I was 17 and auditioned for “Applause” at a community theatre in my hometown. I was cast as one of the dancers. I guess the director liked the way I looked and liked the way I moved. He ended up highlighting me in one of the scenes. I ended the scene by jumping off a bar into the arms of the other dancers. It was a real rush.
Weekender: How about a most embarrassing theatre moment?
Costley: The audience probably never even noticed it, but on opening night of “Company,” playing the role of Bobby, I was about to step on stage and all of my lines just disappeared. I walked on stage and never said a word. The rest of the cast just launched into their first song. It was my first male lead in a musical, so I was really nervous. Of course, there’s the obligatory “I must have gone on stage with my fly down.” One night of “Cabaret,” all I had on under my costume was my dance belt and my fishnets. The front row got a big surprise that night!
Weekender: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in theatre?
Costley: One of the biggest things — and I know it’s terribly clich� now — is “The show must go on.” It’s what I live by. When the show is on, it’s all I think about. I see people texting or chatting on the phone. It just boggles my mind that you can detach yourself from a show while it’s running! I’ve gone on sick, I’ve gone on injured. I’ve never missed a performance. I’ve played everything from leads to the last guy in the chorus line and it’s all the same to me.
Weekender: If you had three wishes, what would you ask for theatre-wise?
Costley: In general, I wish that there was more respect among the theatres. I get the sense that theatres are pitting themselves against each other. I just don’t understand it. We’re all hooked on the same bug. It really breaks my heart. I wish that would just go away. I wish I had one million dollars to donate to local theatres. I wish there were actually 28 hours in a day!
Weekender: What keeps you coming back to “A Christmas Carol”?
Costley: It’s become my way of celebrating the season. I’m not a big holiday person outside the theatre, but this is my holiday.
Weekender: What keeps the show fresh for you?
Costley: Every year I’m surrounded by new faces. A new person opposite me on stage is like discovering a new character. As I work with different people, I just keep discovering new things.
Weekender: What would you say to get someone to buy a ticket?
Costley: As far as I’m concerned, “A Christmas Carol” is the best Christmas story that’s ever been written. I love it in every form. Our production is as true to Dickens as any I’ve ever seen and it has really great music.
w
block=infobox
“A Christmas Carol” Nov. 28, Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 29, Dec.6, 13, 20 at 3 p.m. at Music Box Dinner Playhouse (196 Hughes St., Swoyersville). Tickets: $35 dinner/show, $18 show only (discounts for seniors, students, children). Bar opens two hours before curtain, dinner served 90 min. before curtain. Call 570.283.2195 or 800.698.PLAY for info.
