The Lamont Family is featured in our production of A Christmas Carol
By Dori Bryan-Ployer
The Mass Arts Center
For Chrissy and Nathan Lamont, Christmas at the Mass Arts Center has become a genuine family affair. Nathan and Chrissy will appear with their two sons, Oscar and Simon in Mass Arts Center’s production of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol.
MORE ABOUT A CHRISTMAS CAROL DEC. 5-15, 2024 – + TICKETS
Director Steve Dooner adapted the story for the MAC stage emphasizing not only Scrooge’s story, but the stories of the women who suffered under Scrooge’s cold heart; Dickens narration anchors the telling. Chrissy Lamont is charged with all three highlighted voices moving seamlessly from Dickens all-knowing Storyteller to Scrooge’s lost love, Belle, and finally to the strong, unapologetic, Mrs. Cratchit. Nathan Lamont is equally challenged playing the miser himself, a role with which Nathan is familiar, having performed several staged readings of the Yuletide grouch over the years. Sons, Oscar, 13, and Simon, 10, complete the Lamont family portrait, playing the lonely Young Scrooge and the sensitive Peter Cratchit, respectively.
Chrissy admits it is tricky navigating between mom and co-actor to her two boys. “We tend to talk about the expectations on the way to and from rehearsal,” laughs Chrissy, “[Nathan and I] are approaching our dual roles with grace and humor.”
Chrissy and Nathan met two decades ago while performing in a local production of Guys and Dolls where they discovered not only their love for the theatre but for each other as well. Their marriage followed, and some 20 years later they are reunited on the stage again alongside their sons, harkening back to the beginning of their family story. They are hopeful this experience will instill a lasting love of theatre in their boys.
Chrissy looks forward to Oscar and Simon experiencing the electric energy that audiences bring to a performance, especially since she and Nathan will experience it with them. Beyond the joy of sharing A Christmas Carol as a family, Chrissy and Nathan are thrilled Oscar and Simon are learning from seasoned performers.
The impact of this shared experience extends beyond the stage. The Lamonts have always cherished A Christmas Carol, and have made it a holiday tradition. They listen to Patrick Stewart’s audio rendition during family road trips, and they faithfully gather each season to watch their favorite film adaptations. To this history Chrissy believes the story now holds even greater significance. “We are all going to remember this experience,” Chrissy reflected, “we are all in it together.” Chrissy (as Mrs. Cratchit) recalled a shared moment on stage with her son Simon (Peter Cratchit). “It was a genuine moment of connection,” Chrissy said. “This experience has instilled a sense of confidence and accomplishment in our boys; They have truly embraced their roles; it is rewarding to watch them work on their material outside of rehearsal.”
Reflecting on the Cratchit family, Nathan shared that the story hits more deeply as he watches his wife and sons’ journey through the Cratchit’s tragedy. “How can you not be affected by [Tiny Tim’s death] as a parent…imagining a child has died… with your actual wife and child … they’re doing it … they’re being reminded of their own mortality,” he said.
Regarding the adapted script, Nathan is pleased that Dooner’s adaptation stays true to Dickens’ original text, which is careful to pace Scrooge’s redemption thoughtfully and honestly. Nathan values that Scrooge doesn’t immediately become a man of integrity following spiritual intervention; instead, as Scrooge comes to see the error of his ways, he questions his place in the world given the manner in which he has lived his life. He comes to recognize the reasons behind his penny-pinching ways and endeavors to do better by his fellowmen, however clumsily and imperfectly his efforts unfold. This is not a story of an entirely wrong man becoming entirely right. More meaningfully, it is the story of a broken man being inspired to summon up enough courage to change, and Nathan is grateful for the distinction.
Nathan admits he empathizes with Scrooge, acknowledging a shared tendency to prioritize personal concerns over the needs of others. “I’m a little bit Scrooge,” Nathan said candidly.
Perhaps Nathan’s admission captures why A Christmas Carol continues to withstand the test of time. Perhaps we are all “a little bit Scrooge,” and at Christmastime we are reminded we too can edge our way out from under the ghosts that haunt us.
The Lamont family expresses deep gratitude for this meaningful opportunity. “Having our whole family here is really a treat,” Nathan said. Both he and Chrissy agreed that performing together in A Christmas Carol has given new meaning to the holiday and strengthened their family bond.
Stephen Ide of The Mass Arts Center contributed to this article.
