If you haven’t been to a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Guthrie Theater, you likely have a friend, family member, or neighbor who has—perhaps several times, or maybe even every year. Having first graced the Guthrie’s stage in 1975, the beloved annual tradition is celebrating its 50th year this holiday season.
As we reflect on Christmases past, present, and future, we checked up on some of the actors who have brought the leading role of Ebenezer Scrooge, and his climactic emotional transformation, to life.
Nathaniel Fuller (1992-1995, 2017)
There are few people who know “A Christmas Carol” better than Nathaniel Fuller, who has been in the Guthrie production for over 30 seasons. He played Scrooge from 1992 to 1995, again in 2017, and has held more than 10 other roles in the show. Fuller was cast as Old Joe in 2023 and will return as the same character this year.
Photo by Dan Norman
Charles Janasz (2000)
Long-time Guthrie actor Charles Janasz did a one-season stint as Scrooge back in 2000, and has since held a number of television, theater, and voice acting roles. In 2022, he played Amos Diggory and Albus Dumbledore in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at San Francisco’s historic Curran Theater.
Photo by Michal Daniel
Raye Birk (2005-2008)
After decades of stage acting experience, plus film and television roles, 81-year-old Raye Birk’s career is not over yet. He and his wife, Candace, moved from Minneapolis to Florence, Massachusetts, in 2019, where they both teach acting workshops and perform in local productions.
Photo by Michal Daniel
J.C. Cutler (2011-2015)
A well-known figure in the Twin Cities theater scene, J.C. Cutler’s career spans nearly 40 years. He has performed in over 50 productions at the Guthrie and played the role of Scrooge for six consecutive seasons. Whether he’s acting or directing, Cutler remains active in the local scene—his most recent directorial project, “Just For Us,” ran at Six Points Theater through Nov. 10.
Photo by Dan Norman
Making his Guthrie Theater debut, actor David Beach is playing Scrooge this season. Aesthetic and Lifestyle Editor Jerrod Sumner caught up with Beach in November to discuss how he channels his inner Scrooge, his Guthrie experience, and more—read the Q&A here.
Photo by Dan Norman
“A Christmas Carol” is running at the Guthrie Theater through Dec. 29, and tickets are available online.
