BEHIND THE CURTAIN: A Q&A with Michael Wehrli

What sparked the idea for this play?
In 2002, we were planning our last season in Texas with my children’s theater company (we were moving out of state). The first production we ever did was “A Christmas Carol” and we wanted to bookend our time in Texas with laughter. So, I wrote the play with many of the personalities of the youth actors we had worked with in mind, and set out to make the ultimate backstage comedy about the beloved story of Scrooge. A year later, I did a big rewrite for an adult cast, and that is the version that is now published.

If you had to describe this play in three words, what would they be?
Backstage, Comedy, Scrooge.

Which character was the most fun to write and why?
I loved writing the Bob/Mrs. Cratchit character! One poor actor trying to play two characters in the same scene? What’s not to love!

Is there a moment in the play you especially love seeing in rehearsal or performance?
The moment the two Tiny Tims make their first appearance.

What do actors seem to enjoy most about performing this show?
Actors love the physicality of the characters; the fast pace; the backstage elements of the show; getting to play multiple characters.

What’s something directors should know before staging this play?
Remember, these characters are trying their best! Never play for laughs. The characters really want the play to succeed. But they all have different ideas as to how to achieve the success. Add to this, keep the pace of the show at a fast clip (especially when they are doing the play within the play.)

What was the biggest challenge in writing this play?
Making sure I made the stage directions as clear as possible (there is a lot of movement in the play.)

What do you hope audiences walk away feeling?
Joy in their hearts from all the laughter!

Just for fun: If this play came with a warning label, what would it say?
Warning: Your view of A Christmas Carol may forever be altered!

Anything else you’d like to share with theatres considering this play?
Thank you for considering “A Christmas Chaos”! It has been a joy seeing this play produced all over the world since 2011 (over 500 productions and counting)! If you have any questions or comments about the play, I love to hear from venues.