Introduce Yourself : Tired but very happy! by Ira David Wood III

My name is Ira David Wood III. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Raleigh's Theatre In The Park. Today is the final performance of my musical-comedy version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. We've been playing consecutively for 41 years ... and I've been doing the role of Scrooge the whole time. Well, there WAS one year when I had to have an aortic valve replaced and my oldest son took over the role. (They still gave me a walk-on, so I guess I can say I've appeared in the show for 41 years.) We've toured the show to France (twice) and England (once) and have played to almost two million people! We've been cited as "one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theater history." It's been a joy to be associated with such a special production. We make a little over a million dollars in a two-weekend run which is pretty extraordinary because we're a community theatre located in Raleigh, NC. Some of our past company members include Michael C. Hall, Lauren Kennedy, Frankie Muniz, Terrance Mann, and my daughter, Evan Rachel Wood - among others. If you're ever in Raleigh, please drop by our theatre for a visit! We present shows year 'round in a black box theatre located in the historic Pullen Park. Sending you ALL best wishes for a glorious holiday season and a very happy New Year!