For the past two years, Christopher Patrick Mullen has been on Hedgerow Theatre’s stage as “Everybody Else” in A Christmas Carol Comedy. Christopher Patrick Mullen is no stranger to holiday shows, and especially holiday show traditions, like the many years he spent doing the pantos at People’s Light. Although his talent is widespread through all types of theatre, Christopher Patrick Mullen is a true master of comedy…especially physical comedy.
The role of “Everybody Else” is very demanding. There’s a lot of movement…jumping around the stage, running through the audience, going out one door and coming through another. And so much more. It also requires a ton of costume and prop changes, most of them quick and right where we can all watch. I’m pretty sure Christopher Patrick Mullen had one pair of glasses in one vest pocket and another pair in the other pocket. Staying on top of that, the scarves, the hats…it’s incredibly impressive.
Last year, I got to interview the actors who played Scrooge in A Christmas Carol Comedy. This year, I was lucky enough to get the chance to ask Christopher Patrick Mullen some questions about A Christmas Carol Comedy and got some wonderfully enthusiastic answers back. I know this is a tiny bit late, but it’s only early January…we can still be in the spirit! Here’s some thoughts directly from the actor behind “Everybody Else”!
How does it feel reprising this role with yet another Scrooge?
The first feeling I have toward a new Scrooge is pity— like OMG, dude, you have no earthly idea what you just signed up for 😳; and then of course it’s exhilaration at the prospect of working so intimately with BAW (one of the most beloved actors in the Philly theatre scene! So I knew this was gonna be FUN!!! And that’s the bottom line.
What about this show made you want to come back to it?
THE AUDIENCES!!!! Last year the show turned that glorious corner every holiday show should: people were entertained in a way that brought them back a second and a third time. I fell in love with the Hedgerow audience, and it may have been mutual. 🤓
As someone who has appeared in many pantos at People’s Light, you know all about traditions. Does this show have a similar feel to it?
🎵TRADITION!!! TRADITION!!!🎵
The Panto form is an ideal training ground for just this type of Dickensian Romp! It’s indeed a kind of audience training too, as with each year the audience arrives more off-book (so to speak). They know they have lines and they shan’t sit back passively; they long to participate! YAY!!!
How has it been working on student matinees? I know the energy is very different from a regular show…has that been a good thing to draw from?
It has been a boon for me!! Not only do I love directing (As an actor I’ve had no time to focus on that), but when you’re working with fantastic talents, like MARK DEL GUZZO and ABBY BURRIS, you of course end up stealing their brilliant bits that they craft! I did my share of that! The middle school audiences have been amazing— laughing in different places, and taking the ride!!
What’s your process to get ready to play “Everybody Else”?
I need to warm up physically and vocally; this 70 minute monster is (for EVERYBODY ELSE) akin to being shot out of a cannon.
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It’s so incredible to see someone bring this much energy to the stage and answer some basic questions with this much energy! Anybody in this area should definitely take the chance to see Christopher Patrick Mullen in action if they can. Whether it’s in a drama, comedy, or something in between, you’re going to get an extraordinary show.
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