Lee E. Ernst plays Bob Cratchit in The Rep's festive rendition of "A Christmas Carol" this season.

Ernst joined The Rep in 1993, and like many in the talented company has played a variety of roles through the years.

Of course, the Dickens classic is back again this season live at the Pabst Theater.  It's a major Milwaukee tradition, so I reached out to Ernst and asked him six quick questions about his annual holiday role, the Rep's version of "A Christmas Carol," and of course his thoughts about Milwaukee.

Enjoy.

OnMilwaukee.com:  What most appeals to you about the Bob Cratchit character?

Lee Ernst:  When playing Cratchit, I try to focus on remaining positive in the face of harsh realities. Bob's situation has never been so relevant as it is in this economy. His lesson, to "have an open heart," is a tough one to swallow when we're in dire straights, but to do so is to experience the healing power of true virtue.

OMC:  Why has "A Christmas Carol" endured and remained relevant so long?

LE: Scrooge's journey is a sort of an everyman story and gives all of us the option of redeeming ourselves, no matter how old or beyond hope we may seem to be. Of course, Dickens is a great writer as well, and has created a panoply of fascinating, dimensional and entertaining characters that immeasurably add to our appreciation of his story. I can be as cynical as the next person, but I have to say that the chance to walk into The Pabst Theater and share a story that has such a positive vibe simply feels good.

OMC:  What's new this year at the Rep's "A Christmas Carol?"

LE:  We never take this production for granted. It would be very easy to just pop it out of the box, dust it off and toss it onto the stage, but each year the text is reassessed, characters are added or deleted, actors are often assigned different roles. We treat "A Christmas Carol" with the same respect and integrity that we bring to all of the work at The Rep. The love, and enthusiasm from the staff, shops and cast for this play is infectious, and gives the audience a shared experience that is fresh and, hopefully significant, every time we play.

OMC:  You were the Emcee in "Cabaret" -- now Bob Cratchit -- quite a juxtaposition. Any difference in how you prepare for different roles?

LE:  Well, first of all, Bob Cratchit doesn't wear fishnets, a corset or lipstick, so there was a strong distinction right from the start. As for preparation, The Emcee was very physical in our production of "Cabaret," so I spent many weeks getting my body and voice ready to take on the unique rigors of a musical. I have to say that Cratchit has been almost relaxing after "Cabaret."

OMC:  What's your favorite thing about Milwaukee?

LE:  For me, nothing beats living next to a gorgeous body of water. I love Lake Michigan, and Milwaukee's parks, food, culture and, yes, even the weather!

OMC:  Finally, assuming you've been good ... what's on your Christmas list?

LE:  If every person who reads this would be good enough to offer up one random act of kindness over the holidays, by dropping a penny into a hat, yielding the right-of-way at a four-way stop, or merely shooting a smile to someone on the street, I think we could easily warm Milwaukee's winter by a few degrees! If anyone is feeling super-generous, however, I'd settle for a MacBook Air, and a trip to Tahiti! Even Bob Cratchit dreams big!