Spotlight On: Mike Zizka

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of A Christmas Carol. Get to know Mike Zizka who is portraying Scrooge in our production!

Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

I’m Mike Zizka, playing Scrooge in the show. My wife Cathy and I are theater buffs and we’ve both been active in Connecticut community productions for over forty years. I’m delighted to be back on the CTC stage again.

What is your favorite song to sing in the show and why?

Perhaps surprisingly, my favorite song is not one of Scrooge’s bigger numbers. It’s a short piece called “Will Tiny Tim Live?” It’s when Scrooge first seems to have rediscovered the meaning of family. It’s very moving to me.

What is the most rewarding part of being part of such a large ensemble cast?

Meeting new people who love to perform as much as I do and seeing, once again, how much talent we have in our communities.

What is your favorite part of the creative process, whether it be during rehearsals or performances?

I really enjoy interacting with the directors and other people on stage and responding to their character and script interpretations. Those interactions always help me to find and develop my own character and they give me fresh insights into any show I do. Also, when I’m doing a musical, it really helps to have a very patient music director and choreographer! Thank goodness Nick and Erin F. fit that description!

How does the energy of the audience impact your performance?

A lively audience can’t help but provide a bit of excitement for the performers (cue Sally Field: “You really like me!”), but I’ve learned that even a quieter audience may be enjoying a show just as much. My goal is always to deliver as high a level of performance as possible, regardless of how the audience seems to be reacting at any point. You know the old saying – don’t judge a book by its cover!

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone who isn’t a Scrooge! Oh, wait . .

What is your favorite holiday memory?

When I was quite young, my mother used to gather our extended family together at our house at every Christmas and we always had a great time.

“A Christmas Carol” opens on December 6th and runs through December 22nd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!

“Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent’s snappy book makes us laugh while the catchy songs (Ahrens also wrote the lyrics) leave us tapping our feet; together, the music and movement contains an irrepressible happiness.” – Arifa Akbar, The Guardian

“Although this is a Christmas show, it does have universal themes that may resonate with people of all faiths. The story reminds us of all the poor and lonely people who need help to survive. It brings up continuing battles for compassion and equality, that are as evident today as they were in 1844 London.” – Jennifer Goldman, Daily Democrat