For 36 consecutive years, actor Hal Landon Jr. has been playing as the crotchety old Ebenezer Scrooge for the South Coast Repertory's (SCR) production of "A Christmas Carol", but, no performance has ever been the same since he started in 1980.
The production, which was based on the classic Charles Dickens novel, has been a holiday tradition for most of the families living in the Orange county. Even after more than 1,000 shows, it was still warmly welcomed by their audience during this year's opening next Saturday, December 5.
Landon, who is best known for his roles in "Mad Men" and "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure", recalls the the story of how he was casted the role. According to him, people say that he looked like the character based on the illustrations visible in the book's first edition, which was published back in 1843.
"I have a long face, and even at the time, I was already starting to lose my hair. I'm also pretty thin, so I think that had a lot to do with it," said Landon.
The classic holiday story tells the bitter story of Mister Scrooge and his transformation into a "gentler, more compassionate old man" after ghosts of Christmas visited him from the Past, Present and the Future.
As a part of his preparations for his iconic role annually, he takes time in following a few routines, which includes rereading a Dickens novel annually before each production begins to open.
"I find that is pretty helpful, mostly in reminding me about the themes, particularly with 'A Christmas Carol' having to do with helping, and the plight of disenfranchised children," Landon said. "He was quite a crusader trying to stimulate interest and backing projects that would bring education to help orphan children running around starving."
"I think what's fun to play and what appeals to the audience is he goes from the darkest to a complete 180- degrees switch and tracing that change, what influenced that change and to see what brought about that change is really a joy for an actor to play," said Landon.
But how does he play Scrooge differently every time? He said he plays around the emotions of his character; "There'll be times when I emphasize his cold-heart meanness and there are times that I show his paranoia and fear, or a lack of security or something like that," explains Landon. "I don't even know if people notice the difference when I do those things, but they're different for me, so it gives me a fresh approach that particular year."
The audience for which he performs also contributes to the yearly differences he makes in portraying the Scrooge. "There's this huge generational magic to this show," Landon said. "Someone will come up to me and say my parents brought me and when I had children, I brought them, and now my children are bringing their children. I have to be careful that I don't get overwhelmed by that, but it really means a lot and I really enjoy it."
And for those wondering if Landon is ready to let go of his beloved role in a "Victorian top hat and pin-striped pajamas", here's his message for you:
"I never thought I'd be Scrooge for 36 years, but it's been wonderful. It looks like I'm going to be doing this until I can't do it anymore." At 74 years old, Landon could still live up to the viewers' expectations and give what his role asks for: including being able to somersault across Scrooge's bed and come up wearing a top hat.
South Coast Repertory's (SCR) production of "A Christmas Carol" will run regularly until December 27, 2015.
