On the fourth interview of Christmas, Wolf Pack Theatre Company did give to TheatreBloom— four flashes into the future? No, that’s not quite right. Into the present. Christmas present that is! Continuing through the “12 Gifts of Wolf Pack…” interview series we sit down with actress Susan Smithers to find out just what her feelings are on the whole Christmas Carol story.
If you could give us a quick introduction and tell us who you are in the show, we’ll get started! And oh, Merry Christmas!
Susan Smithers: I’m Susan Smithers and I play Belle, well older Belle, actual Belle? Belle in the present as it were, Scrooge’s sweetheart from bygone days.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Susan: “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. It’s a part of my Christmas psyche having heard it all my life. For some reason, it makes me think of my dad and other WWII Veterans.
Why did you want to be involved with the Wolf Pack production of A Christmas Carol?
Susan: I wanted to be involved in this production of A Christmas Carol because of its message of caring, community, and connection. A society should be judged on how it treats and cares for its most vulnerable members— its children, elderly, sick, disabled, poor, homeless, and wounded. I also like the fact that the proceeds of the Wolf Pack Theatre Company go to the Community Crisis Center and the homeless.
If you could give Scrooge one present for Christmas, what would it be?
Susan: I would give Scrooge the book The Family of Man, which depicts the universality of the human condition and the fact that the things that divide us are far exceeded by the things that unite us.
What message do you believe Wolf Pack’s production of A Christmas Carol is sending?
Susan: I think that the Wolf Pack Theatre Company’s message in regard to A Christmas Carol is everything I’ve mentioned in questions three and four. That we are family, that there is no “other”, and that we are our brothers’ keepers.
Do you believe in Christmas magic and miracles? Have you ever experienced one you’d like to share?
Susan: I believe that life is a miracle, that this world is a miracle, and that miracles occur every day therefore I do believe in Christmas miracles. One of my sister’s dearest friends was operated on for prostate cancer during a Christmas season past and survived!
What is the true meaning of Christmas for you?
Susan: Family and friends.
What has been the most challenging thing for you regarding this production?
Susan: Trying to keep up with my talented cast mates in general! More specifically, trying to convey an age old story in song and do it justice.
What is your favorite Christmas Tradition?
Susan: Getting together with family and friends for an evening of good eating, good conversation, and good music-making.
If you could have just one thing for Christmas, what would it be?
Susan: I would want people the world over to come to the realization that we are a family of man, that there is no “other”, that we are all in the same boat and should help and support one another and that most of the misery we endure is manmade and therefore can be ended by man so that we can get on with taking care of each other and exploring this amazing planet we live on and the universe it is a part of.
What’s your favorite Christmas food?
Susan: Dressing with gravy!
Why should people come and see this particular production of A Christmas Carol?
Susan: Its message of community and celebration appeals to the very best within people of ALL ages! Plus, the director, the tech people, the cast, and the production are wonderful!
A Christmas Carol plays through December 19, 2015 at Wolf Pack Theatre Company at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church— 5820 Riverdale Road in Riverdale, MD. For ticket reservations call 240-565-4144 or purchase them online.
To read Day 1 of the “12 Gifts of Wolf Pack…” interview series, featuring Director Bill Leary, click here.
To read Day 2 of the “12 Gifts of Wolf Pack…” interview series, featuring TD Stephen Beitzell, click here.
To read Day 3 of the “12 Gifts of Wolf Pack…” interview series, featuring actors Brigid Lally and Dwayne Allen, click here.
