Artwork hand drawn by Brandon Mikel Paul
From the greatest holiday writer of all time comes this tale of hope, family, and Christmas cheer. Returning after its popular first run, this fast-paced, imaginative one-person show is perfect for the whole family!
In this classic Dickens story, Toby Veck stands day-after-day in the shadow of a bell tower, forging a bond with the chimes that peel out far overhead. Facing extreme poverty, crime, and the daily difficulties of the world, Toby begins to lose hope - until the magical chimes take him on a journey to the future, renewing his hope and happiness. For any struggling to find hope in this season, "The Chimes" is an honest, moving, and joyful celebration of the hope of Christmas.
"The Chimes" is performed by actor Benjamin Tissell* and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.
*Appearing through and agreement between this theatre, Wild Goose Repertory, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Production Team
Based on the novella by Charles Dickens
Written by Benjamin Tissell*, w/ Kevin Peterson & Stephen Pick
2023 Remount Directed by Mike McConaughey
Original Production Directed by Stephen Pick
Performed by Benjamin Tissell*
Costume Design by Natalia Weyhrich-Herndon
Videography by Jaron Christman
Graphic Design by Kelly Jo Cox
*Appearing through and agreement between this theatre, Wild Goose Repertory, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Director's Note
Holidays are laden with joy, stress, hope, hurt and everything in between. Joining Toby on his journey has been a great reminder that we get to choose how we approach the holidays - and every day. Being intentional, being open, being attentive and remembering what is most important - these are the ways we continue to love ourselves and those around us.
It has been a joy to work with this piece. Seeing Toby grow and change over the weeks has been a true pleasure. Keep a good heart! Happy Holidays!
Mike McConaughey
Artist's Note
I developed this piece with the help of some friends during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Theatres were closed and the families found it difficult to gather during the holidays. Like most things that year, the production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" I had been cast in was cancelled and I found myself as an out-of-work actor, short on work and Christmas cheer. A longtime Dickens' fan, I had come across "The Chimes" a few years earlier and had fallen in love with the character of Toby Veck (or "Trotty", due to his characteristic messanger's trot). I told a friend at the time that I think of Toby as the patron saint of all of us who go through life a little too open, a little too sensitive, leading with empathy by instinct - those of us who find, as Toby says, that "the world can knock the stuffing out of a person". Toby's defiant struggle for hope in a world where despair so often wins is as relevant and moving now as it was in the depths of that Covid-19 lockdown.
Each year as I revisit this story I find myself buoyed, encouraged, and grateful. Thank you all for sharing this journey with Toby, Mrs. Chickenstalker, Will Fern and all the rest of these characters who have truly become a part of me.
Ding-Dong-Ding and Merry Christmas!
Ben Tissell
Creative Team Bios
Benjamin Tissell (Toby/Others & Playwright) is a Portland-based actor, director and musician. Locally, he has performed at Portland Center Stage, Portland Playhouse, Third Rail Rep, Broadway Rose, Lakewood Theatre, and many others. Ben currently teaches theatre at George Fox University and is the artistic director of Wild Goose Repertory. Also a singer-songwriter, Ben’s music can be found on Spotify and iTunes. He is also currently performing in “A Christmas Carol” at Portland Playhouse. For more of Ben’s work and info about current projects, please visit BenTissell.com. He is deeply grateful to be collaborating with Mike and the team to tell this powerful story once again!
Mike McConaughey (Director) is starting his 30th year in theater education. During this time, he has directed some classic hits like Arsenic and Old Lace, Oliver!, Little Women, And Then There Were None, and over 100 more. Noises Off was a hoot, Little Women was gorgeous, Addams Family was crazy fun and on and on and on. Mike has directed students from elementary through college age and beyond.
Currently he serves as the theater director and CTE teacher at Newberg high school where he has worked for the last nine years.
Ellie Barbuto (Stage Manager) is honored to join Wild Goose again and share this story with you! She has a BA in Theater Acting/Directing and Design/Technology from George Fox University. Her recent theater credits at GFU include Oliver! (Oliver), Godspell (Sang Day by Day, Irene Ryan Nomination) and stage managing The Play That Goes Wrong and Parables (KCACTF Region 7 Winner and National Fellowship Recipient). Many thanks to all her friends and family! Creating in, through, and for Love.