Caroling by Gaslight opens on December 2nd, 2022! Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the tightfisted old miser. But if you thought he was bad, wait until you get a load of his neighbors. Find out what really happened that fateful night in this hilariously devious R-rated retelling of the Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol.
We reached out to Jason Phillips to find out more about him and his experience working on this production!
What is your favorite or least favorite holiday season tradition and why?
My most favorite holiday tradition is having a cookie party. I love having the house full of people helping to make and decorate cookies, while I run the place like a sweatshop. It was pretty quiet during the pandemic, but we still make cookies and dropped them off to folks. The traditions you love and always be adjusted.
Do you relate to your character or to any character in the show? How similar / different are you?
When it comes to Christmas I am only like Scrooge at the end of the original Christmas Carol, I really enjoy it. My mom loved Christmas and so to honor her I try to make it fun every year. In terms of this Scrooge…we may share a certain cynicism, but hopefully not to the same degree.
What's your favorite line in the show? Why?
I’m not sure my favorite line is suitable for social media, so I’ll go with my next favorite…May I call you Bobert?
What is your favorite version of A Christmas Carol (film / TV / stage)?
The Muppets Christmas Carol
What are your favorite non-traditional holiday season activities?
Staying home!
How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
The Magnetic Theatre really feels like home. There is such care and warmth when doing a show at the Magnetic, plus there is an amazing openness to trying new things.
There's a lot of talk about gruel and gin in this play... What is your favorite dish to cook (or eat) during the holiday season?
It’s my favorite Canadian dessert: Nanaimo bars.
Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
I’m directing the premiere of Happyland a rock opera by Brayden Dickerson and Zach Knox,the founders of local band, Smooth Goose at Magnetic in early 2023.
Biography
Jason A. Phillips (Scrooge) is excited to be back on the Magnetic stage. Earlier this year he co-wrote and directed Algorithm & Blues: A Dating Sketch Show at Magnetic. He most recently appeared in Sherwood and Working: The Musical at Parkway Playhouse. Asheville credits include: something i cared about, 16 Years Tried, Special Needs and The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged). Chicago credits include: Brave Potatoes, The Rescuers and Scenes of Romance. He is consistently grateful for his supportive and talented family, Cullen and Daphodil.
Caroling by Gaslight is showing at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC December 2-17, 2022. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=132413