1A
A Christmas Carol Cabaret
Scene 1A - Opening & Musical Production Number
House lights to black. Single spot comes up slowly on Grim Reaper, DSC. He stands motionless, then raises
his arm so that his index finger is aimed at the audience. He hisses ominously, his finger moving over the
crowd.
GRIMMY
… now that I’ve got your attention…. (He steps out of his reaper’s robe to reveal himself as a tuxedo-clad
master of ceremonies.) That’s more like it. (Directly to the audience) In 1843, Mr. Charles Dickens wrote a
Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, to haunt your houses pleasantly. Many of you have seen
one of the fifty or so movie or television versions that have been churned out since 1901. Some of you have
seen the play. A few of you have even read the story. But I’m going to tell it to you again. My way…. Live
from Saint Genesius Productions, sit back and enjoy “A Christmas Carol Cabaret!”
PRODUCTION NUMBER a la the Rockettes-You can hang up every light
Wrappin’ presents all the night
Poundin’ down Ma’s turkey and stuffin’
Until your pants are tight
You can put up mistletoe
Line your stockin’s in a row
Singin’ all the carols you know
Wrapped up in a Yuletide glow
But it won’t be Christmas, it can’t be Christmas
Until you’ve heard this tale
Mr. Dickens won’t grow stale
His villain’s got you hissin’ when you listen
It won’t be Christmas, it isn’t Christmas
Until that kid so sweet
Limps across the stage on his little crutches
And doesn’t get enough to eat
Our ghosts are waitin’ not hesitatin’
Their story now to tell
Fezziwig makes merry
It can get real scary
But everything ends swell
So come along and hear
You know you want it every year
I beg ya please sir
Bring on the geezer
Ebenezer Scrooge
As song ends, ENSEMBLE gathers in semi-circle behind GRIMMY
GRIMMY
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1A
Before we start, there are two very important facts Mr. Dickens wanted you to know. First…
(The actor who will play MARLEY steps forward)
GRIMMY
… Marley was dead.
ENSEMBLE (whispering, chanting, one at a time in rapid succession)
Defunct, deceased, departed, done for, erased, expired, gone, late, lifeless, liquidated, mortified, no more,
passed, perished, pushing daisies….
ENSEMBLE 1, 2, 3
Dead as a door-nail.
ENSEMBLE 4, 5, 6
Dead as a coffin-nail.
GRIMMY
There is no doubt whatever about that…… And did Scrooge know he was dead? Of course he did. How
could it be otherwise? Scrooge and he were partners for years. Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole
administrator, his sole friend and sole mourner. And even Scrooge was not so dreadfully cut up by the sad
event, as he was back at work on the very day of the funeral…….. There is no doubt that Marley was dead.
You have to understand that, or the story ceases to be wonderful and not a single movie would have been
made about it.
(Members of ENSEMBLE pull MARLEY back into line with them. Grimmy points to the “Scrooge &
Marley” sign.)
Scrooge never painted out Old Marley's name. There it stood, years afterwards, above the warehouse door.
The firm was known as Scrooge and Marley. Sometimes people called Scrooge Scrooge, and sometimes
Marley, but he answered to both names, it was all the same to him. Which brings us to Mr. Dickens’ other
important fact:
(SCROOGE enters – either through audience, or across the stage – We know at once he’s not a nice guy.)
GRIMMY
Scrooge was a real stinker.
(Members of the ensemble step up and circle around/react to SCROOGE as they speak. SCROOGE is
unaware, quite alone in his miserable world.)
ENSEMBLE 1
Squeezing…
ENSEMBLE 2
…wrenching…
ENSEMBLE 3
ENSEMBLE 4
…grasping…
…scraping…
ENSEMBLE 5
…clutching…
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1A
ENSEMBLE 6
…covetous.
GRIMMY
Hard and sharp, secret and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster.
ENSEMBLE 1
Freezing…
ENSEMBLE 2
…shrivelled…
ENSEMBLE 3
…stiff…
ENSEMBLE 4
…grating…
ENSEMBLE 5
…shrewd…
ENSEMBLE 6
…frosty.
GRIMMY
No warmth could warm him, no wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was more bitter, no falling
snow was more implacable, no pelting rain more merciless.
(SCROOGE walks through the streets, and begins to make his way to his office.)
Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say-ENSEMBLE 1
My dear Scrooge, how are you?
(A few homeless people eye Scrooge. One newcomer thinks they should approach him, but those who know
better steer her away. We may also have a blind man with a fake dog. We will IMRPOVISE this during
rehearsals – the point is that people avoid him like the plague.)
GRIMMY
No beggars ever asked him for money and even the blind man’s dog would tug his owner into the doorway
when he saw Scrooge coming. But did Scrooge care? Au contraire! He preferred it that way.
SCROOGE
(Menacing ENSEMBLE members portraying London pedestrians, who shrink away from him)
BAH!
GRIMMY
Okay. Fact one: Marley is dead. Fact two: Scrooge is a contender for World’s Biggest Jerk. Let’s start the
show.
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1B
Scene 1B – Scrooge, Fred, & Bob Cratchit
Lighting change, musical flourish. Then follows recurring device to use throughout show - an ENSEMBLE
member—
LITTLE ELF –(brings out a placard to announce scenes, locations, etc. She does Grimmy’s bidding.)
GRIMMY
Now let’s play….
ENSEMBLE (unison)
How Awful Can One Man Be?
LITTLE ELF (Display sign “How Awful Can One Man Be?”)
(SCROOGE sits at his desk, counting money.)
GRIMMY
Round One—Don’t Even Think About It! Christmas Eve. Old Scrooge in his counting-house. One eye
always on his clerk, Bob Cratchit.
(BOB CRATCHIT enters. He is very cold.)
SCROOGE
Don’t even THINK about taking another piece of coal.
GRIMMY
Round Two—Invitation? I Don’t Need No Stinking Invitation!
FRED (entering)
A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!
SCROOGE
Bah! Humbug!
FRED
Christmas a humbug, uncle? You don't mean that.
SCROOGE
I do. Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? You're poor enough.
FRED
What right have you to be dismal? You're rich enough.
SCROOGE
Bah!
FRED
Don't be cross, uncle.
SCROOGE
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What else can I be? Merry Christmas! What's Christmas time to you but a time for finding yourself a year
older, and not an hour richer? Every idiot who goes about with “Merry Christmas” on his lips should be
boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!
FRED
Uncle!
SCROOGE
Nephew! Keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.
FRED
Keep it! But you don't keep it.
SCROOGE
Let me leave it alone, then. Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!
FRED
There are many things, which have done me good, by which I have not profited--Christmas among them. I
have always thought of Christmas time as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only
time I know of when men and women seem to open their shut-up hearts freely. And therefore, uncle, though
it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me
good; and I say, God bless it!
(BOB CRATCHIT applauds wildly.)
SCROOGE
Let me hear another sound from you and you'll celebrate your Christmas by losing your job.
FRED
Don't be angry, uncle. Come to dinner with us tomorrow.
SCROOGE
Bah.
FRED
But why?
SCROOGE
Good afternoon.
FRED
I want nothing from you; I ask nothing of you; why can’t we be friends?
SCROOGE
Good afternoon.
FRED
I am sorry, with all my heart. But I have made this visit in honor of Christmas, and I'll keep my Christmas
spirit to the last. So--a Merry Christmas, uncle!
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SCROOGE
Good afternoon!
FRED
And a Happy New Year!
SCROOGE
Good day!
FRED (exiting, to Bob)
And a Merry Christmas to you, sir.
BOB (Bob begins to say “And a Merry Christmas to you” but sees the wrath of Scrooge and changes his
words ) And the same to you Fred!
FRED exits. As he leaves, he greets the homeless pair, and after some searching, gives them some money.
We will IMPROVISE this during rehearsals.
SCROOGE
There's another fellow, my clerk, with fifteen shillings a week, and a wife and family, talking about a merry
Christmas. Fool!
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Scene 1C – Charity collectors, Scrooge & Bob Cratchit
GRIMMY
Round three—Don’t Even Ask Me! Part One. (Grimmy may do something to help Bob in some way, or mess
with Scrooge’s routine, unseen.)
CHARITY PERSON 1 and CHARITY PERSON 2 enter.
CHARITY 1
Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge, or Mr. Marley?
SCROOGE
Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years. He died seven years ago, this very night.
CHARITY 2
We have no doubt his generosity is well represented by his surviving partner.
(Bob Cratchit over hears conversation and reacts. Grimmy reacts too.)
CHARITY 1
At this festive time of the year, Mr. Scrooge, we depend on businessmen like you to provide for the poor and
destitute, who suffer greatly.
SCROOGE
Are there no prisons?
CHARITY 2
Plenty of prisons.
SCROOGE
And the workhouses? Are they still in operation?
CHARITY 2
They are. I wish I could say they were not.
SCROOGE
Oh! I was afraid from what you said that they were no longer in operation. I'm very glad to hear it.
CHARITY 1
Perhaps we weren’t clear. We are collecting funds to buy food for the less fortunate in the area to celebrate
Christmas. What shall I put you down for?
SCROOGE
Nothing.
CHARITY 1
You wish to be anonymous?
SCROOGE
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I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at
Christmas, and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I support the establishments I have mentioned and
the destitute must go there.
CHARITY 2
Many can't go there; and many would rather die.
SCROOGE
If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. It's not my business. It's
enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me
constantly. Good afternoon!
CHARITY 1 and CHARITY 2 exit (Grimmy takes money from Scrooge’s desk and puts money in their coffers
without their knowledge, but clear to the audience.)
GRIMMY
Round three—Don’t Even Ask Me! Part Two.
SCROOGE
You'll want all day to-morrow, I suppose?
BOB
If quite convenient, sir.
SCROOGE
It's not convenient and it's not fair. If I were to take away some wages for it, you'd think yourself ill-used.
And yet you don't think me ill-used, when I pay a day's wages for no work.
BOB
It’s only once a year, sir.
SCROOGE
A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth of December! I suppose you must have the
whole day. Be here all the earlier next morning!
BOB
Thank you, sir. (exiting quickly)
SCROOGE turns from BOB to find a YOUNG CAROLER.
GRIMMY
And now, for our lightning round—Don’t Sing That Tune!
YOUNG CAROLER (singing)
God bless you merry gentleman! May nothing you dismay!
SCROOGE (menacing)
Baaaaah!
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1C
Terrified YOUNG CAROLER exits in haste. SCROOGE smiles. GRIMMY comes to SCROOGE and with a
flourish, indicates that Scrooge is victorious. LITTLE ELF brings out ‘World’s Biggest Jerk’ sign.
GRIMMY
…. and our winner and still champion…
ENSEMBLE
.…Ebenezer Scrooge!
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2A
Scene 2A - Marley
Transition - Scrooge makes his way to the door of his house, groping in the dark. We see the knocker on the
door suddenly become the face of Marley. Scrooge is startled, then the face disappears and we see the door
knocker once more.
SCROOGE
Pooh, pooh!
Scrooge enters his home and fastens the door securely. He prepares for bed. As with everything he does,
Scrooge’s preparations are meager. Scrooge is visibly bothered by something.
SCROOGE
Humbug!
Scrooge gets up and walks across the room, pacing. After several turns, he sits down heavily. He glances at
the small service bell next to his bowl of gruel. A small bell begins to tinkle, another larger bell joins it and
then another. Suddenly a cacophony of bells and clanging sound pierces the room. They are rung by
members of the ENSEMBLE. Although they are visible to the audience, SCROOGE does not see them. The
bells cease clamoring as suddenly as they began. After a pause the ringing is replaced by a clanking,
dragging sound which starts out low and grows louder.
Grimmy and Elf are ringing bells… enjoying freaking Scrooge out.
SCROOGE
It's humbug still! I won't believe it.
Transition - Marley’s ghost enters through the locked door as the fire quickly flames up then subsides. All
exit except Scrooge and Marley.
SCROOGE
How now! What do you want with me?
MARLEY
Much!
SCROOGE
Who are you?
MARLEY
Ask me who I was.
SCROOGE
Who were you then? You're particular--for a ghost.
MARLEY
In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley.
SCROOGE
Can you--can you sit down?
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2A
MARLEY
I can.
SCROOGE
Do it then.
MARLEY
You don't believe in me.
SCROOGE
I don't.
MARLEY
Am I not standing here before you?
SCROOGE
I don't know.
MARLEY
Why do you doubt your senses?
SCROOGE
Because the smallest thing can affect them. You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a
crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato.
SCROOGE
Humbug, I tell you--humbug!
(At this, the spirit raises a frightful cry, and shakes its chain with such a dismal and appalling noise.
Scrooge falls upon his knees, and clasps his hands before his face.)
SCROOGE
Mercy! Dreadful apparition, why do you trouble me?
MARLEY
Man! Do you believe in me or not?
SCROOGE
I do, I must. But why do spirits walk the earth, and why do they come to me?
MARLEY
Men are social beings, it is our nature to walk amongst our fellow-man, aware and engaged. If that spirit
does not go forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. My spirit is doomed to wander through the
world--oh, woe is me!--and witness what it cannot share, but might have shared and turned to happiness!
SCROOGE
But you were always a good man of business, Jacob.
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MARLEY
Business!? I failed in my true business. Mankind was my business! The common welfare was my business;
charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a
drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!
(Marley pauses thoughtfully.)
MARLEY
At this time of the year I suffer most. Why did I walk through the crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes
turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there
no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me! (Again the spectre raises a cry, shakes its
chains, and wrings its shadowy hands)
{Begin music intro}
SCROOGE
You are fettered. Tell me why?
MARLEY
I wear the chain I made
Ev’ry link I personally laid
Think of your chain
Seven more years it has grown
I made mine yard by yard
You are building yours twice as hard
Seven years
On your chain – it grows and grows
(Scrooge glances around him on the floor, in the expectation of finding himself surrounded by fifty or sixty
lengths of iron chain, but he sees nothing.)
MARLEY
Look at how you spend your days
You’ve got to change your ways
Three ghosts – will you come to see
They may – not be nice like me
I suggest you stop your shivering
Pay attention, Don’t be quivering
Change – Your – Ways – Now, if you don’t
You’ll be doomed like me.
(The Christmas Caroling Rockettes come out – they may give Marley a hat & cane, and may join him in a
simple soft shoe dance. They may help out up his ‘chains’, or temporarily remove them. We will work on this
in rehearsals.)
All those, who I showed no care
Their cries, haunt me everywhere.
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They’re here, they’re there, Beware! Take Care!
Scrooge look out, so you won’t be doomed like me!
No comfort to give have I
So Repent now, you must try
It’s your last chance
Change your ways or never rest.
I ignored my fellow man
To advance our business plan
All that money
Doesn’t matter, when you’re dead.
But still, I failed to see
Mankind was my duty
Three ghosts, will come passing through
SCROOGE
I--I'd rather they didn’t.
MARLEY
Take heed what they say to you
It’s a lifetime opportunity
To change your ways or else there’ll be
No – Rest – No – Peace if you don’t
You’ll be doomed like me.
Don’t walk, the path I tread
Remember what I have said
My time – Is here – The ghosts – Draw near
Scrooge look out, so you won’t be doomed like me!
(Marley & the Christmas Caroling Rockettes exit. Scrooge is left alone again. He examines the door by
which the Ghost had entered. It is double-locked and the bolts are undisturbed.)
SCROOGE
Hum-b..!
(Scrooge goes to bed – a transition of light & sound.)
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Scene 3A - Scrooge Meets Ghost of Christmas Past
We hear one gong. Scrooge awakens, startled. He tries to go back to sleep. Meanwhile, Ghost of Christmas
Past comes on stage, unseen to Scrooge.
SCROOGE
Bah!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Hello Ebenezer.
SCROOGE
Are you the spirit whose coming was foretold to me?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
I am.
SCROOGE
Who are you?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
SCROOGE
Long Past?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
No – your past.
SCROOGE
What business brings you here?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Your welfare.
SCROOGE
You think a night of interrupted sleep is good for my welfare?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Your reclamation then. Take heed! Rise, and come with me.
(Christmas Past takes Scrooge to the ledge of the window – Scrooge is fearful.)
SCROOGE
You’re taking me out the window? I am mortal, I’ll fall!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
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Touch my hand, and you will be able to fly.
Scrooge touches the Spirit’s hand, and there is a transition – sound & lighting, and a fan effect if possible to
simulate flying. They are transported into the past. We may close the curtains and play the following short
scenes in front of the curtains.
LITTLE ELF: (Display sign: “Scrooge’s Childhood”)
We see some young children playing. Scrooge recognizes them from his boyhood.
SCROOGE
Good Heaven! I was born in this place. I was a boy here. (Scrooge recognizes the children from his
boyhood.) There’s Edmund, and Jane. Hello! It’s me, Ebenezer!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
These are merely the shadows of the things that have been. They can’t see or hear us.
Light transition to scene with Fan.
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3B
Scene 3B - Young Scrooge with Fan
YOUNG SCROOGE
That’s not fair! I never said go yet!
FAN
Nobody says go in a snowball fight.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Yes they do!
SCROOGE
That’s my sister, Fan, and that’s me on Christmas morning having a snowball fight.
FAN
I’m going to get you!
YOUNG SCROOGE
Not if I get you first.
(Light Transition)
SCROOGE
I’d forgotten how happy Fan made me. And then my father sent me to that boarding school for two years.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Fan was the one person who truly loved you when your father didn’t.
(Transition - Young Scrooge sitting at his desk alone at boarding school – possibly far stage right. Young
Scrooge appears unhappy and lonesome.)
(Carolers off stage singing Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella…)
FAN (Fan enters, and runs in and throws her arms around Young Scrooge.)
Ebenezer! They’re singing my favorite carol.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Fan, what are you doing here?
FAN
I’ve come to take you home Ebenezer! Papa said you could come home.
YOUNG SCROOGE
Home Fan?
FAN
Yes, home for good! Papa's changed. He's really changed! He’s so much kinder than he used to be. He
spoke so gently to me the other night when I was going to bed that I was not afraid to ask him once more if
you might come home; and he said Yes, you should, and he sent me in a coach to bring you. And we’ll be
together for Christmas, and it will be the merriest time in all the world! I’ve been waiting for this day!
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3B
(Scrooge looks at her with unbelief but takes her hand to go with her.)
A Transition occurs. Young Scrooge and Fan leave the stage, hearing song.
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3C
Scene 3C Fezziwig & Company
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Always a delicate creature, whom a breath might have withered. But she had a large heart!
SCROOGE
She certainly did. You're right. I'll not deny it, Spirit.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
She died a young woman and had, I believe, children.
SCROOGE
One child.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
True. Your nephew!
SCROOGE
Yes. Fred.
(The Ghost and Scrooge are no longer at the schoolhouse, but somewhere else in the past. We may possibly
open the curtains here – we’ll need a large open space) –
LITTLE ELF: Displays sign “3 years later”
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (Stopping in front of a warehouse – Someone in ensemble unfurls a sign
indicating “Fezziwig & Company”)
Ebenezer, do you know where we are?
SCROOGE
Know it! I was an apprentice here.
(We see an old jolly gentleman, and Scrooge cries in excitement upon seeing him.)
SCROOGE
Why, it's old Fezziwig! Bless his heart; it's Fezziwig alive again!
(Old Fezziwig stops working, and looks at pocket watch. He laughs - It is now time for the party to begin,
and Fezziwig’s demeanor shows his jubilation.)
FEZZIWIG
Yo ho, there! Ebenezer! Dave!
(Scrooge's former self, now grown a young man, came briskly in, accompanied by his fellow apprentice.)
SCROOGE (to the Ghost)
Dave Wilkins, to be sure! Oh my, yes. There he is. He was my friend, he was. Poor Dave! Dear, dear!
FEZZIWIG
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3C
Yo ho, my boys! No more work tonight. Christmas Eve, Dave. Christmas, Ebenezer! Let's have the shutters
up before a man can say, Jack Robinson!
(Young Scrooge & Dave quickly clear away the work area – making ready for the party that is about to
begin.)
FEZZIWIG
Hilli-ho! Clear away, my lads, and let's have lots of room here! Hilli-ho, Dave! Chirrup, Ebenezer!
(Music begins – joyful people enter, ready for the party. We will IMPROVISE the party scene during
rehearsals. Soon lines are formed and a dance begins – The Haymaker’s Jig.)
(A short time passes – and suddenly the couple paired up are Scrooge and Belle. Lights transition - Time
stands still, as the other dancers freeze in tableaux, and Belle and Scrooge fall in love. We will add some
lines of dialogue here, which we’ll write during rehearsals…)
GRIMMY
Don’t they make a cute couple? Too bad it won’t last!
(Something signals the party is ending –Fezziwig shakes hands with the merrymakers and wish them Merry
Christmas as they leave.)
(Dave & Young Scrooge talk about what a great man Fezziwig is, how wonderful their Christmas party was,
etc. etc. This dialogue will be improvised & finalized in rehearsals. The Ghost signs to Scrooge to listen to
the two young men.)
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
A small matter, to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.
SCROOGE
Small!
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: three or four, perhaps. Is that so much that he
deserves all this praise?
SCROOGE
It’s not that, Spirit. It’s that he has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or
burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. How can you put a price on such things? That kind of happiness is
priceless. (Scrooge realized something. He feels the Ghost’s glance, and stops.)
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
What is the matter?
SCROOGE
Nothing in particular.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Something, I think?
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3C
SCROOGE
No, no. I would like to say a word or two to my own clerk just now! That's all.
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3D
Scene 3D – Break up scene
(Scene transitions – we are no longer at Fezziwig’s, but somewhere else.)
LITTLE ELF Display Signpost – “2 years later”.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
My time grows short. Quick!
(Time has passed. We see Scrooge, still young but not quite the same as he was at Fezziwig’s. There is also
Belle, no longer the joyful girl at the dance, but with an air of sadness and resignation about her.)
BELLE
It matters little. To you, very little. Another idol has displaced me; and if it can bring happiness and comfort
to you, as I would have tried to do, I have no reason to grieve.
GRIMMY
This doesn’t look good. Told you it wouldn’t last.
YOUNG SCROOGE
What Idol has displaced you?
BELLE (Belle plays with engagement ring)
A golden one.
YOUNG SCROOGE
This is the way of the world! The world is a terrible place for those who live in poverty. What’s wrong with
avoiding that fate by pursuing wealth?
BELLE
You fear the world too much. You have become consumed by your desire to accumulate wealth. I have
seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master-passion, Gain, engrosses you. Have I not?
YOUNG SCROOGE
What of it, then? If I have grown so much wiser, so what? I am not changed towards you.
(Belle shakes her head.)
YOUNG SCROOGE
Am I?
BELLE
Our agreement is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so. You are changed.
When it was made, you were another man.
YOUNG SCROOGE
I was a boy.
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3D
BELLE
You know yourself that you are not the same as you were then. I am. When we began our courtship, I
believed we’d be truly happy together. But now we’ve grown so different, we would make each other
miserable. I have thought about this long and hard. The truth is, we don’t belong together. I release you
from our engagement.
(Belle removes engagement band and places it on the table.)
YOUNG SCROOGE
Have I ever sought release?
BELLE
In words. No. Never.
YOUNG SCROOGE
In what, then?
BELLE
In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in your hopes and dreams for your life. In everything that made my
love of any value to you. If this had never been between us, tell me, would you seek me out and try to win
me now? No!
YOUNG SCROOGE
You think not?
BELLE
I would gladly think otherwise if I could. Heaven knows! But let’s be honest. If you were free today, how
can I believe that you would choose a girl like me, a girl with nothing—you, who weigh everything by what
you stand to gain? Or if you did choose me, wouldn’t you come to regret it? (They look at each other. He
does not answer.) I release you. With a full heart, for the love of who you once were.
May you be happy in the life you have chosen!
GRIMMY
So Scrooge lets the best thing in his life walk away, without a fight. Ah well. They say that all good things
must end. Looks like Scrooge is back on track to win the ‘World’s Biggest Jerk’.
(Belle leaves. Old Scrooge yells at his younger self to go after her, but of course his younger self does not
hear.)
SCROOGE
Spirit! Show me no more! Take me home. Why do you delight to torture me?
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
I told you these were shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me!
SCROOGE
Remove me! I cannot bear it! Leave me! Take me back. Haunt me no longer!
22
3D
(There is a transition – Traveler Curtains close and Ghost brings Scrooge back to his own room. )
23
4A
Scene 4A – Ghost of Christmas Present & Scrooge, miners, etc.
We hear two GONGS and SCROOGE awakes, and waits apprehensively. Nothing. GRIMMY slouches off to
one side, examining his nails or fussing with his tie or cufflinks.
As they wait, there is a smattering of isolated giggles from the ENSEMBLE, rising to laughter, growing into
a rousing group guffaw, then transition - SFX with lighting—very bright. PRESENT steps out from its midst,
spreads his/her arms wide.
LITTLE ELF: Displays sign: “Right Now”
PRESENT
Come in! Come in and know me better, man! (SCROOGE moves closer.) I am the Ghost of Christmas
Present! Look upon me! (Pause.) You have never seen the like of me before!
SCROOGE
Never.
PRESENT
Have you never walked forth with the younger members of my family?
SCROOGE
I am afraid I have not. Have you had many brothers, Spirit?
PRESENT
More than eighteen hundred – one for every year since our Savior’s birth in Bethlehem!
SCROOGE
A tremendous family to provide for! (pause) Spirit, conduct me where you will. If you have something to
teach me, let me profit by it.
PRESENT
Let me show you!
Present uses his torch’s magic.
SFX with fan for flying.
SCROOGE
What place is this?
PRESENT
A place where miners live; who labor in the bowels of the earth. But they know me.
PRESENT shakes his torch at a group of ENSEMBLE members who enter, softly singing a carol – Bring a
Torch Jeanette Isabella, possibly in French.
PRESENT
See!
Two ENSEMBLE members enter from the other side, also singing. PRESENT shakes his torch.
24
4A
PRESENT
And on this dismal reef of sunken rock, the lighthouse tenders.
PRESENT shakes his torch as a third group enters, also singing.
PRESENT
And to the black and heaving sea, far from any shore, the helmsman and the officers of the watch. All know
me and have a kinder word for each other on this day than on any other day of the year.
SCROOGE
Is there a peculiar magic in what you sprinkle from your torch?
PRESENT
There is. My own.
SCROOGE
Does it work upon any person on this day?
PRESENT
To any with an open heart. To a poor one most.
SCROOGE
Why to a poor one most?
PRESENT
Because he needs it most.
Traveler Curtains open - Transition to CRATCHIT house
25
4B
Scene 4B - Current Day Cratchit Family
MOLLY CRATCHIT
Where is your precious father then? And your brother, Tiny Tim; and Martha wasn't this late last Christmas
Day!
YOUNG CRATCHIT GIRL #1
Here's Martha, mother!
YOUNG CRATCHIT GIRL #2
Here's Martha, mother! Hurrah! There's such a goose, Martha!
MOLLY CRATCHIT (while kissing Martha)
Why, bless your heart alive, my dear, how late you are!
MARTHA
We had a great deal of work last night, and had to finish up this morning, mother!
MOLLY CRATCHIT
Well! Never mind so long as you are here! Sit down before the fire, my dear, and warm up, God bless you!
YOUNG CRATCHIT CHILDREN
No no! There's father coming. Hide Martha, hide!
(Martha hides herself. In comes Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim upon his shoulder.)
BOB CRATCHIT
Why, where's our Martha?
MOLLY CRATCHIT
She’s not coming.
BOB CRATCHIT
(dismayed)
Not coming! Not coming upon Christmas Day!
(Kindly Martha, who hates to see her beloved father disappointed, prematurely comes out from her hiding
place.)
MARTHA
Here I am, father! Merry Christmas!
BOB CRATCHIT
Merry Christmas my dear girl! We’ve missed you so. You should have heard our Tim at Church. He was
asked to recite.
YOUNG CRATCHIT GIRLS
Oh do recite it for us Tiny Tim! Please Tiny Tim, please!
BOB CRATCHIT
(Wrapping a cloak around him) Go on then, Tim.
26
4B
TINY TIM
And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night,
and Lo! The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they
were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy! It
shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!
And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the
manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”
YOUNG CRATCHIT GIRLS
(applauding)
Hurray! Hurray for Tiny Tim! Come see the goose Martha! Never have you seen such a goose!
(Martha, Tiny Tim and the Young Cratchit girls leave to see the goose.)
MOLLY CRATCHIT
And how was little Tim?
BOB CRATCHIT
As good as gold, and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful sitting by himself so much, and thinks the
strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church,
because he was a cripple and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame
beggars walk and blind men see.
(Molly and Bob share an embrace.)
BOB CRATCHIT
Tiny Tim is growing strong and hearty. He is, isn’t he dear?
(Molly gives Bob a hug but does not answer. Tim and his siblings rush back in.)
TINY TIM
Father, I’ve never seen such a goose!
BOB CRATCHIT
I don’t believe there ever has been such a goose. It is the biggest, most flavorful, tender goose that ever was!
(Pause.) A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us!
(Cratchit family echoes “Merry Christmas” and “God Bless Us!” Cratchit family sets up their dinner and
gathers round to offer thanks.)
TINY TIM
God bless us, everyone!
(Cratchit family freezes in tableaux. LIGHT SHIFT.)
SCROOGE
Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live.
27
4B
PRESENT
I see a vacant seat, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by
the Future, the child will die.
SCROOGE
No, no! Oh no, kind Spirit! Say he will be spared.
PRESENT
If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die. What was that you said before?
CABARET PLAYERS
If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.
(Scrooge hangs his head to hear his own harsh words quoted, and is overcome with penitence and grief)
PRESENT
Who are you to decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you
are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's child.
(Scrooge reacts to the ghost’s rebuke, and looks down. LIGHT CHANGE – back to Cratchit family – they
now unfreeze. SCROOGE he looks up upon hearing his name.)
BOB CRATCHIT
I’d like us to drink to Mr. Scrooge! Mr. Scrooge, the Founder of the Feast!
MOLLY CRATCHIT
The Founder of the Feast indeed! I wish I had him here. I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast upon, and I
hope he'd have a good appetite for it.
BOB CRATCHIT
Molly my dear, the children; Christmas Day.
MOLLY CRATCHIT
I suppose that on the blessed day of Christmas, one must drink to the health of Mr. Scrooge, even though he
is odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling …
Members of the ensemble recite their words from earlier in the show.
ENSEMBLE 1
Squeezing…
ENSEMBLE 2
…wrenching…
ENSEMBLE 3
…grasping…
ENSEMBLE 4
…scraping…
ENSEMBLE 5
…clutching…
ENSEMBLE 6
…covetous.
28
4B
BOB CRATCHIT
My dear, it’s Christmas Day.
The chanting of the ensemble abruptly stops.
MOLLY CRATCHIT
You know he is, Robert! Nobody knows it better than you do, poor fellow! (Pause.) But I'll drink to his
health for your sake and the Day's, not for his. Long life to him! A Merry Christmas and a happy new year!-he'll be very merry and very happy, I have no doubt!
CRATCHIT CHILDREN
To Mr. Scrooge!
29
4C
Scene 4C - Current Day at Fred’s Home
(Scrooge and spirit enter.)
(Fred laughs. Melanie is Fred’s wife. They are also joined by her sister, Grace, bachelor friend Topper,
and others. Grace and Topper are flirting, Grimmy joins the party taking food and drink and making himself
comfortable, inviting Little Elf to join him.)
FRED
He said that Christmas was a humbug, and he meant it too.
MELANIE
More shame for him, Fred.
FRED
He's a comical old fellow, as unpleasant as he might be. However, his offences carry their own punishment,
and I have nothing to say against him.
MELANIE
I'm sure he is very rich, Fred, you always tell me so.
FRED
What difference does that make, my dear? He doesn't do good with it, he doesn't make himself comfortable
with it, and he doesn't have the satisfaction of thinking (he laughs) that he is ever going to benefit us with it.
MELANIE
I have no patience with him.
(Her sister nods in agreement)
FRED
I have patience with him, my dear. I feel sorry for him. He says he doesn't want to dine with us, he doesn't
lose much of a dinner.
MELANIE
I think he loses a very good dinner, and everybody else thinks the same.
FRED
Well! I am very glad to hear it, because I haven't much faith in these young housekeepers. What do you say,
Topper?
TOPPER
A bachelor, such as I, is a wretched outcast, and I have no right to express an opinion on the subject.
(Grace blushes. Topper flirts with her throughout the scene.)
MELANIE
Do go on, Fred. He never finishes what he begins to say! He is such a ridiculous fellow!
30
4C
(Fred Laughs, then all of the party goers laugh with him)
FRED
I was only going to say that because he dislikes us and refuses to celebrate with us, he loses some pleasant
moments, which could do him no harm. He’d have a better time with us than alone his own thoughts, either
in his mouldy old office, or at his lonesome house. I intend to invite him every year, whether he likes it or
not, for I pity him. He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can't help thinking better of it--I defy him--if
he finds me going there, in good temper, year after year, and saying Uncle Scrooge, how are you? If it only
results in him leaving his poor clerk fifty pounds, that's something; and I think I shook him, yesterday.
(Party goers laugh at Fred.)
GRACE
Let’s have some music.
(Music & singing begin. It is the same song we heard at the boarding school, Fan’s favorite, Bring a Torch
Jeanette Isabella. Everyone begins to sing along. Scrooge begins to hum along.)
PRESENT
Didn't your sister, Fan, like this song as well?
(Scrooge looks distraught.)
SCROOGE
Doesn't everyone know this song?
TOPPER (says to Fred)
How about a game (wink,wink)
FRED
I know let's play blind man's bluff. Topper's The Blind Man.
(Fred blindfolds Topper in a corner and Topper makes sure he can see out of the bottom of the handkerchief.
Topper follows Grace everywhere around the room being very obvious that he can see her.)
GRACE
This isn't fair!
(Topper just laughs, Topper eventually catches her and makes a show of touching her hair to make sure it is
her.)
SCROOGE
Oh they do make a merry couple. I remember what young love felt like.
(Ghost of Christmas Present Smiles at Scrooge)
PRESENT
Our time here grows short, Ebenezer.
31
4C
SCROOGE
Here's a new game. One half hour more, Spirit, please?
MELANIE
Let's play Yes or No.
FRED
I know, I know I have one.
Grimmy and Elf scheme to guess too…
PARTY GUEST 1
Is it an animal?
LITTLE ELF
Mimes an animal
FRED
Yes
GRIMMY
Congratulates Elf
TOPPER
A live animal?
LITTLE ELF
Falls over dead
FRED
Yes!
GRIMMY
Picks up Elf to continue the game.
SCROOGE
Is it a Turkey?
GRIMMY
Puts his hand on his head fingers outstretched and squats down
PARTY GUEST 2
Is it a Savage Animal?
LITTLE ELF
(Stands up tall to mime a “monster”)
FRED
Yes! (Laughs)
32
4C
GRIMMY and ELF (Huddle and look over their shoulders to listen, but collaborate on guessing…)
PARTY GUEST 1
Does It Growl?
FRED
Yes! (Laughs)
GRACE
Is it a Bear?
FRED
No. (laughs)
PARTY GUEST 2
Does it walk the streets of London?
FRED
Yes. (stomps foot and laughs)
MELANIE
Does it Talk?
FRED
Yes.
GRACE
I have found it out! I know what it is, Fred! I know what it is.
GRIMMY AND ELF (They also know and share in the excitement of Grace)
FRED
What is it?
GRACE
It's your Uncle Scrooge!
FRED
Yes!
TOPPER
You should have said Yes to Is it a bear!
(Party Guests all laugh in agreement)
FRED
He has given us plenty of merriment I am sure, and it would be ungrateful not to drink to his health. Here is a
glass of mulled wine; I say 'God Bless Uncle Scrooge!'"
33
4C
PARTY GUESTS
To Uncle Scrooge! (Grimmy and ELF lift their “glasses” and join in the toast)
FRED
A Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to the old man, whatever he is! He wouldn't take it from me, but
may he have it, nevertheless. Uncle Scrooge!
(The stage begins to go dark as Fred utters the last word and Scrooge is smiling at his nephew thankful for
the well wishes.)
SCROOGE (Quietly)
Merry Christmas Fred.
34
4D
4D – Life is Short – Present, Scrooge, Grimmy, Rockettes
Transition – no longer at Fred’s. Scrooge and Present walk. They pass by the homeless people from the top
of the show. We will improvise some dialogue during rehearsals. Scrooge sees the homeless and is
concerned. Present interacts with them – perhaps using his Torch to provide some brief relief.
SCROOGE
Do you know them?
PRESENT
They are homeless. You passed them earlier today without a second glance.
SCROOGE
What will become of them now? Where will they go?
PRESENT & CABARET PLAYERS (Mouthing the words spoken in Scrooge's voice)
Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?
Scrooge is ashamed. He tries to change the subject.
SCROOGE
Are spirits' lives short? (directed towards Ghost)
PRESENT
My life upon this earth is very brief, it ends tonight.
SCROOGE
To-night?! (Scrooge appears visibly surprised.)
PRESENT
Life is short. Make the most of it. (Present walks Scrooge back to bed. The Christmas Caroling Rockettes
appear. We may have a song – another verse of opening number. Present exits with the Rockettes.)
GRIMMY
So Scrooge has seen the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Present, and it’s almost time
for my big entrance. But I’m getting a little hungry. Luckily they’re selling baked goods in the lobby, so
let’s take a 15 minute intermission. See you in 15!
--INTERMISSION—
Travelers curtain closed
35
5A
Scene 5A – Businessmen
GRIMMY (To Audience) Will Scrooge retain his title of World’s Biggest Jerk? What do you think?
Anyone want to make a bet??
LITTLE ELF (Brings Grimmy his cloak and indicates it’s time.)
GRIMMY
We’ll soon find out, folks. It’s showtime.
LITTLE ELF: (Helps Grimmy put in the robe and walks him offstage.)
(There is a transition. We hear Three Gongs. Stunt double Grimmy comes in – walks over to Scrooge who
is in bed, and shakes him awake. Without speaking, Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come indicates Scrooge must
come with him.)
SCROOGE
Am I in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come never speaks. He will find other ways to communicate, but often he does
not answer Scrooge.
SCROOGE
You are about to show me shadows of the things that have not yet happened, but will happen in the future. Is
that correct, Spirit?
Ghost does not answer.
SCROOGE
Ghost of the Future! I fear you most of all. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to
live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear your company and do it with a thankful heart.
(Pause.) Will you not speak to me?
GRIMMY (Points to three businessmen who stand together onstage while he and SCROOGE look on.)
BUSINESSMAN 1
I don’t know much about it either way. I only know that the old buzzard’s dead! (All three laugh)
BUSINESSMAN 2
When did he die?
BUSINESSMAN 1
Last night, I think.
BUSINESSMAN 3
What was the matter with him? I thought he’d never die!
BUSINESSMAN 1
God knows! Took him long enough…
36
(They laugh again)
5A
BUSINESSMAN 3
Well, what has he done with his money then?
BUSINESSMAN 1
I haven’t heard. Left to his company I suppose.
BUSINESSMAN 2
He certainly hasn’t left it to me, that’s all I know! (Once again, they laugh)
BUSINESSMAN 1
It’s likely to be a very cheap funeral, because no one saw him when he was alive, and certainly wouldn’t
now that he’s dead! What if we made up a party, and volunteered to go?
BUSINESSMAN 3
I wouldn’t mind going if lunch is provided, but I must be fed! (Another laugh)
BUSINESSMAN 2
Well, I am the most disinterested among you after all, for I never wear black, and I never eat lunch. But I
suppose I’ll go if anybody else will… you know, when I come to think of it I may have been his only friend
because we used to stop and speak whenever we met, well, when he was sure a brief conversation wouldn’t
cost him any money! (They laugh)
BUSINESSMAN 1
Well, good-day gentlemen.
BUSINESSMAN 3
Hopefully it’ll be better than his was! (After one final laugh, they depart)
37
5B
Scene 5B - Selling Scrooge’s Effects - Old Joe, Mrs. Dilber, Undertaker, Laundress
Open Traveler Curtain
Ensemble straggles out in ragged groups onstage. They are staggering and jeering. There is ugly laughter.
They come together facing center, raucous, singing snatches of a drinking song, mock fisticuffs, etc. Then
they turn and head back to the wings, still chattering, to reveal two men and two women crouched on the
ground—Old Joe, plus Mrs. Dilber, the laundress, and the undertaker. The latter three each carry a bundle
of twisted cloth. They continue to laugh.
LAUNDRESS
(Laughs) I see we all had the same idea. (Throwing her bundle onto the floor) Let me be first! Who’s the
worse for the loss of a few things like these? Not a dead man, I suppose.
MRS DILBER
No indeed!
LAUNDRESS
If he wanted to keep 'em after he was dead, why wasn't he natural in his lifetime? If he had been, he'd have
had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death, instead of lying there gasping out his last,
alone by himself.
MRS DILBER
It's the truest word that ever was spoke. It's a judgment on him.
LAUNDRESS
Open that bundle, old Joe, and let me know the value of it. Speak out plain. I'm not afraid to be the first, nor
afraid for them to see it.
UNDERTAKER
Nah. Let me go first. I an’t got much, seein’ as I was beat to it by some others.
OLD JOE
(Examines the bundle) A pencil-case, a pair of sleeve buttons. (Holds up a small piece of jewelry). One and
six. That's your account and I wouldn't give another sixpence, if I was to be boiled for not doing it. Who's
next? Mrs. Dilber? (He goes through her bundle)
MRS DILBER
Sheets and towels, two old spoons—real silver them is—and a pair of sugar tongs. And them boots.
OLD JOE
Three to you then. I always give too much to ladies. It's a weakness of mine, and that's the way I ruin myself.
MRS. DILBER
But them spoons—
OLD JOE
—If you ask me for another penny I'll repent of being so liberal, and knock off half-a-crown.
38
5B
LAUNDRESS
And now undo my bundle, Joe.
OLD JOE
And what do you call this? Bed curtains? You don’t mean to say you took ‘em down, rings and all, with him
lyin’ there?
LAUNDRESS
(Laughing) Yes I do. And why not? I certainly shan't hold my hand, when I can get anything in it by
reaching it out, for the sake of such a man as He was, I promise you, Joe.
OLD JOE
His blankets, too?
LAUNDRESS
Whose else's do you think? He isn't likely to take cold without 'em, I dare say.
OLD JOE
(stops and looks up at her, alarmed) I hope he didn't die of anything catching? Eh?
LAUNDRESS
Don't you be afraid of that. I an't so fond of his company that I'd loiter about him for such things, if he did.
You may look through that shirt till your eyes ache; but you won't find a hole in it. It's the best he had.
They'd have wasted it, if it hadn't been for me. Putting it on him to be buried in. (laughs) Somebody was fool
enough to do it, but I took it off again. This is the end of it, you see! He frightened every one away from him
when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead!
Transition – LIGHT CHANGE
SCROOGE
Spirit! I see, I see. The case of this unhappy man might be my own! Let me see some compassion, Spirit, or
this dark chamber that we left just now will haunt me forever.
39
5C
Scene 5C – Future Cratchits without Tiny Tim
SCROOGE
(The Ghost guides Scrooge along familiar streets, but as Scrooge searches for himself among them, he is
nowhere to be seen. They then enter the Cratchit house where everyone is seated around a fire. All the
usually noisy Cratchit children are still and silent; MARTHA has a book before her while Mrs. Cratchit and
her daughters are sewing.)
MARTHA
(Reading)
And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them.
(Mrs. Cratchit sets down her sewing and puts her hand up to her face.)
MOLLY CRATCHIT
The color hurts my eyes. They’re better now again. It makes them weak by candlelight; and I wouldn’t show
weak eyes to your father when he comes home, for the world. It must be near his time.
MARTHA
Past it, rather. (She shuts her book.) But I think he has walked a little slower than he used to these last few
evenings, Mother.
MOLLY CRATHCIT
I have known him to walk with – I have known him to walk with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder very fast
indeed.
MARTHA
And so have I, often.
OTHER CRATCHIT CHILDREN
And so have I!
MOLLY CRATCHIT
But he was very light to carry, and his father loved him so, that it was no trouble – no trouble. And there is
your father at the door!
(Mrs. Cratchit hurries to meet Bob Cratchit, and then they both enter the house. The two young Cratchits
console their father.)
BOB CRATCHIT
(Looking at the sewing on the table) That is fine work, fine work indeed. It looks almost finished, thanks to
you Molly, and the girls. You should be done with it long before Sunday. (beat) I walked by there today.
MOLLY CRATCHIT
You went today, Robert?
BOB CRATCHIT: Yes, my dear. I wish you could have gone. It would have done you good to see how
green a place it is. But you’ll see it often. I promised him that I would walk there every Sunday. He was such
a good boy, wasn’t he? (Getting choked up; on the verge of breaking down) My little child! My little child!
40
5C
(Bob struggles to compose himself.)
BOB CRATCHIT
I met Mr. Scrooge’s nephew today. He stopped me in the street this afternoon because he said I looked “just
a little down”. And because he is the kindest gentleman you’ve ever met, I told him. And it really seemed
as if he knew our Tiny Tim and felt with us. “I am truly sorry for it, Mr. Cratchit,” he said, “and truly sorry
for your good wife.” By the by, how he ever knew that, I don’t know.
MOLLY CRATCHIT
Knew what, my dear?
BOB CRATCHIT
Why, that you were a good wife.
MARTHA
Everybody knows that!
BOB CRATCHIT
Very well observed, my girl! I hope they do. (Pause.) But, however and whenever we part from one
another, I am sure we shall none of us forget poor Tiny Tim – shall we? – or this first parting that there was
among us?
ALL CRATCHIT CHILDREN
Never, Father!
BOB CRATCHIT
And I know, I know my dears, that when we recollect how patient and how mild he was, although he was a
little child, we shall not quarrel easily among ourselves, and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it.
ALL CRATCHIT CHILDREN
No, never, Father!
BOB CRATCHIT
I am very happy; I am very happy!
(Mr. & Mrs. Cratchit embrace.)
41
5D
Scene 5D—Scrooge & Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Transition –Ghost ushers Scrooge away from Cratchit household.
SCROOGE
Ghost, something tells me that our parting moment is at hand. I know it, but I don’t know how I know. Tell
me who the dead man was. (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come does not answer – but he escorts Scrooge
onward. They pass his office.)
SCROOGE
Here is my office. Why do you point away? (Scrooge sees the changed sign, and reacts.)
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come ushers Scrooge away – he points and urges Scrooge to walk toward another
part of the stage, a churchyard. There is a gravestone that is obstructed, that the Ghost urges Scrooge to
look at.
SCROOGE
Before I come closer, answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that may be, or are they
the shadows of things that will be?
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come points toward the stone.
SCROOGE
Can I not change the outcome of my life if I change the way I live it? Is there no hope for me?
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is immovable as ever. Trembling, Scrooge goes toward Ghost, and sees his
own name, EBENEZER SCROOGE, on the gravestone.
SCROOGE
Am I the man who died?
Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come points from the Grave, to Scrooge, and back again.
SCROOGE
No Spirit! Oh, no, no! (Pause. Scrooge has an epiphany.) Spirit! Hear me! I am not the man I was. I will
not be that man after tonight. Why show me this if I am past all hope?
For the first time, the Ghost’s hand begins to shake.
SCROOGE
Good Spirit, your nature intercedes for me and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows
you have shown me by an altered life!
The kind hand trembles.
SCROOGE
42
5D
I will live in the Past, Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut
out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may erase the writing on this stone!
In his agony, Scrooge catches the Ghost’s hand. There is a massive transformation – light & sound changes
– and the Ghost disappears, and Scrooge again finds himself in his bed.
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6A
Scene 6A - Reformed Scrooge & Boy with Prize Turkey
(SCROOGE awakens, stirs, then sits up in his bed. GRIMMY, tuxedo-clad, enters unnoticed by SCROOGE.
He takes in this whole scene and is visibly pleased with himself, at what has been accomplished.)
SCROOGE
Yes! I have returned! My room! My bed!
(He pauses, then stands up next to his bed.)
SCROOGE
I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year long. Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the
Christmas Time be praised for this! I say it on my knees,(he drops to his knees) old Jacob; on my knees!
(He giddily skips around his room)
SCROOGE
My curtains not torn down! They are here: I am here: the shadows of the things that would have been, may
be dispelled. They will be. I know they will! I don't know what to do! I am as light as a feather, I am as
happy as an angel. I am as merry as school-boy. A merry Christmas to everybody! Hallo here! Whoop!
Hallo!
(He continues around his home.)
SCROOGE
It's all right, it's all true, it all happened. Ha ha ha! I don't know what day of the month it is! I don't know
anything. I'm like a baby. Never mind. I don't care. I'd rather be a baby.
(He goes to his front door or window, opens it, and sticks his head out and yells to BOY)
SCROOGE
What's today?
BUTCHER BOY
Eh?
SCROOGE
What's today, my dear boy?
BUTCHER BOY
Today! Why, Christmas Day!
SCROOGE
It's Christmas Day! I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they
like. Of course they can. Hallo, my fine fellow!
BUTCHER BOY
Hallo!
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6A
SCROOGE
Do you know the Poulterer's, on the next street over, at the corner?
BUTCHER BOY
I should hope I did!
SCROOGE
An intelligent boy! A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they've sold the prize Turkey that was hanging
up there? Not the little prize Turkey: the big one?
BUTCHER BOY
What, the one as big as me?
SCROOGE
What a delightful boy! It's a pleasure to talk to you. Yes, my fine fellow!
BUTCHER BOY
It's hanging there now.
SCROOGE
Is it? Go and buy it and tell 'em to bring it to Bob Cratchit's house in Camden Town. 152 Myrtle Lane. Here's
half a crown if you get it there in ten minutes. And here's another if you can get it there in five.
(BOY runs off. SCROOGE notices the knocker.)
SCROOGE (Looking at the knocker)
I shall love it, as long as I live! I scarcely ever looked at it before. What an honest expression it has in its
face! It's a wonderful knocker!
(SCROOGE greets passersby.)
SCROOGE
Good morning, sir! A merry Christmas to you!
(The two CHARITY PEOPLE walk by.)
SCROOGE
My dear (sir/madam), how do you do? I hope you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of you. A merry
Christmas to you!
GRIMMY: (He’s just as giddy as Scrooge and is guiding the audience to watch the surprise of the Charity
workers…) Oh, this is good
CHARITY 1
Mr. Scrooge?
SCROOGE
Yes, that is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you. Allow me to ask your pardon. And will you
have the goodness to allow me to contribute…
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6A
(SCROOGE whispers into his ear.)
CHARITY 1
Lord bless me! My dear Mr. Scrooge, are you serious?
SCROOGE
If you please, not a penny less.
(FIRST CHARITY whispers in ear of SECOND CHARITY)
CHARITY 2
My dear sir, I don't know what to say to such generosi--"
SCROOGE
Don't say anything, please. Will you come and see me?
CHARITY 2
We will!
SCROOGE
Thank-you. I am much obliged to you. Bless you!
GRIMMY
Did you hear that? (To audience)
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6B
Scene 6B - Reformed Scrooge at Fred’s House
(Scrooge knocks on Fred's Door.)
SCROOGE
Hello? (the door opens)
FRED
Why bless my soul who's that?
SCROOGE
It's me. Your uncle Scrooge. I have come to dinner, if you’ll have me. Will you let me join you, Fred?
FRED
Of course Dear Uncle! (To his wife, Melanie.) Look dear! It's Uncle Scrooge finally come to Christmas
Dinner!
MELANIE
OH Uncle Scrooge! It warms my heart that you have finally come!
SCROOGE
I have been too long in my absence. Merry Christmas dear!
FRED
We were just going to sing some carols.
SCROOGE
I'm so glad I'm not too late!
(Everyone begins to sing – Fan’s favorite.)
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6C
Scene 6C - Reformed Scrooge the day after Christmas – Glimpse of Bright Future
GRIMMY
Scrooge was early at the office the next morning. If he could be there first, he might catch Bob Cratchit
coming in late! That was what he hoped for. And what do you know he did it; yes he did! The clock struck
nine. No Bob. A quarter past. Still no Bob. He was a full eighteen and a half minutes late.
(Scrooge sat with his door wide open, so that he could see Bob come in late).
(Bob's hat is off, before he opens the door. He gets on his stool in a jiffy, trying to look as if he’d been there
earlier.)
SCROOGE
Hallo! (in his accustomed voice as near as he could feign it) What do you mean by coming here at this time
of day?
BOB
I'm very sorry, sir. I am behind my time.
SCROOGE
You are? Yes. I think you are. Step this way, if you please.
BOB
It's only once a year, sir. It shall not be repeated. I was making rather merry yesterday, sir.
GRIMMY watches this interchange with interest.
SCROOGE
Now, I'll tell you what, my friend, I am not going to stand this sort of thing any longer. And therefore
(Scrooge covers his face and laughs) and therefore I am about to raise your salary!
GRIMMY
(to the audience) Say what?!
(Bob is in shock at what he’s just heard.)
SCROOGE
A merry Christmas, Bob! A merrier Christmas my good fellow than I have given you, for many a year!
I’m going to raise your salary.
GRIMMY
(To the audience) Did you see that coming?
SCROOGE
I want to help your family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a steaming cup of
mulled wine, Bob! Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another I, Bob Cratchit!
(Scrooge puts his arm around Bob and they both smile.)
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6C
Traveler Curtain Closes - LIGHT CHANGE
GRIMMY
Scrooge was better than his word. He did everything he promised, and much more; and to Tiny Tim, who did
NOT die, he was a second father.
(Scrooge & Tiny Tim go out into the audience – handing out candy and spreading good cheer. The rest of
the ensemble comes onstage to watch.)
GRIMMY: He became as good a friend, and as good a man, as the good old city knew. Some people
laughed to see the change in him, but he let them laugh. His even laughed at himself, and he was happy.
LITTLE ELF
(Heads out on stage with ‘World’s Biggest Jerk’ sign. She looks at Grimmy for direction.)
GRIMMY
Of course, he was no longer a contender for the World’s Biggest Jerk. Looks like that title is up for grabs.
Know anyone who fits the bill?
LITTLE ELF
(Tries to give the badge to some unsuspecting audience member.)
GRIMMY
Scrooge was through with ghosts, and everyone said that he knew how to keep Christmas better than anyone
else they knew.
(Scrooge and Tiny Tim work their way back to the stage, greeting the ensemble members who have
gathered.)
LITTLE ELF: (She brings Grimmy his Grim Reaper cloak. She assists him with putting it on during the
following dialogue.)
GRIMMY (Grimmy sighs.)
My work here is done - it’s time for me to go. I am going to miss old Scrooge, I must say. (Pause.) Of
course, I am going to see him (later, again, eventually). As a matter of fact, I will see you all (later, again,
eventually).
(Grimmy, once again assumes the role of Grim Reaper. The actors part, leaving him an opening to ‘melt’
behind the curtains.)
SCROOGE
Good evening, my friends! Keep Christmas alive in your hearts, now and always! And as my wise friend
Tiny Tim observed,
CAST
God Bless Us, Every One!
CLOSING & CURTAIN CALL – To HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
49