Two Local Musical Theatre Legends Spread a Decade of Holiday Joy in “A Christmas Carol”

For a decade, ZACH Theatre‘s joyful production of “A Christmas Carol” has brought holiday cheer to audiences of all ages. With its infectious melodies and dazzling choreography, this heartwarming musical has become a beloved tradition, creating lasting memories for the Austin community. Whether it’s the touching moments or the show-stopping numbers that light up the stage, “A Christmas Carol” spreads the festive spirit of the season with every performance.

While the cast has changed throughout the past ten years, there are two leading actors who have returned for every production—Kenny Williams as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Roderick Sanford as Marley/Fezziwig/Reverend.

“Kenny and Rod have been my artistic collaborators for over 30 years and instantly bring an ecstatic response the moment they step on stage,” said Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley. “Austin audiences know they are in for a really exceptional evening when these gifted singers ring in the holidays.”

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Williams and Sanford about their 10th anniversary in this beloved show.

A Conversation with Kenny Williams and Roderick Sanford

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Roderick Sanford as Marley in ZACH Theatre’s A Christmas Carol (photo by AxelB Photography)

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Kenny Williams as Ghost of Christmas Past at ZACH Theatre (photo by AxelB Photography)

TRIBEZA: What keeps you coming back to this show, year after year?

Williams: I mean, it’s a fun show, and I’ve always performed during the holiday season. For decades, we both did Rockin’ Christmas Party at the Paramount Theatre. So if I were not performing during Christmas, it would kinda be weird. So that’s that’s one of the big reasons, and I love the show.

Sanford: Yes, same. We’ve had this conversation, asking, ‘Why are we still doing it? What’s the reason?’ and jokingly, one reason is that I refuse to see someone else in my Marley costume.

Williams: Yes, the wig goes with me.

Sanford: When I leave this show, the entire Marley costume comes with me. But, no. It’s been a fun journey from the first one. Then watching it build over the years, not just in the cast and how the show develops every year, but watching the audience and the people that have been coming over and over. I have even made friends with some of the people that met me through the show. So that’s built more of a community outside of this show that I didn’t have, and so I’m thankful for that.

It’s also so ingrained that if I didn’t have the show, I’d be sitting at home bored missing it. But it comes down to the fact that we’ve been a part of it from the beginning because we’ve loved it. We’ve enjoyed the fun of it all every year because there’s a different cast, there’s a different energy, so it’s not stagnant for us either. So doing this, it didn’t seem like 10 years. It feels great.

Williams: And for both of us, these were roles that were designed for us.

Sanford: Dave Steakley originally wrote the show. He had people in mind for the specific characters. He kind of also built the characters around our personalities in a way—exaggerated to some extent, but still our personalities.

TRIBEZA: While there are a lot of surprises each year, the songs you perform don’t change very often, correct?

Sanford: One year my song changed, and people lost their minds. There’s some things that have to stay in the show regardless of what’s going on.

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Roderick Sanford as Fezziwig in ZACH Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”

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Kenny Williams as Ghost of Christmas Past at ZACH Theatre

TRIBEZA: What is it about this production that people just love so much?

Sanford: It’s the songs that people connect with. Because it’s not the traditional “A Christmas Carol.” Everyone knows the storyline, but every year, there’s one little nugget that’s new, maybe a newer song. Everyone comes because they wanna see what’s new. They also continue to enjoy the older parts of it, and I know it’s just become a thing for so many different families. Because of the way the songs weave into the story, that creates a personal connection, and every song has a different meaning to everybody. So it just resonates with everyone individually and they just want to keep coming back and have that happy feeling.

Williams: It’s just so amazing that people will say, ‘I’m bringing 20 friends next year,’ and they bring 20 friends. And those friends say, ‘I’m gonna bring 20 friends next year.’ And the show just grows and grows and grows. So this community has just grown over the years.

TRIBEZA: For those of us watching it, it just brings so much joy. It appears that on stage, you’re having a blast, and that helps the audience really have a wonderful experience.

Switching gears, slightly… What’s your favorite Christmas carol?

Williams: That’s a tough one. Can I give you maybe a top 3? “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” Amy Grant’s “Grown-Up Christmas List,” and “The Christmas Song.”

Sanford: Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” is my go-to. Also, The Temptation’s “Silent Night.” I can’t decorate my tree if that song isn’t playing. Out of the show, I loved our version of “Joy to the World” that we did last year. It was the Whitney Houston version. That was such a fun, rousing song.

TRIBEZA: For many local families, seeing this show is a cherished tradition. What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Williams: For me, it really is performing in this show. Otherwise, being with family and visiting friends.

Sanford: This show occupies a lot of our time. But my favorite tradition is decorating the tree night. Let’s put on some tunes. Let’s start decorating.

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Roderick Sanford in a ZACH Theatre Motown production.

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Kenny Williams in a ZACH Theatre Motown production.

TRIBEZA: When the show is wrapped and your fans want to see you perform, where can they find you?

Sanford: When I’m not here, I’m also the music director and soloist for my church. Every Sunday morning, you can find the Unity Church of the Hills. Aside from that, I’ll also perform in other little shows around town throughout the year.

Williams: KennyWilliamsSings.com. I take some time off after the start of the New Year, but Parker Jazz Club, Jazz Texas and Eddie V’s are my mainstays.

Catch Sanford and Williams on Stage Now

“A Christmas Carol” is playing now through December 29 with many ticketing options available at www.zachtheatre.org.

RELATED: TRIBEZA’s Favorite Local Holiday Traditions