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metropolisnewsActor goes from Marley to ScroogePioneer Press By Myrna Petlicki Posted November 19, 2009 Steve Lehtman is trying to figure out why his wife told him he was born to play Scrooge. That concern aside, the Buffalo Grove resident is thrilled to star as the curmudgeon in Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's annual production of "A Christmas Carol." It's a big change for the actor who dragged chains for four years as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, and has also been Old Joe, The Beggar, The Spirit of Christmas Future and several other characters in the show. Director Brad Dunn of Highland Park also thinks Lehtman's a natural for the role -- and he means that in the kindest way possible. "I've been watching the show here for years and I always thought Lehtm should be Scrooge -- and that's no slight to any of our other Scrooges," Dunn said. "Steve has four kids. He's such a generous guy and I think he has an ability to identify with what it would be like if he lost his wife or if he didn't have his kids. He's able to use that to draw empathy. "I've always felt that audiences have to like Scrooge from the beginning because if they don't, why would anyone care about his awakening?" Dunn asked. "It's really important to find that humanity in Scrooge. Steve brings a real gentleness to the role." Lehtman described Scrooge as "tormented. I think that deep down there's a good person in there. He's a guy who has made some really bad choices in his earlier life and has regretted it and internalized it to the point it has hardened him to be the mean, penny-pinching person that he is. Through the process of his visits with the spirits, he realizes what he's missed in his life." That's when he begins making amends for those mistakes. The actor believes that Scrooge mistreats people because "He has built a shell around him. Early on, he lost the love of his life because he was only interested in money. Ever since, he's been afraid of commitments, afraid of relationships, afraid of being hurt." Once Scrooge is visited by the spirits he is transformed. "He's almost like a different person," Lehtman said. The actor will show that by changing the character's voice and posture, and having Scrooge finally make eye contact with people. "He's reaching out to people instead of pushing them away," he said. Lehtman has appeared on stage as often as possible since performing in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" when he was 13. This is his sixth time in "A Christmas Carol" at Metropolis. Lehtman, who owns a dental laboratory in Highland Park, has six grandchildren who enjoy watching him in "A Christmas Carol." Director Dunn noted that the theater is continuing to use the Krista Scott adaptation of Charles Dickens' tale and George Maurer's musical arrangements, although he did a small rewrite of one scene. In addition, Dunn said, "We have reconceptualized the way the ghosts and the spirits appear and why." Costumes have been redesigned and some of the casting is nontraditional. "For people who have seen the show before, this will feel new to them," Dunn said. The production includes a 45-member children's chorus. Lehtman believes that people love this show because "It's a universal story. It's one of those feel-good stories of redemption." "'A Christmas Carol' is such a great family show," Dunn added. "It is a show that adults can watch and enjoy so much. It's not a kids' show by any means, but kids love to see it. It's a big holiday tradition. Lots and lots of people come back every year to see it." 'A Christmas Carol' Nov. 27-Dec. 24; schedule varies. Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $28.50, $15.50 ages 12 and under, half-price day of performance tickets at the box office for students with a valid ID. (847) 577-2121 or MetropolisArts.com |
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