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A Word from the Spotlight

December 10, 2019
Natalie Clare

Greetings!

I've been performing at the Playhouse as either Cratchit or Scrooge in A Christmas Carol for 23 years now; neither snow nor sleet nor pelting rain has stopped me. My wife and three sons have gotten used to my absence for most of December from our home in Yellow Springs. They know that bringing this gem of fiction to life for Playhouse audiences is a major joy of mine during the holidays. Working alongside the director, stage managers, craftsmen, crews and cast (including children, interns and union actors), we blend into a professional, unified company for 40 incredible performances of this Dickensian delight.

Like my predecessor, Joneal Joplin, whose son Jared played Young Scrooge towards the end of his years in the role, I have come full circle: For the second year in a row, my beloved Charlie is playing my younger self in the production. You may notice the resemblance. I’ve had decades of happiness as Bob and Ebenezer, but I must admit, this is incredibly special. My smiles during our curtain call may be a bit wider than before.


As an actor, family man and college professor, I'm such a believer in what live theatre does for the families that make up our communities. We gather in the dark, eager for a story to take place before us, to pull us in together with our fellow humans. Great plays help us to see the world in new ways, often with more clarity and empathy. Theatres are where we listen, see, laugh, cry, learn and live — together.

This is also how an exceptional, acclaimed theatre like the Playhouse thrives: people like you banding together in financial support, enabling the art to continue to take us on new journeys.

That’s why I’m asking you to make your gift today.

Just two years ago, the Playhouse enjoyed its one-thousandth performance of A Christmas Carol; an astounding accomplishment for any regional theatre and representative of the impact your gift has on the Playhouse.



Please consider “dropping some coins in the carolers' pot” this year; I promise that there'll be no misers kicking it over. Thank you for sharing the magic and joy of live theatre with your family and loved ones, and thank you in advance for your support.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and God bless us. Everyone.

Bruce Signature
- Bruce Cromer
Ebenezer Scrooge

To make a gift the Playhouse, visit our donation page.

Heading photo of Bruce Cromer by Michael Wilson. Photos of Bruce Cromer, Charlie Cromer, Sara Masterson and the cast of A Christmas Carol by Mikki Schaffner.