"A Christmas Carol"

fade in:

Act i

a bare stage

Music: A slow, cold, dull, metal beat.

As the lights rise on stage, actors begin to populate the stage bringing on props for the scene in Scrooge’s office.

They include: the frame of the doorway, two desks and a potbellied stove. As the actors dress the stage they also dress the actor who will play Scrooge.

The actor who is putting up a sign that reads "Scrooge and Marley” begins to speak.

Actor 1

Now, before we begin… its important to understand one thing… Marley was dead.

Actor 2

Dead as a doornail.

Actor 1

There was no doubt about that.

Actor 2

The Register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and chief mourner.

actor 1

... who happened to be Scrooge himself. In fact, Scrooge was Marley’s sole executor, sole administrator, sole partner and sole friend.

actor 2

(Pointing to the sign.)

As you can see… he never painted out old Marley's name. It stood for years above the warehouse store ... Scrooge and Marley.

actor 1

But, Marley was dead! This must be distinctly understood or nothing can come of this story.

actor 2

Just as much as we are perfectly convinced that Hamlet's father had died before that play began. ...

Sound: Three bells. The props set… the actors snap a look at each other, and leave. The actors playing Scrooge and Bob begin their scene.

Music: The deconstruction of a Christmas Carol

int./ext. the counting house and the street.

A December day in London during the dreary and dank industrial revolution. The street is peppered with sad characters of the time- including street urchins, thugs, beggars and prostitutes.

Crachit is anxiously working and looking at the clock. Seeing this, Scrooge picks up a stack of papers and plonks them on Crachit’s desk.

scrooge

I trust these will be completed before you leave today.

bob

Of course, Mr. Scrooge.

A street urchin has taken his place at the front door. He summons up a great breath and begins to belt out…

urchin

God bless ye merry gentleman,

Let nothing you… dismay…

The urchin stops singing as Scrooge, now standing at the doorway is humorlessly staring the frightened child down. Seeing this, a thug we shall call Jake, steals a sprig of holly from an old woman on the street.

scrooge

Yes?

urchin

Meh… meh…

scrooge

Speak up, child! What do you want? What is all this caterwauling about, then?

Terrified, the Urchin slowly begins to stick out his hand. The thug is now standing behind the child wearing an ugly toothless grin.

jake

Merry Christmas, Guv! In the spirit of the season, could you find it in your heart to share some… joy with this beautiful little child… Perhaps add a small something to his Christmas pudding.

(taking the holly from his hat.)

Tis the season, Guv….

scrooge

Bah!

Scrooge turns and makes towards his desk.

Jake

Tommy.

Urchin

J… Jake?

Jake

Where have you been? Striking out on our own, are we?

urchin

No, Jake! I… I…

jake

Good. It would be such a disappointment to me if you were. After everything old Jake has done for you. Lets see how much you’ve made for the company, then? We do want a merry Christmas now, don’t we Tommy?

Weaving through this motley crew on the street is Scrooge’s nephew who sticks out like a pristine sore thumb. He arrives at the doorway and enters the office.

NephEw

Merry Christmas!

Bob

A Merry Christmas to you too, sir!

nephew

And to you, Bob Crachit… and to your family!

Scrooge

Humbug!

Nephew

Uncle! Humbug? Surely you don't mean that!

Scrooge

What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.

Nephew

What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough.

Scrooge

Humbug!

Nephew

Don't be so dismal, Uncle!

Scrooge

What else can I be, when I live in world of fools as this? What is Christmas but a time for paying bills without money… a time for finding yourself a year older, but not a penny richer. Merry Christmas! Indeed. Every idiot who goes about with "Merry Christmas" on his lips, should be boiled in his own pudding, and buried with a stake of Holly through his heart.

Nephew

Uncle!

Scrooge

Keep Christmas in your way, sir, and leave me to keep it in mine.

nephew

But you don't keep it.

Scrooge

Let me leave it alone, then… Christmas! Bah! Much good it has ever done you.

On the street, a gentleman and lady give a beggar lady a bundle.

Nephew

Oh, but it has.

Seeing this, Nephew motions Scrooge toward the window to prove his point.

(continuing)

Uncle, Christmas is a good time… a kind, forgiving, charitable… pleasant time. The only time I know of, in the long calendar year, when men and women seem to open up their hearts freely. A time for them to think of people below them as if they were fellow passengers on this journey of life and not another race of creatures.

begger lady

God bless, sir.

nephew

I dare say, uncle, although Christmas 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 applauds enthusiastically. Scrooge shoots him a sharp look.

Scrooge

Another sound from you, and you'll keep your Christmas by losing your situation.

On the street, Scrooge sees the ragged old lady being mugged by a thug.

(continuing to Nephew)

You are quite a powerful speaker, sir… I wonder you don't go into parliament.

nephew

Don’t be angry, uncle… come dine with us tomorrow!

scrooge

Dine with us!

nephew

Yes, join me and my new bride for Christmas dinner tomorrow.

scrooge

You and your new bride. I’m sorry. I must decline. Now, time is wasting away on the work day. Good afternoon.

nephew

But why?

scrooge

Why?

Outside the window, on the street Scrooge sees a thug and a prostitute in negotiation.

scrooge

(continuing)

Tell me, why did you get married?

nephew

Because I fell in love.

scrooge

Because he fell in love!

nephew

You never came to see me before that happened, uncle… why give it as a reason for not coming now?

Joining Scrooge at the window, the nephew sees the prostitute slip into an alleyway with the thug.

scrooge

Because you fell in love, did you say?

Nephew

Uncle, I want nothing from you… I ask nothing of you! Why can we not be friends?

scrooge

Good afternoon.

Scrooge returns to his desk and continues work.

Nephew

I am sorry with all my heart to find you so resolute. We have never had any quarrel…

Nephew turns to go then…

(continuing)

But, I have made this trial in homage to Christmas… and I’ll keep my Christmas humour to the last. So uncle…

scrooge

Yes?

nephew

A Very Merry Christmas to you!

scrooge

Good afternoon!

nephew

And a Happy New Year!

Scrooge

Good afternoon!

On his way out the nephew allows a lady and gentleman into the office.

nephew

Merry Christmas!

gentleman & Lady

Merry Christmas!

Scrooge leaves his desk to see what the commotion is only to find himself face to face with…

gentleman

Scrooge and Marley’s, I believe.

scrooge

It is, sir.

lady

Have we the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley?

scrooge

Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years… seven years this very night.

lady

We have no doubt the late Mr. Marley’s liberality is well represented by his surviving partner.

Scrooge turns his back and begins to walk away.

scrooge

Liberality?

gentleman

(quickly)

Yes! At this festive season, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitude…

lady

Many thousands are in want of common necessaries, kind sir…

gentleman

Hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts.

Lady

A few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy these poor souls some meat and drink…

gentleman

And means of warmth!

scrooge

Are there no prisons?

gentleman

Plenty of prisons.

scrooge

And the union workhouses… are they still in operation?

lady

They are still…

scrooge

The treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigor then?

gentleman

Both very busy, sir.

Scrooge

I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course.

Lady

What shall we put you down for then?

scrooge

Nothing.

gentleman & lady

Nothing?

gentleman

Oh, You wish to be anonymous!

lady

Of course!

scrooge

I wish to be left alone. You have asked 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 help support the establishments I have mentioned… and those who are badly off must go there.

gentleman

Many can’t go there, sir.

lady

Many would rather die than go there.

scrooge

Then, if they would rather die… they had better do it and decrease the surplus population.

lady

But…

Scrooge

But, it is not my business to interfere with other people’s business, madam. My own business occupies me constantly. And as such, I must bid you both Good Afternoon!

The lady and a gentleman leave the office while Scrooge goes back to work. While they debate outside the office, the street urchin, Tommy is stealing the gentleman's scarf as the following ensues.

The lady and gentleman take turns going up to the door, hesitating then coming to join the other… then going to the door again. Tommy in the meantime takes the scarf he has stolen and offers it to the beggar woman.

Tommy

Here you go… Merry Christmas, Mabel!

Beggar woman

You know I can't take that, Tommy ... not the way you found it, I can’t.

Tommy

But, its cold… you’ll be needing it!

Begger woman

I don't need it that bad ... not at Christmas time.

Tommy

What shall I do with it, then?

Begger woman

You do what you want with it, Tommy. I can’t take it.

Tommy looks at the scarf. He looks over at the couple who have now given up and are about to walk away.

Tommy

Sir! Excuse me sir! I believe you lost this.

gentleman

Lost it? Why, you little thief!

The lady quickly pulls a coin from her pocket and gives it to Tommy who beams.

lady

Thank-you, my boy. Here is a little something for your trouble.

Tommy

Thank You, ma'am …

gentleman

But the lad…

Lady

Merry Christmas! And may goodwill shine on you this season.

Tommy

Merry Christmas, ma’am… and you too, sir!

Gentleman

Merry Christmas, lad!

The couple walk away leaving Tommy looking at his coin.

beggar lady

See what a good turn can do? I’ll wager you have enough there to finally take you back home in the country where you belong.

Presently, Jake and the prostitute emerge from the alleyway.

JAke

And what do we have here?

Jake snatches the coin away from Tommy and tosses it to the prostitute.

Jake

Here's a little Christmas cheer for you, Sally! Don’t spend it all in one place!

SOUND: The clock strikes 4.

Jake

Come on, Tommy… I’ve got a little job for you… a little job for the company.

Jake and Tommy exit the stage.

In the office, Bob who has been working hard on his pile ... places the papers on Scrooge's desk. The clock strikes 4. Scrooge looks at his pocket-watch the then up at him up at him.

Scrooge

You’ll want all day tomorrow, I suppose?

Bob

If quite convenient, sir.

Scrooge

It is not convenient ... and it is not fair. If I work to stop half a Crown for it, you'll think yourself ill used.

Bob

Yes, Mr. Scrooge…

Scrooge

Yet, you don't think me ill-used when I pay a day's wages for no work!

Bob

But, it's only once a year, sir!

Scrooge

A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December. I suppose you must have the whole day.

Bob

Yes, Mr. Scrooge.

Scrooge

Very well ... take it. But be here all the earlier next morning!

Bob

Yes sir! I will! I promise Mr. Scrooge, sir!

Bob stands around anxious. Scrooge and notices this ... then

Scrooge

Go ahead. I will lock up!

Bob

Mr. Scrooge?

Scrooge

Go, before I have a change of mind!

Bob

Yes sir ... Mr. Scrooge, sir! And A Merry ...

Scrooge

Go!

Bob

Yes! Of course! Early the next day, sir! I promise! First thing in the morning!

Bob leaves the office in a hurry.

Bob

Merry Christmas, dear!

Begger

Merry Christmas, sir!

prostitute

Merry Christmas, guv!

bob

And a Merry Christmas to you!

Scrooge begins to put on his scarf and coat muttering to himself.

scrooge

Theres another fellow… 15 shillings a week, a wife and family, talking about a Merry Christmas!

Scrooge walks through the doorway.

Prostitute

Merry Christmas, luv!

Scrooge

Bah! Merry Christmas, indeed.

Scrooge walks down the street. A young lady approaches him.

caroline

Mr. Scrooge, sir?

scrooge

Yes?

caroline

I’ve come on a matter of business, sir…

prostitute

Don’t waste your time, dear…

caroline

My husband is Rodney Browning.

scrooge

Browning…Browning… yes, he did call on me this morning. Are you here with a payment on the loan he promised?

caroline

I am here to ask if you will extend the loan period, sir. The season has not been kind to us. He has no knowledge I am here. Please I implore you… just one extra week.

scrooge

Madam, the note is due next week. There is nothing I can do about that.

Prostitute

Yes, you can! Come on, guv! Whats an extra week?

scrooge

Madam, If your husband cannot pay the note promptly next week, all your assets will be seized.

caroline

But, Mr. Scrooge…

scrooge

I am sorry, those were the terms that were mutually agreed upon.

Caroline

Mr. Scrooge, please find it in your heart…

scrooge

Mrs. Browning, we are closed for the day. I will not discuss this matter further. Good Evening.

Scrooge walks away. Caroline hurries off in the oposite direction.

The prostitute, about to go stops, looks at the begger woman.

Prostitute

Looks like I’ve earned all my money for the day. Come on, luv… you’re not spending Christmas here on the street. I have a little place. It’s not fancy but its warm. We’ll have our own special Christmas together, we will.

Exit Prostitute and beggar woman. Actors (in costume) enter and proceed to change the scenery. An actor looks down where Scrooge exited.

Actor 1

Now, Old Scrooge took his melancholy dinner in his usual melancholy tavern…

Actor 2

Having read all the newspapers…

Actor 1

And his bankers book…

actor 2

He went home to bed.

actor 1

Scrooge lived in chambers which had once belonged to his deceased partner.

actor 2

A dreary and gloomy suite of rooms that nobody but Scrooge himself lived in.

actor 1

And it was so dark that night that even Scrooge who knew every stone in the yard had to grope his way with is hands.

actor 2

As he made his way to the door at the entrance of the house, the fog and frost hung about the black old gateway.

actor 1

“Scrooge” Now, there was nothing at all particular about the knocker on the door…

Actor 2

Except… that it was very large!

actor 1

“Scrooge” Then Scrooge, having his key in the lock of the door…

actor 2

Scrooge…He looked up at the knocker and…

Actor 1 jumping up behind Actor 2 with a flashlight turned on under his chin.

actor 1

IT WAS MARLEY’S FACE!

actor 2

It was not angry or ferocious, but looked at old Scrooge as Marley use to… with ghostly spectacles turned up, hair curiously stirred as if by hot air… perfectly motionless.

actor 1

Then…suddenly, it was the knocker again! He opened the creaky door and in the mournful wind he thought her heard…

This time in the distance we hear a low wailing… “Scrooge… Scrooge”

The actors look around. Actor 2 motions “Not Me”. There is nervous laughter.

SOUND: Loud Slam of a Large Door!

Actors scatter off-stage.

int. scrooge’s room

We see Scrooge’s bed setup… a chair and a fireplace. 2 figures in black steal across stage. Once again we hear…

marley (O.S.)

Scrooge…

Scrooge bursts into the room dressed for bed. He pulls the covers down then decides to look under the bed. A figure in black pulls the cover up. Scrooge stands up notices his covers up… and pulls them down again.

He pulls the chair closer to the fireplace. He stands to fetch his bowl of gruel on the mantelpiece. A figure in black moves the chair. Scrooge turns around and notices the chair has moved. He moves it back in place and sits gruffly.

scrooge

Humbug!

A figure in black picks a bell from the mantelpiece, rings it and puts it down. Scrooge looks up at the bell then stubbornly goes back to his gruel.

The figure in black picks the bell up again, moves it closer to where Scrooge is sitting rings it and stops. Scrooge looks at where the bell is now… then to where it was… then back to its present position.

We begin to hear the clanking of chains.

scrooge

It’s still humbug!

It grows louder.

Marley (O.S.)

Scrooge!

This is followed by multiple whispering… “Scrooge… Scrooge…”

marley (o.S.)

Scrooge!

The whispering gets more intense…building with every moment. Suddenly, a loud crash.

Then from under the bed, a glow of lights and smoke. A gnarled hand reaches out and begins to claw and pull the rest of the body out. The head turns up to reveal Marley.

scrooge

How now! I… I know you…

Marley straightens up and begins to walk toward Scrooge. His trailing chains held by the figures in black.

scrooge

What do you want with me?

Marley struggles to say something… undoes the kerchief and his black mouth falls open.

marley

Much!

scrooge

Who are you?

marley

Ask me who I WAS!

scrooge

Who were you then?

marley

In life… your partner, Jacob Marley

scrooge

Jacob! Can you…can you sit down?

marley

I can.

scrooge

Then sit yourself down.

marley

You do not believe in me!

scrooge

I don’t.

marley

What evidence would you have of my reality, beyond that of your senses?

scrooge

I don’t know.

marley

Why do you doubt your senses, then?

scrooge

Because little things can affect my senses… like a slight disorder of the stomach… an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an undone potato. Whatever you are--- there is more gravy than grave about you! Gravy than grave, hah! For instance, you see this toothpick?

marley

I do.

scrooge

You… You are not looking at it.

marley

But I see it…notwitstanding.

scrooge

Good. Well, I have but to swallow this and for the rest of my days be persecuted by a legion of goblins--- all of my own creation! Humbug, I tell you… humbug!

Suddenly, Marley springs forth toward Scrooge… held back only by the figures in black holding his chains.

marley

MAN OF THE WORLDLY MIND!

scrooge

MERCY!

MARLEY

DO YOU BELIEVE IN ME OR NOT?

SCROOGE

I do! I must!

Marley

Very well… very well…

scrooge

But why do you trouble me? Why do spirits walk the earth and come to me?

marley

I am here tonight to warn you … warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate.

scrooge

What is this fate you speak of? Is it a fate of the living or of the dead?

marley

Mark me, Scrooge… if a spirit goes not forth in life among his fellow man—it is condemned to do so after death. Doomed to wander the world… and witness what it cannot share… what it might have shared in life and turned into happiness.

scrooge

You have been dead these seven years, Jacob… have you been travelling all this time?

marley

The whole time. Without rest, without peace… only the incessant torture of remorse.

Scrooge

You travel fast?

marley

On the wings of the wind.

scrooge

You must have gone over a great quatity of ground in all this time.

marley

Oh woe is me!!!! I am captive, bound and double ironed. Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one’s life’s opportunity misused. Yet, such was I… such was I. I cannot rest… cannot stay, cannot linger anywhere… and weary journeys still lie before me!

Scrooge

How did you come to this, Jacob?

marley

In life my spirit never walked beyond our counting-house! Never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole!

scrooge

Well, you were always a good man of business, Jacob.

marley

Business! Mankind was my business! The common welfare was my business! Charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence was my business. The dealings of my trade… that was but a drop of water in the ocean of my business.

Hear me, Ebenezer Scrooge! I wear the chain I forged in life! Made it link by link, and yard by yard… made and wore it of my own free will!

Scrooge

It is quite an… an impressive chain, Jacob.

marley

Hear me Scrooge… you have labored on a strong coil of your own. A very long and strong coil…

Scrooge

Me, Marley?

marley

Your own chain was as full, as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. It is a ponderous chain you bear. A massive chain…

scrooge

Oh dear. Jacob… speak comfort to me.

marley

I have none to give.

scrooge

Then tell me more.

marley

There is little time left and of what I am permitted to tell.

scrooge

Tell me then what you may in the time left. You were always a good friend to me.

marley

Though I have been dead these seven years… I have sat with you for many and many a day.

scrooge

Friend as you were, Jacob, that is not an agreeable idea at all.

marley

And that is no light part of my own penance.

scrooge

Well, go on… then.

marley

You will be haunted by three spirits!

scrooge

Three spirits? That is the chance and hope you mentioned, Jacob?

marley

It is.

Scrooge

Actually, I… I think I’d rather not!

marley

Without their visits you cannot hope to shun the path I tread!

The figures in black holding his chains begin to rein Marley in.

marley

My time grows shorter!

scrooge

Tell me! Tell me all before you depart!

scrooge

Jacob!

marley

Hear me well now! Expect the first tomorrow when the bell tolls one.

scrooge

Could I not take them all at once and have it over with?

marley

Expect the second on the next night at the same hour…

Scrooge

Dear me…

Marley

The third upon the next night when the last stroke of twelve has ceased to toll.

scrooge

But Jacob…

Marley

Look to me no more… and for your own sake… for your own sake remember what has passed between us…

Exit Marley in a netherworld flourish of ghosts. Swallowed by a nightmare of groping arms, wailing and bells. The stage goes black! In the darkness the ruckus subsides down to the lone sound of tolling bells and the ticking of time.

The lights rise and Scrooge springs up in bed. Getting out of bed he grapples for his pocket-watch. He then scampers to confirm this with the clock on the mantle-piece.

SOUND: The four quarters

scrooge

This can’t be right. It was all a dream! All of it a horrible dreadful dream! That’s all it was… a dream!

SOUND: The low mournful tolling of one.

At the same instant Marley appears from above and points. A shaft of light appears illuminating and fading the silhouettes of a man, a woman then a veiled child. Marley fades away.

scrooge

Are you the spirit, whose coming was foretold to me?

past

I am.

scrooge

Who and what are you?

past

I am the Spirit of Christmas Past.

scrooge

Long past?

past

No, your past.

Scrooge reaches out to unveil the child.

Past

Take heed! Is it not enough that you are one of those passions who made this veil and forced me through whole train of years to wear it low upon my brow?

scrooge

What brings you here, Spirit?

past

Your welfare.

scrooge

At my age I would think a night of unbroken rest be more conducive to my welfare.

past

Your reclaimation, then. Now walk with me. Bear a touch of my hand…

Past stretches out a hand. Scrooge hesitates.

past

Would you so soon put out the light I give?

Scrooge finally touches it. At the touch, we hear the sounds of distant music, laughing children, rural sounds of the country.

scrooge

Where are we? Good heavens!

Past

Do you know it now?

scrooge

I was a boy here… was bred here. I know this place well! I could walk it blindfolded.

Young voices call out “Ebernezer… Ebernezer…”

scrooge

Jack! That’s Jack! And Nigel. Those were grand times!

past

Before the night is out, you shall see more shadows of things that have been.

Past points. The voices fade with the clip clopping of horse hooves. A chair and desk appear in a pool of light.

past

The school is not quite deserted. A solitary child neglected by his friends, is left there still.

scrooge

Yes, I know of a Christmas time when a solitary child was left here as you say.

Scrooge goes over and sits at the desk. In the distance we hear young voices… “Merry Christmas, Ebernezer… Merry Christmas!” Forlorn, Scrooge looks in the direction to where the voices came from. He then looks at the books on the desk. Opens one with the glee of a child.

scrooge

Solitary Spirit… but that boy was never alone… not with his dear companions.

Dreamy multi-colored shadows appear stage right and left during the following…

Scrooge

There was Ali Baba! Dear old honest, Ali Baba… and the Sultan’s groom turned upside down by the Genii. Serves him right! What business had he to be married to the Princess! And Robin Crusoe… Poor Robinson Crusoe… and Friday running for his life…

past

Let us now see another Christmas…

The shadow of a girl, Fan, appears on a screen.

fan

Brother, dear!

Scrooge

My sister, Fan!

Emerging from behind the screen.

Fan

Dear, dear brother… I’ve come to bring you home!

scrooge

Home, Fan?

fan

Home for good and all! Home!

Scrooge

But, dear sister…

Fan

Dear Ebernezer, Father sent me here. He is so much kinder than he use to be…

Scrooge

Father?

SOUND: The single stroke of a bass drum. The figure of a man… sternly appears in shadow.

Fan

Yes. He spoke so gently to me one dear night when I was going to bed, that I was not afraid to ask him once more if you might come home.

scrooge

And he spoke kindly…

Fan

Yes, he even sent me in a coach to fetch you! We’re to be together all the Christmas long. And…

Headmaster (O.S.)

Bring down Master Scrooge’s box and load it on the coach.

scrooge

It’s the headmaster! Why are my things being moved?

fan

Because you are never to come back here!

scrooge

Never?

fan

Never. Father sent me with a letter for the headmaster. I’m to bring you home. He said that it was time…

Scrooge

Time for what?

Fan

He said it was time that you are to be a man.

scrooge

To be a man… Am I to be sent elsewhere, then?

fan

Yes. But, we are to have the merriest time in the world first.

scrooge

To be a man… like him…

fan

Are you not excited about going home for Christmas? We are going to have the grandest time, are we not?

scrooge

Yes, we are little Fan…

fan

The merriest grandest of times?

scrooge

The merriest and grandest of times, little sister. You have grown into quite a woman.

Fan runs back behind the screen.

Fan

Come on then, silly! Your trunk has been loaded! Hurry now! Hurry!

past

She was always a delicate creature… but she had a large heart.

scrooge

So she had… so she had.

past

She died a woman… and had, as I think, children.

scrooge

One child.

past

Your nephew.

scrooge

Yes.

Past points to the other screen. The rotund figure of a man, Fezziwig is framed in it.

Fezziwig

Ebenezer! Richard! Yo ho, there!

past

You know him?

scrooge

Why it’s old Fezziwig! Fezziwig alive again! Bless his heart!

fezziwig

Yo ho, my boys! No more work tonight! Its Christmas eve!

scrooge

Yes spirit, I know him well. I was sent to apprentice under him… where I was sent to become a man.

fezziwig

Lets have the shutters up! Clear away, and lets have lots of room here!

mrs. Fezziwig

The guests have arrived, my dear!

fezziwig

Come! Come in everybody! Maestro! Some gaiety!

Sounds of a happy crowd.

MUSIC: Something fun… on a fiddle.

Screens light up on both sides of the stage with jovial scenes of a party.

Fezziwig

Clear away! Come on, my dear!

scrooge

Good old Fezziwig. He could never resist the call to dance.

On screen, Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig begin dancing. Richard emerges from the other screen.

richard

Come on Ebernezer! I’m in need of assistance. There are three Fezziwig daughters and only one of me! Come now… there’s a flagon of ale in it for you.

The girls call from the screen.

Girls

Richard! Ebernezer! Come dance with us! Richard!

Richard

Mercy ladies… mercy! Allow me please to take rest. Perhaps my fellow prentise will delight where I left off?

scrooge

Richard. Richard Wilkins. My fellow prentice in Fezziwigs employ.

richard

How about it, Ebernezer?

Scrooge

I cannot… I must not. The dance is not my strongest of suits!

Richard

Alas, ladies… he declines claiming protection of your tender toes!

Scrooge

The cheek of you, Richard!

richard

Old Fezziwig has outdone himself this year, hasn’t he, Ebernezer?

scrooge

That he has! That he surely has!

Richard

Theres the baker… lo and behold the milkman! Half the town must be present tonight!

scrooge

Dare I say more, if we are to count his three daughters!

Richard

Did you see the roast beef and goose on the table?

scrooge

I did! Never have I known a man so generous with his banquet!

richard

Or goodwill!

scrooge

Or good cheer!

Richard

Lest we forget the barrels of ale and the bottles of brandy. I will fetch us some drink.

scrooge

And we shall toast to the liberal spirit of our employer…

richard

The grand Mr. Fezziwig!

Scrooge

Done!

Richard rushes off.

past

This is but a small matter to your Mr. Fezziwig to make these silly folk so full of gratitude.

scrooge

Small?

past

He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money for this seasonal amusement. Is that so much to deserve all this praise?

scrooge

It isn’t that, Spirit! His power to render his guests as well as us, his employees, happiness and pleasure cannot be counted in currency. It is with looks and words and deeds that all amount to a priceless fortune! And…

Shadows and music fade.

Past

And?

scrooge

Nothing in particular.

Past

Something, I think.

scrooge

I… I should have liked to have said a word or two to my own clerk… that’s all.

past

That’s all? That’s all? Did this same measure of flippancy rule when youth grew to present you with your prime of life and the promise of marrige?

Enter Belle…

Belle

I have considered the matter, Ebernezer.

scrooge

Belle! Spirit, what do you want of me? Have I not already relived enough of the past from within?

belle

I realize another idol has displaced me.

scrooge

Spirit, I beg you…

Past points to Scrooge who has no choice but to play out the scene.

scrooge

What idol has displaced you?

belle

A golden one. And if it can cheer and comfort you in time… as I would have tried to do… then I have no just cause to grieve.

scrooge

My dear Belle, this is simply the even-handed dealing of the world.

belle

Ebernezer…

scrooge

There is nothing so hard as poverty…

Belle

Ebernezer…

scrooge

And there is nothing to condemn the pursuit of wealth.

belle

But all your other hopes of late have merged into the one hope of being beyond the reach of poverty. You fear the world too much, Ebenezer, until the masterpassion of gain engrosses you. Is that not true?

Scrooge

Am I changed towards you?

belle

Our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so…

scrooge

Until, in good season, we could improve our worldly fortune by our patient industry.

belle

When our contract was made you were another man.

scrooge

Am I changed?

SOUND: The mournful beat of a bass drum. The father figure appears on a screen.

belle

I have thought of this long and hard… and you must know the promised happiness of when we were one in heart is now in misery that we are two. And it pains me to release you.

scrooge

Have I sought release from this promise?

belle

In words? No.

scrooge

In what, then?

belle

In a changed nature… in an altered spirit… in another atmosphere of life… another Hope as its great end.

Scrooge

How could you think that?

belle

Your own feeling tells you that you were not what you are. I would gladly believe otherwise if I could, my dear.

Scrooge

Then, believe it and we shall speak of it no more.

belle

Tell me this. If anything that made my love of any worth to you had never been between us before… Tell me, would you seek out this dowerless girl and win me now?

Scrooge now has taken on the exact pose of the father figure on the screen.

belle

Your silence provides me with the answer I did not wish to seek… but the one I will accept… and I release you with a full heart for the love of him you once were. May you be happy in the life you have chosen.

Exit Belle into the glow of a screen… into the arms of a waiting man. The shadow of the father figure fades.

past

In time she married another and lived a full life as wife, mother and grandmother. Look!

The other screen lights up on an older couple.

husband

I saw and old friend of yours this afternoon.

belle

Who was it?

husband

Guess.

belle

How can I?

husband

Mr. Scrooge.

belle

Ebernezer?

husband

Yes. I passed his office window… it was not shut up and he had a candle inside. I could scarcely see him.

belle

I hear his partner, poor Mr. Marley is close to death.

husband

Yes… yes he is. But it was Mr. Scrooge I felt sorry for sitting there all alone.

belle

Poor dear…

husband

Quite alone in the world, I do believe. Quite alone.

scrooge

Spirit, why do you delight to torture me so. Show me no more.

past

These are but the shadows of things that have been. That they are what they are is no blame of mine.

We hear a montage of sounds… excerpts from what we have just witnessed, laughing children, bits of speeches, music all build up to a frenzied pitch and pace.

scrooge

Remove me! I cannot bear it!

It all suddenly stops with the spotlight illuminating the desk at the schoolhouse at the beginning of the scene.

scrooge

Spirit, why have you brought me back here?

past

Because the old man sitting in his office all alone… was once a solitary boy at this desk.

Scrooge walks to the desk, wipes a tear from his eye.

scrooge

That poor, poor boy.

past

What is it? Nothing?

scrooge

I wish… but its too late now.

past

Whats the matter?

scrooge

There was a boy singing a Christmas carol at my door last night. I… I should have liked to have given him something… that’s all.

Past peels away the veil to reveal the face of Tommy.

past

That’s all?

scrooge

Leave me. Take me back. Haunt me no longer.

SOUND: A bell. Marley is illuminated above the stage for just an instant. We go to black to the sound of time ticking away.

intermission

ACT II

scrooge’s bedroom

The stage is dark. We hear the ticking of time and distant fragments of the previous scene. A single strike of a mournful bell sounds.

As the lights rise Scrooge suddenly shoots up to a sitting position in bed. He peeks about the room. Gingerly looks under the bed.

scrooge

Perhaps… it was but a dream.

Scrooge snuggles up back in bed. Marley appears again in a flash from above and points. The Ghost of Christmas Present appears in all its glory.

Scrooge

Then, perhaps it wasn’t.

present

Come! Come and know me better, man!

scrooge

How now? If it wasn’t a dream you must be…

presant

I am the Ghost of Christmas Present…

scrooge

That I suppose you must be.

presant

Look upon me! You have never seen the like of me before, have you?

scrooge

Never.

presant

Have you never walked with the younger members of my family?

scrooge

Have you many in your family, spirit?

presant

More than eighteen hundred!

scrooge

A tremendous family to provide for!

Presant breaks out into laughter.

scrooge

Conduct me where you will. I … I went forth last night…

present

And learnt a lesson which is working now I trust.

scrooge

Spirit, tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.

present

Touch my robe, then.

The stage suddenly bustles with people, going this way and that. People of all stratas of society in preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Scrooge is suddenly self conscious about being in his nightrobe on the street.

present

Although we are in the present, these folk have no consciousness of our presence.

Presant seems to be illuminating with a torch certain individuals.

scrooge

Is there a peculiar flavor in what you sprinkle from your torch?

Present

There is… myself.

scrooge

Would it apply to any kind of dinner on this day?

Present

To any kindly given.

Church bells toll and everyone leaves the stage save Scrooge and Presant.

present

My light shines on poor one the most.

Scrooge

Why to a poor one?

present

Why? Because the poor needs it most, that why.

Bob and Tiny Tim pass in front of Scrooge and Present.

present

But you would claim to have no knowledge of this I suppose. See how bright it shines on this fellow.

scrooge

That’s Bob Cratchit, my clerk!

present

Along with his youngest. Behold, his humble but happy abode.

A shadow screen lights up. There is a lot of giggling and “shushing”. A girl hides under the table. A lady straightens up looking busy preparing dinner. Bob and Tim now enter in shadow. Her back turned to them she seems to be barking orders off-stage.

Mrs. Crachit

Peter, roll up your sleeves! You’ll have them plastered with potatoes before the table is set! Belinda, your brother and sister are to be dressed for supper. Hurry now! Your father and Tim will be home soon!

Bob

Dear… we have arrived.

Tim

Mama!

Mrs. Crachit

You are home. Good. Tim, you should be washing up before supper.

Tim

Yes, Mama.

Mrs. Crachit

Belinda, are your brother and sister dressed?

belinda (O.s.)

They are… nearly!

mrs. crachit

Peter, mind the roast goose… we don’t want it burnt!

tim

Mama, it all smells so wonderful.

mrs. Cratchit

Thank you, my dear. Now what did I request of you, young man?

tim

Yes, Mama.

bob

Do as your mother says.

Exit Tim.

mrs. crachit

Theres a good boy. Wheres our Martha?

mrs. crachit

Not coming.

bob

Not coming on Christmas day?

mrs. crachit

I’m afraid not, my dear.

Bob

Well this will never do! All my children must be here on Christmas day.

Popping up from under the table.

Martha

And so they shall!

bob

Martha! Theres my dear!

Bob hugs Martha. There is a volly of laughter… especially those of children.

bob

Having a little fun with me are you?

mrs. crachit

She was late coming from work.

martha

We had a great deal of work to finish up.

Bob

But she’s home now.

Mrs. Crachit

Martha, you help little Tim into his little surprise.

martha

Yes, Mama.

Martha rushes off-screen.

mrs. Crachit

Hurry now! Supper will be ready in a while! My dear, I will need some assistance with the barrel of peelings.

bob

Of course, my love.

Bob and Mrs. Crachit appear from behind the screen with a barrel.

bob

And what is this surprise for little Tim?

mrs. Crachit

Martha made some alterations to Peter’s old suit.

Bob

Bless her heart! I’m sure he will look quite grand in it.

Mrs. crachit

And wait until you see Peter in that old suit you granted on him.

Bob

I should hope he looks quite smart in it… as I once did.

mrs. Crachit

He will… once he grows into it! As it is now he looks a bit of a crumpled up ragamuffin!

bob

Well, our Martha may have to remedy that soon enough… I don’t think we can wait until he grows into it.

mrs. Crachit

And why not?

bob

Perhaps I have my own Christmas surprise for our young master Peter.

mrs. Crachit

A surprise? What is it?

bob

All in good time my dear. It would not be quite a surprise if told you now, would it?

Mrs. Crachit

Robert Crachit, I have been your wife lo these many years…

bob

Very well… I will divulge this much. The details will have to wait until after supper.

mrs. crachit

What is it then?

bob

On my way back home from church with little Tim…

mrs. Crachit

Yes?

bob

I chanced to meet a man of business…

mrs. Crachit

And?

bob

And if obtained by young Peter, this situation may bring in a full five and sixpence weekly.

mrs. crachit

Five and sixpence a week! That will surely help. With your wages and what Martha brings that could mean…

bob

That means we will be afforded a little more comfort. It is still not enough… and we will continue to rely on the blessings of the Lord for our little Tim’s … recovery.

mrs. crachit

Of course, my dear. And how did little Tim behave?

bob

As good as gold… and better. He told me coming home, that he hoped people saw him in church.

Mrs. Crachit

He did? Why?

bob

Because he was cripple… and it might be pleasant for them to remember on Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. Dear? Whats the matter?

Mrs. Crachit

Nothing… the pudding!

bob

What about the pudding?

mrs. crachit

The pudding. There was less flour than was needed. I’m afraid it’s not going to be very good. And the goose… it was the smallest one at the butcher’s and…

bob

Dear, we have our family… that is more than many can say. You’ve labored long and hard on the feast for tonight.

mrs. crachit

And no better for wear from it, I’m sure.

bob

Hardly. I know of no other hostess more lovely than you this night. And to have produced what I’m sure will be a grand meal for Christmas, no less.

mrs. crachit

Robert, I’m less than lovely and the meal is hardly grand.

bob

As grand as we can afford then… And permit me to say… in all the years of our marriage, I have never seen you lovelier, my dear. And later, when the feast is done, we shall gather around the fireplace and sing the songs of Christmas.

mrs. Crachit

And dance?

bob

And dance! Of course we shall dance. Even Tiny Tim will dance.

mrs. crachit

Oh, Robert! It will be a merry time indeed!

bob

And we shall raise a toast or two!

Mrs. Crachit

A toast! What shall we toast to?

Bob

To the blessings of our dear children…

Mrs. Crachit

To our dear, dear children! Each and every one a blessing!

bob

To my lovely wife!

mrs. crachit

To my gallant husband!

bob

And to Mr. Scrooge, the founder of the feast!

mrs. crachit

Mr. Scrooge? The founder of the feast indeed! I wish I had him here, Robert. I’d give him a piece of my mind to feast upon and I hope he’ll have a good appetite for it!

bob

My Dear… its Christmas Day.

mrs. crachit

It should be Christmas day, I’m sure! Why should we drink to the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man such as Mr. Scrooge?

bob

My dear, I am in his employ.

mrs. crachit

You know he is, Robert! Nobody knows it better than you do!

On the screen Martha is fussing with Tiny Tim who is standing on the table.

bob

My dear, the children… Christmas Day.

They both look at the shadows on the screen. Bob gently pulls her to him.

bob

Tiny Tim is quite a jewel, isn’t he?

mrs. cratchit

All our children are.

bob

Blessings, every one of them.

tim

Mama, come see what Martha has made for me!

mrs. crachit

Very well, I’ll drink to Mr. Scrooge’s health for your sake and for Christmas… not for his.

Bob

Long life to him?

mrs. cratchit

Long life to him. A merry Christmas and a happy new year. He’ll be very merry and very happy, I have no doubt.

tim

Mama! Come and see!

bob

We should return and celebrate the time we have.

They return in.

scrooge

Spirit, will the child live?

present

I see a vacant seat… If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race will find him here.

scrooge

Say this will not be so, kind spirit.

present

But what of it? If he be like to die, he had better do it and decrease the surplus population… should he not?

scrooge

No, spirit… say he will be spared. Tell me Tiny Tim will live!

present

What? Will you decide who shall live and who 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.

Tim

Well… what do I look like?

bob

You look very grand little man!

mrs. crachit

Like a grand little handsome man.

bob

You have done a marvelous job of it Martha.

martha

Thank you, father!

tim

Its going to be a very merry Christmas, isn’t it father.

bob

Yes, it is. A very merry Christmas to us all my dears! And may God bless us.

tim

God bless us everyone!

nephew (o.s.)

He said that Christmas was a humbug, as I live! Ha, hah…

Scrooge

What is that?

present

Behold, yet another abode filled with the sounds of laughter.

The other screen lights up. Fred, the nephew and his friend Topper are engaged in conversation in front of it.

nephew

Yes, I swear… he said Christmas was a humbug!

scrooge

Why, its my Nephew!

Present

Hush, and continue to observe your absence of the present.

topper

Surely, he didn’t!

Nephew

And he believed it too!

topper

He’s sounds like a comical old fellow.

nephew

That’s the truth.

topper

Isn’t he wealthy though? I’ve often heard you say so.

nephew

That he is. But his wealth is of no use to him. He doesn’t do any good with it. He doesn’t make himself comfortable with it.

Topper

Perhaps you and your beautiful wife benefit by it.

nephew

I sincerely doubt he has the satisfaction of even thinking that.

topper

Well, that’s unfortunate… for you that is.

nephew

Hardly my friend. Actually, I feel rather sorry for him. I couldn't be angry with him if I tried.

topper

And your wife… does she feel likewise?

nephew

She does not have the patience with him as I do.

topper

Yes, she did seem rather cross when his name was mentioned earlier.

nephew

And rightly so. Still, the consequence of his taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, is, as I think that he loses some pleasant moments.

Topper

Which would do him no harm, I’m sure.

Nephew

I concur.

topper

From what you have told me it would seem your uncle loses pleasanter companions than he can find in his own thoughts, either in his mouldy old office, or his dusty chambers.

nephew

Yes, its all rather sad really. But, I mean to give him the same chance every year whether he likes it or not.

topper

So you mean to repeat your invitation for him to dine with you again?

nephew

Without a doubt! He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can’t help thinking better of it. I defy him to! I will go to him, in good temper, year after year… saying Uncle Scrooge how are you? Even if it puts him in the vein to leave his poor clerk fifty pounds.

topper

That will at least be something.

nephew

You know I believe I rather shook him yesterday.

topper

I believe you did! Here’s a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to the old man, whatever he is!

nephew

He would never take it from me, Topper, but may he have it nevertheless… To Uncle Scrooge!

topper

Uncle Scrooge!

The shadow of a beautiful woman appears on the screen.

nephew’s wife

Fred, Topper… dinner is about to be served.

nephew

We shall be there presently my dear! Shall we, Topper? The ladies await.

Exit Topper and Nephew behind screen. The Crachit screen illuminates as well.

present

Now look once more at the shadows of what is before I take my leave.

On either screen are tableaus of each family in a toast.

nephew

But his wealth is of no use to him. He doesn’t do any good with it. He doesn’t make himself comfortable with it.

mrs. Crachit

It should be Christmas day, I’m sure! Why should we drink to the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man such as Mr. Scrooge?

topper

It would seem your uncle loses pleasanter companions than he can find in his own thoughts, either in his mouldy old office, or his dusty chambers.

Mrs. crachit

I’ll drink to Mr. Scrooge’s health for your sake and for Christmas… not for his.

Nephew

He would never take it from me, but may he have it nevertheless… Uncle Scrooge!

Bob

To Mr. Scrooge, the founder of the feast!

scrooge

Spirit! Spirit where are you?

The lights come up on the bedroom and the spirit. The screen glows low. The pathetic boy and girl, Ignorance and Want are clawing under the spirits robe

Present

My time is near. I must away soon.

scrooge

Are spirits’ lives so short?

present

My life upon this earth is very brief… and it ends tonight.

scrooge

Tonight.

Present

At the stroke of midnight.

scrooge

Forgive me if I am not justified in what I ask…

Present

Ask then…

scrooge

The children… are they yours?

present

They are man’s. Look at them! They cling to me appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Ignorance and Want. Beware them both of all their degree. But most of all beware this boy. For on his brow I see that written which is Doom. Unless the writing be erased… deny it! Slander those who tell you it! Admit it for your hostile purposes, and make it worse. Then, abide the end.

scrooge

Have they no refuge or resource?

present

Are there no prisons?

scrooge

Spirit! This is not fair!

present

Are there no workhouses?

scrooge

You use mine own words against me.

present

What of it? Did they not spill from your own lips?

scrooge

They did. I admit it.

present

Then what is your protest to it?

scrooge

Spirit, when you first appeared you claimed to sprinkle the flavor of your torch on the poor the most.

present

I did indeed.

scrooge

Then, I wonder you, of all the beings of the many worlds about us, should desire to cramp these people’s opportunities of innocent enjoyment.

present

How so?

scrooge

That you would deprive them of their means of dining every seventh day… often the only day on which they can be said to dine at all. Forgive me if I am wrong. This has been done in your name, or at least that of your family… has it not?

Present

Look upon this boy, Ignorance again. Hear me well and mark my warning. There are some upon this earth of yours who lay claim to know us. They do their deeds of passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry, and selfishness in our name. They are as strange to us and all our kith and kin, as if they had never lived. Remember that, and charge their doings on themselves… not us.

The bell begins to toll 12. The screens begin to pulse with light. We hear toasts “ To Mr. Scrooge!”… “Uncle Scrooge!” The lights fade. The verbal toasts fade with it and is replaced with slow eerie laughter. As the bell tolls its final strike, the lights come up and out on Marley above… then up on the bedroom. Where the ghost of Christmas Present stood... stands the Ghost of Christmas yet to come. It slowly approaches Scrooge.

scrooge

Am I now in the presence of the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come?

The spectre nods.

Scrooge

And you are about to show me shadows of the things that have not happened… but will happen in the time before us?

The ghost points in a particular direction.

scrooge

Lead on… I will follow…

We hear the slow laughing once again. Two gentleman appear.

Gentleman 1

I don’t know much about it. I only know he’s dead.

gentleman 2

When did he die?

gentleman 1

Last night I believe.

gentleman 2

What has he done with his money?

gentleman 1

Left it to his company, I suppose. I know he hasn’t left it to me.

The gentlemen laugh… accompanied by the eerie chorus of slow laughter. The ghost points again. Two women appear laughing.

Charwoman

This is the end of it you see. He frightened everyone away from him when he was alive…

mrs. Dilber

To profit us when he was dead!

charwoman

That he surely did!

The action shifts again.

gentleman 1

Its likely to be a very cheap funeral.

gentleman 2

Upon my life I don’t know of anybody to go to it!

They laugh.

scrooge

Spirit, I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. I know your purpose is to do me good. I hope to live to be another man from what I was. Will you not speak to me?

Enter Caroline and her husband.

Caroline

Are we quite ruined, Rodney?

Husband

No, there is hope yet.

caroline

If he relents, there is . Nothing is past hope if such a miracle has happened.

husband

I tried to see him again to obtain a weeks delay but I was turned away.

caroline

I’m sure it was a mere excuse to avoid you. I suppose he will not relent, then.

husband

No, my dear, Caroline. He is past relenting. He is dead.

caroline

Dead?

husband

Quite dead. It turns out what that half drunken woman told me was true… he was not only ill but dying then.

Caroline

If he is dead… to whom will our debt be transferred?

husband

I do not know. But before that time we will be ready with the money.

caroline

Perhaps we will find a more merciful creditor in his successor.

husband

Perhaps we will sleep tonight with light hearts then, Mrs. Browning.

caroline

Perhaps we will, Mr. Browning… perhaps we will.

The sound of slow laughing

scrooge

Spirit, these dark impressions will be forever present to me. Let me see some tenderness connected with death.

We see the outside of the Charchit home again. Mrs. Crachit and Martha are putting out the barrel. The screen lights up showing Tiny Tim’s crutch.

mrs. Crachit

The color hurts my eyes.

Martha

Mother, it makes them weak by candlelight.

Mrs. Crachit

I wouldn’t want to show weak eyes to your father when he comes home. It must be near his time.

martha

Past his time. I think he walks slower than he use to.

mrs. Crachit

I have known him to walk with Tiny Tim on his shoulder, very fast indeed.

martha

So have I.

Enter Bob… forlorn.

mrs. Crachit

Theres your father… don’t be grieved.

Martha

Father!

Mrs. Crachit

You went today then, Robert?

bob

Yes. I wish you could have gone. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is.

Bob begins to break down.

Mrs. Crachit

Perhaps on Sunday then.

Bob

Yes, I promised him I’d walk you there on Sunday. I saw Mr. Scrooges nephew today.

Mrs. Crachit

You did?

bob

He offered us his condolences… for dear Tiny Tim… and he gave me his card. He said that if he could be of any service to us… to call upon him.

Mrs. Crachit

That was kind of him.

bob

He is the most pleasant and well spoken gentleman, my dear. It really seemed he knew our Tiny Tim and truly felt with us… very kind indeed… considering the recent loss in his own family.

scrooge

A loss in his own family… Spirit, surely you do not mean…

Future pulls out a mirror and holds it for Scrooge to see his own reflection. Scrooge begins backing away.

Scrooge

Spirit, I see… I see the case might be my own…

Scrooge backs up into two figures in black who whisk him to his bed and hold him down.

scrooge

Why Spirit why? Why am made I to lay here? Is your design for me to play my own corpse? Spirit! Spi…

Scrooge is silenced by a motion from the ghost. Enter the Charwoman and the Laundress. They look down on him.

laundress

Why wasn’t he natural in his life time? If he had been, he’d have had somebody to look after him when he was struck with Death. Instead of lying gasping out his last here… all alone by himself.

charwoman

It’s a judgement on him. Here what do you have there?

laundress

His sheets, towels, a little wearing apparel, two old fashioned silver teaspoons…

charwoman

Here give me that!

laundress

Not very likely. I found it first… its mine.

charwoman

I claim the bedcurtains then. I’ll have to take them down rings and all.

laundress

You can have them.

charwoman

That will add to this pencil-case, a seal or two, a pair of button-sleeves and a pretty little broach.

laundress

My sack is full as it is. I’ve got a pair of suger-tongs and a few boots as well.

Charwoman

Old Joe will pay a pretty penny for what we have.

laundress

Every person has the right to take care of themselves. He always did.

Charwoman

Who’s the worse for a loss of a few things like these? Not a dead man, I suppose!

laundress

No indeed.

charwoman

This is the end of it! Here… you don’t think he died of anything catching, did he?

laundress

Why?

charwoman

Then I’ll claim his blankets! He isn’t likely to catch a cold without them.

The slow laughing continues and builds with snatches of speech from earlier scenes.

actor 1

You wish to be left alone?

actor 2

Uncle, I want nothing from you.

actor 3

Many would rather die than go there.

actor 4

You have labored on a strong coil of your own.

actor 5

You fear the world too much, Ebenezer,

actor 6

You are to be a man.

Actor 1

To Mr. Scrooge!

Actor 2

To Uncle Scrooge!

The ghost places a headstone at the head of the bed that reads “Eberneezer Scrooge… RIP”

Scrooge

No! Spirit! No! Hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been. Why show me this if I am past all hope? Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me by an altered life. Pity me. I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live the spirits of all three. Past Present and Future. I will not shut out the lessons they teach. Tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone. Spirit tell me!

The stage goes black. The sound goes dead. In the blackness we hear…

Scrooge

I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. Oh Jacob Marley… I say it on my knees Jacob… on my knees.

The lights come back up and Scrooge is indeed on his knees. He looks about the room.

Scrooge

They are not torn down. They are still here…. Rings and all! I am here. I am indeed here. Its all true. It all happened… and I am here.

He begins laughing then crying. Bells begin to toll.

scrooge

I don’t know what day of the month it is.

Runs to the edge of the platform. Tommy is walking on the street.

scrooge

You, you over there?

tommy

Me sir?

scrooge

Yes, you dear boy. What is today?

Tommy

Today, sir?

Scrooge

Yes, today! No, no… don’t go away. Tell me… what is today?

tommy

Its… Christmas Day, sir.

Scrooge

Christmas Day! I didn’t miss it. I didn’t miss it. Tell me my young fellow… Do you know where the Poulters is?

Tommy

The one on the next street, sir?

Scrooge

Yes, that’s the one. What a delightful intelligent boy! Do you if they’ve sold the prize turkey hanging in the window?

Tommy

The big one, sir?

Scrooge

Yes!

Tommy

Its stil;l hanging in the window, sir. I just past it!

Scrooge

Go buy it! Come around to the front of the house. I will give you the money for it and the directions for where it will be delivered. I will give you a shilling to do this quickly.

tommy

A shilling, sir?

scrooge

Half a crown then!

tommy

Half a crown? Where do you want it it be delivered to, sir?

scrooge

It is to go to the home of Mr. Robert Crachit and his dear family in Camden Town.

Tommy

Camden Town, sir… that is a long ways with a turkey that big.

Scrooge

Yes, I suppose it is. You are being paid handsomely for this service, are you not?

tommy

Of course, sir I think I can do it.

Scrooge

You will. And you will take a cab. I will give you money it.

tommy

A cab, sir? Yes, sir.

scrooge

Wait! Tell me your name, boy?

Tommy

Its Tommy, sir.

Scrooge

Well, Master Tommy… if you will call at my office tomorrow you will receive the other half of the payment. Now, make your way to the front of the house and I’ll meet you there.

tommy

Yes sir!

Scrooge

And Tommy?

tommy

Sir?

Scrooge

Merry Christmas!

Tommy

And a Merry Christmas to you, sir!

We hear a knocking.

Scrooge

Coming!

Exit Scrooge. Enter Actors changing the set for the office.

actor 1

Scrooge dressed himself at all his best and at last got into the streets.

actor 2

The people of London poured into the streets as he had seen them with the ghost of Christmas Present.

actor 1

Walking with his hands behind is back…

actor 2

And with a smile on his face…

actor 1

That several people wished him a good morning and a Merry Christmas.

actor 2

The turkey was delivered to the Crachit home to delight and surprise of its anonymous source.

Actor 1

And that afternoon Scrooge called upon his Nephew and his wife for dinner.

Actor 2

Surprised as they were they took great delight in with his presence there.

Actor 1

Then the next morning came along…

Scrooge is talking to the Begger Lady. The Gentleman and Lady walk past him.

Scrooge

My dear Sir.

lady

Mr. Scrooge.

scrooge

That is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you. I hope you succeeded in your endevours.

gentleman

We did indeed, sir. Thank you for asking. Good Morning.

scrooge

Allow me to ask your pardon…

Scrooge whispers in the gentleman’s ears.

gentleman

Lord bless me!

The gentleman whispers into the Lady’s ear!

lady

Mr. Scrooge… are you serious?

scrooge

If you please… and not a farthing less! A great many back-payments are included in that.

gentleman

I don’t know what to say, sir.

scrooge

Don’t say anything, please.

Enter Tommy.

scrooge

Come and see me this afternoon. For now I have some other business to attend.

Lady

We will, sir. Most definitely.

Scrooge

Ah, Tommy. As promised the other half of your payment.

tommy

Thank you, sir! The turkey was delivered.

Scrooge

I am sure it was.

SOUND: The quarters.

scrooge

Now the work day has already begun… and I’m afraid I am already late.

tommy.

Of course, sir. Sir?

scrooge

Yes?

tommy

You said I would get the other half the of the payment today, sir.

scrooge

Yes, I’m afraid I broke my promise.

tommy

This is more than half, sir. Much more.

scrooge

It is indeed.

beggar lady

You can go back home to the country now, Tommy. Away from this place. You won’t have to work for Jake no more doing what he gets you to do.

Enter Jake.

jake

And what do we have here?

begger lady

Jake, you get away from that child!

jake

You’ve become a rich little man have you now Tommy? I don’t suppose you’ll share your fortune with me, will you?

Jake takes the money away from Tommy.

Jake

I didn’t think so. Whats good for you is good for the company, isn’t it Tommy.

Enter Prostitute.

prostitute

Give the money back to the boy, Jake!

jake

Think of all the good times we can have with it, Sally!

prostitute

Good times?

jake

I’ll make you my woman and we could live quite well with it, we could.

Prostitute

We could?

jake

You know I’ve always had a special eye on you. Ever since you were 14.

prostitute

You have? Really?

begger lady

Don’t do it, Sally! The money belongs to the boy!

Jake

I’ve always been your special customer, haven’t I? Come over here and give old Jake a kiss now.

The Prostitute comes over to Jake. She is about to kiss him when she suddenly pulls out a knife on him.

Prostitute

Give the money back to the boy.

Jake

You know I could take you… all of you.

Enter Bob.

Prostitute

And what? Kill us all in the street… in broad daylight? In front of upstanding witnesses?

Jake gives the money back.

prostitute

That’s good. Tommy, you go now. Run. Take the first coach out of London.

Tommy

But Sally…

prostitute

No goodbyes… just go.

begger lady

Go on, Tommy!

Exit Tommy.

prostitute

Now go about your business … in the other direction please.

begger Lady

The gallows are not worth a few quid, are they Jake.

jake

There will be other boys you know.

prostitute

Perhaps, but at least this Christmas season this one will have a chance at a little decency.

Exit Jake.

Bob

And remember you are a familiar face in these parts, Jake… as Mabel and this young lady are. Good morning Ladies!!

Prostitute

Good morning, sir.

Bob enters the office.

bob

Mr.Scrooge, sir.

scrooge

What do you mean by coming here at this time of day?

bob

I’m very sorry, sir. I am behind my time.

scrooge

Yes, I think you are. Step this way if you please.

bob

Its only once a year, sir.

scrooge

I am not going to stand for this any longer…

bob

But sir… I have a family to feed and…

scrooge

Therefore I am going to raise your salary.

bob

But sir… what?

scrooge

Merry Christmas my friend. I’ll raise your salary and assist your struggling family. We will discuss these matters and… and that of Tiny Tim… over a bowl of smoking bishop. Now make up the fires, Bob Crachit and buy another coal shuttle before you dot another I!

actor 1

Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and more.

Actor 2

To Tiny Tim he was a second father.

actor 1

He became a good friend…

actor 2

A good master.

Actor 1

And a good man.

actor 2

Afterward, it was said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well.

actor 1

And so as Tiny Tim observed… God bless us everyone!

curtain