Two Victorian couples in fancy dresses and suits stand raising a toast around a silver punch bowl.
Awa Sal Secka as Mrs. Fred, Bueka Uwemedimo as Fred, Kristen Garaffo as Mrs. Fred’s Sister and Jonathan Atkinson as Topper. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Ford’s Theatre A Christmas Carol Celebrates 600 Performances

3 min read

In 1979, Ford’s Theatre produced our first production of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This show has become a beloved holiday tradition for many in the Washington area in the decades since.

This particular version of A Christmas Carol, with its Covent Garden-inspired set and Christmas carol-filled score, has been on our stage since 2009. Each year, its themes of charity, mercy and hope resonate—and by the magical, fantastical world the production conjures. 

As we celebrate our 600th performance of this production on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, let’s take a look at some of the stage magic by-the-numbers.

Two Victorian couples in fancy dresses and suits stand raising a toast around a silver punch bowl.
Awa Sal Secka as Mrs. Fred, Bueka Uwemedimo as Fred, Kristen Garaffo as Mrs. Fred’s Sister and Jonathan Atkinson as Topper in the Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol, directed by Michael Baron. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

38

Number of years that A Christmas Carol has been presented by Ford’s Theatre Society

John Leech illustration "Old Fezziwig's Christmas Eve Ball" from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens (1843).

176

Years ago that Charles Dickens wrote and published A Christmas Carol

25,200

Pounds of dry ice used for one effect since our current Michael Baron-directed production debuted in 2009

A portly gentleman wearing Victorian-style clothes including a spritely red coat dances with a red-headed woman wearing a Victorian-style dress. Other dancing couples can be seen in the background.

32

Number of consecutive years that A Christmas Carol has been produced by Ford’s Theatre Society (1987-today)

17

Number of actors who have played Tiny Tim since our current Michael Baron-directed production debuted in 2009

A poor Victorian family crowds around their kitchen table singing Christmas carols.

 

Yesenia Iglesias as Mrs. Cratchit, Gregory Maheu as Bob Cratchit and (children) August McFeaters, William Young, Ariel Russell and Natalie Cavender in the 2019 Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol, directed by Michael Baron. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

11

Years the acting company has given back to the community through the annual charity drive

Onstage, two actors wearing Victoria-period clothes and top hats hand a large ceremonial check to two women wearing modern clothing.

 

Homeless Children’s Playtime Project Board Chair Jan Piercy and Executive Director/Co-Founder Jamila Larson (both standing beneath the tree) pose with the Ford’s Theatre 2018 cast of “A Christmas Carol.”  The check showcases the $100,777.76 raised for the non-profit during performances. Photo by Carolina Dulcey.

$836,600+

Funds collected by the cast of A Christmas Carol for D.C. charities since 2009. The cast is collecting again this season—to benefit D.C.’s BRIGHt BEGINNNGS.

Gif image of snow falling outside of Ford's Theatre.

25 lbs

Of artificial snow are used in the production.

26 

Number of actors who have played Ebenezer Scrooge since the Michael Baron production began in 2009

13′ 14″

Height of the large Christmas tree on set

A ghostly figure covered in chains points three fingers at a grumpy man who is dressed in Victorian-style pajamas. His three fingers represent the 3 ghosts who will visit the man in the overnight hours.

 

Stephen F. Schmidt as Jacob Marley and Craig Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge in the 2019 Ford’s Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Michael Baron. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

600

Number of times Scrooge will utter “Humbug!” (10 times per performance)

A poor Victorian family crowds around their kitchen table singing Christmas carols.

 

Yesenia Iglesias as Mrs. Cratchit, Gregory Maheu as Bob Cratchit and (children) August McFeaters, William Young, Ariel Russell and Natalie Cavender in the 2018 Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol, directed by Michael Baron. The production plays November 15, 2019- January 1 2020, and features Scenic Design by Lee Savage, Costume Design by Alejo Vietti, Lighting Design by Rui Rita, Original Music and Sound Design by Josh Schmidt, Choreography by Shea Sullivan and Wig Design by Charles G. LaPointe. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

60

Number of times that Tiny Tim will proclaim, “God bless us, everyone” this season

A smiling man in Victorian-style clothes and a top hat stands with a group of children, also in Victorian-style clothing, in front a large Christmas tree.

 

Craig Wallace and the young 2019 cast of “A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s Theatre. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

14

Number of kids in the 2019 Ford’s Theatre production

Awa Sal Secka as Mrs. Fred, Bueka Uwemedimo as Fred, Kristen Garaffo as Mrs. Fred’s Sister and Jonathan Atkinson as Topper in the Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol, directed by Michael Baron. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Thanks to all who have spent part of your holiday season with us! Hope to see you at the theatre again soon.

Lauren Beyea is Associate Director of Communications and Marketing at Ford’s Theatre, where she oversees media relations. She is editor of the Ford’s Theatre Blog. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenBeyea.

Headshot for Lauren Beyea.

Lauren Beyea is Associate Director of Communications and Marketing at Ford’s Theatre, where she oversees media relations.

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