Finding hope in Dickens' classic

Local Catholics star in production of 'A Christmas Carol'

By Joyce Coronel | Dec. 1, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

You’d have to be a real Scrooge not to appreciate the performances of David Barker and Lillie Richardson in the Actors Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol,” which opens Dec. 12 at the Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix.

The two local Catholics have performed in the production for the last several years and say their faith plays a central role in their work as actors.

Barker is a professor of theater and film at Arizona State University and plays the part of the Ghost of Christmas Present. A local newspaper reviewer referred to him as a “scene-stealer” in previous performances of the holiday classic.

While admitting that he tends to be “loud and goofy,” Barker offered more serious thoughts regarding his faith.

“I place Christ at the center of my life and struggle each day to make decisions and respond to the world around me as Christ taught us,” he said. “The experience of Mass and the Eucharist revive my hopes each week and my belief that Jesus lives in the physical world and within me.”

Barker said the local production of “A Christmas Carol” is an uplifting and colorful way to highlight how the world can be transformed into a better place one day at a time.

Richardson, who serves as narrator and also plays the part of Kathryn, the wife of Scrooge’s nephew, shared similar thoughts.

“‘A Christmas Carol’ is a wonderful story to tell. It is a story of hope, joy and miracles,” she said.

At each performance, she blesses herself before she enters the stage. 

“At that point, the performance is a complete act of faith. It is in my Creator’s hands,” Richardson said. “You have to trust your God-given talents at that moment and let the Holy Spirit guide you.”

This particular production of “A Christmas Carol,” Richardson said, is family-oriented in that it takes a more joyful approach to what can be, at times, a dark and frightening story.

“Scrooge is not a good man and he basically has a nightmare that enlightens him. It is a redemption story,” Richardson said.

She thinks seeing the production as a family may be the starting point for people to learn from their past and have a brighter future.

“This kind of story is not just for Christmas,” Richardson said. “There is a valuable opportunity, especially in these times, for parents to talk with their children about the importance of loving your neighbor and where our focus should be.”