Mr. Pinch is the mean and miserly owner of the Purple Peacock Inn who refuses to give food scraps to a hungry Tiny Tim and his mother. He is the prototype for Dickens s Scrooge. While the song _x001c_ Bah! Humbug!_x001d_ is meant to be comical, the actor playing Pinch doesn t need to be comedic; instead, he should be confident enough to play a shameless misanthrope without needing to wink at the audience. Look for someone who is both a strong actor and singer, but if there is a tough call, lean toward the stronger actor as much of his solo can be sung/spoken.