Becoming Fred, by Resident Actor Lee Hollis Bussie

Doing shows like A Christmas Carol are always great fun because not only do you get to portray characters that many know and love, but you are also bringing holiday tradition to many families who go to see live theatre this time of year. With that being said, it is a pleasure to be doing this particular show and role.

Fred is a true gentlemen who always has the best intentions. With Fred I always want his crisp amiability to be evident and to also make his positive attitude about Christmas infectious not only to the other characters onstage but to the audience members as well. Fred is kind, polite, and generous but above all he is caring. The thing that Fred wants the most starts with his broken relationship with his Uncle Ebenezer. Fred longs to have the close relationship with Scrooge that his mother had with him because  he cares deeply about family and the bond that he feels family should have, especially around the holidays. He not only wishes that he himself would have this relationship but he also wants to bring the two people he cares about most together to make this desire complete: his wife Caroline and his Uncle Ebenezer. Despite his uncle’s continuous rejection he believes in him and hopes that perhaps one day a transformation may be made. For me it is important to be very aware of these facts and feelings with every performance to make this charming Dickens character realistic and true to form. It’s not about acting onstage, it’s about living onstage.

A Christmas Carol has been a real joy to work on. Anyone who comes to see the production will not be disappointed with the never ending magic that Christmas can offer.

From left to right: Charleston Stage Resident Actor Lee Hollis Bussie as Fred, Jerrad Aker as Bob Cratchit and Brian J. Porter as Ebenezer Scrooge.