A veteran of both stage and screen, actor/writer/director Anthony Irons has spent nearly two decades building an impressive resume that showcases his passion, range and versatility.
Though he has a long list of film (Let’s Go To Prison, Ghostlight) and television (Chicago Med, Empire, South Side) credits to his name that stretch back to the early aughts, Irons has cut his teeth in Chicago’s bustling theatre scene as an ensemble member at both Congo Square Theatre (King Hedley II, Welcome to Matteson) and Lookingglass Theatre (Steadfast Tin Soldier, Treasure Island) in addition to a myriad of performances with various other theatre companies including Court Theatre, Shattered Globe, American Theatre Company, and The Second City. He’s received Black Theatre Alliance Awards, African American Arts Alliance, three Jeff Award nominations, and a 3 Arts Make a Wave Award.
When not taking center stage, Irons can be found in the directors chair having written and directed Regal Promise, a fantasy video for Lookingglass Theatre’s 50 Wards: A Civic Mosaic project as well as The Colored Museum, Hobo King, Day of Absence, and the sketch comedy Tales From The Black Side for Congo Square Theatre. Tales From The Black Side was later turned into a hilarious web series currently available on Youtube retitled as The Blackside.
Currently the award-winning actor can be seen in the role of Bob Cratchitt in the 47th annual production of A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. Making this production even more special for Irons is getting to take the stage with his son, Xavier, who plays his son, Peter Cratchitt in his Goodman Theatre debut.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the multi-talented artist to learn more about his beginnings, what he has in store for the future, and what it’s like to act alongside his son for the first time.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Anthony irons?
Anthony Irons: I ‘m a storyteller, mostly via stage but also on camera and other mediums. I try not to think in terms of good and bad but I do believe there is a struggle of humanity that is fought by healthy and unhealthy choices. Following your Spirit usually adds weight to the healthy side. Constantly following your Ego does the opposite. As an artist, I try to lend my thoughts and efforts to tip the scale towards the healthy side, where you’ll find things like compassion, empathy, honesty and ultimately… peace. I have a penchant for social justice and many of my personal projects tend to embrace themes of truth, justice and freedom.
What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?
Artist. Creative. Pensive.
Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
I was first bit by the acting bug in high school. A local theatre sent an audition notice to high schools. They were seeking four young performers to join a musical revue tour. Being my first audition, I don’t think I fully realized what was happening but it was a welcome change from my typically reserved self. I decided to have fun. I got cast. I didn’t consider performing as a career until my college sophomore year. I took theatre 101 at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham), and I fell in love with creating characters, stepping into different worlds and telling stories. I switched my major to theatre the very next semester.
Who’s the first actor to resonate deeply with you?
The first person I saw on screen that left an indelible impression on me was the young boy in Richard Balducci’s “Clown”. This is a 1960’s french film that one of my elementary teachers played for the class one day. I couldn’t have been more than 7 or 8. There were no words in the film but the simple story about a boy losing and searching for his dog was very compelling to me. And the film’s musical reprise is forever burned into memory.
Do you remember anything from your first encounter with the story of A Christmas Carol?
I can’t say I remember my first encounter with A Christmas Carol, though I have seen several film versions and at least two stage productions, prior to being in this year’s show at the Goodman. I would say I’m always interested in the more magical elements. So the spirits, especially Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Future have always intrigued me most. It strikes me that these darkest of characters give Scrooge the strongest push towards the “light” and ultimately his redemption.
How did you decide your approach in portraying a classic character like Bob Crarchit? Is there a certain ease because people generally know the character and story or no?
I started with no preconceived notions about Bob Cratchit but I quickly decided to make him relentlessly positive and optimistic. He always sees the glass as half full. That’s his center. So even in moments where he is disappointed or sad, he refuses to stay in that space long. I think it’s an interesting line to try to ride where we see him have moments of turmoil, like thinking he may have to work on Christmas day or watching Martha, his daughter, see a sickly Tim hobble across the room. But then Bob shakes it off and recovers (or tries to recover) with a smile.
Much like Lebron James recently making history by playing alongside his son, Bronny, in an NBA game, this production marks a milestone for you as you get to perform alongside your son, Xavier, in his Goodman Theatre debut. Can you talk a little about what that means to you?
It is pure joy performing in the show with Xavier. Some of my favorite moments are actually offstage, watching Xavier from the wings. This is our first time performing together onstage and since the first rehearsal it’s been a blast. The show has so many whimsical and beautifully crafted moments and to see Xavier take the lead and help craft some of those moments, with such comfort and ease, is a real treasure. The show has clearly given him fuel for his artistic passion. He wants to audition for everything and take his career as far and fast as possible. I think that’s awesome and I hope he rides that wave for decades to come.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people may be surprised to know that I constantly create musical riffs for real moments. Whether I’m backstage getting ready to enter a scene or standing in line at a grocery store. I make up musical interludes to fit the moment I’m in or the moment I’m watching. Those closest to me may sometimes hear me softly humming the soundtrack in my mind.
Best advice to young and aspiring actors?
My advice to young actors is take advantage of the opportunities you have right now. The pandemic proved you can explore any path you want. With today’s technology, performing, recording and sharing is at your fingertips. What do you want to say with your art? Even if you don’t feel you have the latest tech, your school might. Get help from a teacher or your local library. In other words, don’t wait… Create!
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is attitude!”
What’s next for Anthony Irons? (Upcoming Projects? Dreams? Goals?)
In the spring I’m looking forward to performing with another Chicago theatre I’ve never worked with before. I’ve also revisited a personal project… a co-operative board game that I created. I’ve been inspired by the cast of A Christmas Carol. There are quite a few gamers among them and they’ve helped playtest my game. My goal is to bring the game to market. I’ll crowdfund and release the game as soon as my hands catch up with my heart.
The 47th annual production of A Christmas Carol runs through December 30th at the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago. For more information on dates and times, please visit www.goodmantheatre.org
