Christopher Bloch. Photo by Walter McBride.
Christopher Bloch’s work has been seen at some of the area’s biggest theatres. His credits at Ford’s Theatre include playing Bob Cratchit in multiple productions of A Christmas Carol, Benjamin Franklin in Liberty Smith, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Judge Roan in Parade and Voice of Dick/Trader/Hank in Big River. Other area credits include Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown and Ivan Molokov in Chess at Signature Theatre, Albert in Christmas Carol 1941 at Arena Stage, Marc in Art and Howie in Rabbit Hole at Everyman Theatre and Highpockets Duncan in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at Pittsburgh CLO. Christopher was awarded the Helen Hayes award for his performance as the conniving Thénardier in Les Misérables at Signature Theatre. He will be returning to Ford’s Theatre for the third time this season to portray Benjamin Franklin in 1776.
How did you come to be a part of the DC theatre community?
I moved here in 2001 to be with my wife, Wendy Cassidy. I had visited DC in 1998 for the first time as part of Black No More, a co-production between Arena Stage and the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
What was your first production at Ford’s Theatre?
Christopher Bloch (Bob Cratchit) and Sam Ellis (Tiny Tim). Photo by Scott Suchman.
A Christmas Carol in 2002, playing Marley, directed by David Bell.
When playing in historical productions at Ford’s Theatre like Liberty Smith and soon 1776, does it add a layer to be playing the show at a venue that has so much history itself?
The second show I did at Ford’s was 1776 in 2003. The resonance of the issue of slavery in the creation of the Declarationof Independence and Lincoln’s booth in your line of sight is undeniable.
This is the third year for you being a part of the cast of Michael Baron’s version of A Christmas Carol. What do you do to keep it interesting for yourself year after year?
Stay in the moment! The emotion of the Cratchit family is a wonderful ride if you stay true to the story. That and bologna in my shoes….
Of the shows you have performed in at Ford’s Theatre what are some of your favorites?
Chris Bloch (Voice of Dick, Trader, and Hank), and Dan Manning (Preacher) from 'Big River.'
The Deaf West production of Big River, directed by Jeff Calhoun, is at the top of that list! Half the cast was deaf and half were hearing, and we all signed during the show. The immersion into deaf culture and the challenge of making sure every aspect of my performance was understood by hearing and deaf audience members was a remarkable experience. One of a handful of shows in my career that I mention as favorites!
