Spotlight On: Max Dittmar

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

Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

Hello! My name is Max, and I’ll be playing Young Ebenezer.

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

I love “A Place Called Home”. It’s a classic love song in a musical, with the twist that you’ve already seen Scrooge’s future and how he’s lost his fiancée, Emily; it’s bittersweet, and shows a glimpse of how Scrooge’s life could have been, had he not succumbed to greed.

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

It makes rehearsals so vibrant and fun! Everyone is working on each detail of the show, and seeing it come together when we’re all on stage is very satisfying.

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

I love finally getting to that point in the production where everything clicks–we’re familiar with the material, and from then on, we can really play around with our acting choices and make the roles our own.

How does the energy of the audience impact your performance?

It makes a difference! I personally love seeing people reacting to the material, whether it’s with joy, sadness, shock…seeing people connect with us is what makes everything worthwhile.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

In tandem with die-hard Christmas fanatics, I think anyone who relates a bit with Scrooge can really appreciate the themes of humility, humanity and compassion. A Christmas Carol shows you a man who’s isolated himself over decades, and yet, still finds strangers and loved ones alike opening their hearts to welcome him in. It’s a story that’s nearly 200 years old, yet it’s just as relevant and moving today.

What is your favorite holiday memory?

I have many, but I always loved decorating the Christmas tree with my parents as a young kid. There would always be hot chocolate, treats, holiday music playing, and I was always in charge of mapping out where each ornament would go and how the lights would be put up. It was nothing short of cozy.

“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