ACT I. Scene 1 A STREET IN LONDON 1843.

Transcription

1 I-1-1 ACT I Scene 1 A STREET IN LONDON #2 PROLOGUE Company TOWNSPEOPLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE JOLLIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR THE AIR IS CHILLED AND STREETS ARE FILLED WITH HAPPY VOICES SO CLEAR SING NOEL SING NOEL FACES GLOW AND CHILDREN KNOW THAT CHRISTMAS MORNING IS NEAR SING NOEL, SING NOEL SING NOEL, NOEL SING NOEL, SING NOEL, SING NOEL, NOEL A group of carolers gather center stage and sing traditional Victorian Christmas Carols. The last selection is the opening of the prologue and they exit or remain on stage and are joined by others as the prologue continues. LOVE AND JOY MERRY CHRISTMAS BOY BOY BELLS ARE A-RINGING AND SONGS WE'RE A-SINGING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE IS HERE! TOWNSPEOPLE #3 AFTER PROLOGUE Underscore - Orchestra As the prologue ends the townspeople freeze and CHARLES steps out of the crowd. He is strong, yet gentle and deliberate in nature. He takes a copy of "A Christmas Carol" from a bookseller and turns to his wife.

2 I-1-2 Look at this my dear. Of all my works, none has become more familiar than my holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. I know dear. MRS. Time and people have a way of altering the appearance and emphasis of all things. Such is the case with my Carol. MRS. (Taking the book) Yes, dear. It seems the proverbial holiday icing of the Christmas season has grown thicker and in so doing, little has remained of the true meaning of your appeal. My appeal! It was indeed that purpose for which I penned the Carol. It was an appeal to the masses, more exactly to the masses of England, It was my hope it would be an appeal to all men. BOOKSELLER (Recognizing )Oh, Mr. Dickens! Read it for us, won't you, sir? TOWNSPEOPLE (Ad libs) Yes, Mr. Dickens... read the carol...you do it so well...we would all like to hear it again...please Mr. Dickens...etc... I'm not sure... MRS. Go ahead Charles. Read it to us. You know how much you enjoy it. I do enjoy telling the tale. A SMALL CHILD (stepping forward) Please, Mr. Dickens! All right. Thus I begin the Carol. Marley was dead: there is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the sole mourner, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone -- a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner. He represented those men who no warmth could warm, nor wintry weather chill. No wind that blew was bitterer than Scrooge. But what did Scrooge care? What did any of these men, like Scrooge, care? This was the public appearance of a good man of business; hard, cold, decisive, resolute in nature. Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say hello, no man or woman ever inquired the way to such and such a place of Ebenezer Scrooge. And this was the very thing he liked. To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance. Indeed this distance from his fellow-beings made business transactions easier; he could remain unsympathetic to anyone and everyone. It

3 I-1-3 was cold, bleak, biting weather, foggy, and it was of all good days in the year Christmas Eve. But I remind you this was not a tale of Christmas - but a tale of man's foolishness and disregard for his fellow man and in that respect his disregard for himself. #4 PROLOGUE II - Company The air grows grey and cold as the Townspeople and Carolers bundle themselves against the growing chill. TOWNSPEOPLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE JOLLIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR EVERY HEART, IT OVERFLOWS WITH JOY AND LAUGHTER AND CHEER EXCEPT FOR ONE EXCEPT FOR ONE HIS HEART IS COLD AND SO WE'RE TOLD HE EVEN SLEEPS WITH A SNEER MEAN OLD CUR MERRY CHRISTMAS, SIR... Bah Humbug! (he exits) BOY CAROLER TOWNSPEOPLE BELLS ARE A-RINGING AND SONGS WE'RE A-SINGING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE IS HERE ON CHRISTMAS EVE WHEN OLD MAN WINTER CAME CALLING WINDS DID BLOW AND CHRISTMAS SNOW LIKE ANGEL'S BREATH WAS A-FALLING POOR OLD IS IT TOO LATE WHO KNOWS HIS FATE THE STORY NOW, I'M RECALLING ONE CHRISTMAS EVE CHORUS ROUND TWILIGHT, I BELIEVE THE STORY BEGINS SO PERMIT ME MY FRIENDS AND A TALE OF GHOSTS I SHALL WEAVE

4 I-1-4 IN COLD DECEMBER THERE BURNS THE EMBERS OF EBENEZER ALL #5 THE OFFICE Underscore Orchestra The TOWNSPEOPLE exit as the scene transitions to Scrooge s Counting House.

5 I-2-5 ACT I Scene 2 Scrooge's office. As describes the counting house, the office is comes into view. Scrooge sat busy in his counting-house. (Dickens escorts Scrooge to his desk) The firm was known as Scrooge and Marley. Scrooge and he were partners for I don't know how many years. Sometimes people new to the business called Scrooge Scrooge, (he enters) and sometimes Marley, but he answered to both names; it was all the same to him. Scrooge kept a close eye upon his clerk who in the dismal little corner of the counting-house sat copying letters. Bob Cratchit, Cratchit Enters) like so many, was a poor working man scratching out a meager existence. For Bob, to work for a miserly employer, such as Scrooge, was just one more misgiving which, since it could not be cured, must be endured. After all, it was his only means of support for himself and his family, and employment was scarce. FRED (from offstage) A MERRY CHRISTMAS, SIR!!!!!! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha... If ever there is a character whom I fashion myself, or as many said, is fashioned of me, it is Scrooge's nephew Fred. (He brings Fred into the scene) Here is a man who carries with him the spirit of love and charity. FRED A Merry Christmas, uncle! God Save You!! Bah! Humbug! FRED Christmas a humbug, uncle! You don't mean that I'm sure. I do. Merry Christmas! What reason have you to be merry? You re poor enough. FRED Come, then, what right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough! Bah! Humbug! FRED

6 Don't be cross uncle!! I-2-6 What else can I be when I live in such a world of fools as this? Out upon Merry Christmas. What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer. If I could work my will, every idiot that 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. Uncle!! FRED Nephew!! Keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine. But you don't keep it. FRED Let me leave it alone, then. Much good may it do you!! Much good it has ever done you!! #6 FRED'S Underscore Orchestra FRED There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say, Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-travellers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. 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!! UNDERSCORE OUT Jolly well for you, sir!! CRATCHIT Let me hear another sound from you, Cratchit, and you'll keep your Christmas by losing your situation. (Turning to his nephew) You're a long winded speaker, nephew. I wonder you don't go into politics. FRED Don't be angry, uncle. Come and see us. Dine with us tomorrow. I'll see you, indeed, I'll see you in Hades first.

7 FRED I want nothing from you; I ask nothing of you; why cannot we be friends? I-2-7 Good afternoon. FRED I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. We have never had any quarrel, to which I have been a party. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas and I'll keep my Christmas humor to the last. So a Merry Christmas, uncle!! Good afternoon!! And a Happy New Year!!!! GOOD AFTERNOON!!!!!!! FRED FRED A Merry Christmas, Bob, and to your family. Merry Christmas to you, sir! BOB (To ) There is another fellow, your clerk, with fifteen shillings a week and a wife and family, finding the time to speak of a Merry Christmas. Bah!!! He should retire to the madhouse!!! 1st GENTLEMAN (Addressing CRACHIT) Scrooge and Marley's, I believe. Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley? Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years. He died seven years ago, this very night. A Merry Christmas, indeed. 1st GENTLEMAN We have no doubt that his liberality is well represented by his surviving partner. HUMPH!!! 2nd GENTLEMAN At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provisions for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Are they not given an education in return for their labor?

8 1st GENTLEMAN They are promised skilled training and higher education but receive little. I-2-8 2nd GENTLEMAN And their meager wages go directly to their parent's pockets. Little from which the children benefit. But surely they are well provided for with food and clothing. 1 st GENTLEMAN Hardly, these children are brutalized, ill-fed, and ill-clothed. They are forced to work a fifteen to eighteen hour workday. They are abused and treated no better than a work animal. You exaggerate. 2nd GENTLEMAN I wish that he did, sir. These children have no love, no understanding that comforts them. They merely exist from hour to hour, day to evening, evening to morning. 1st GENTLEMAN Indeed, thousands are in want of common necessities; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts. (Business like) Are there no prisons? Plenty of prisons. 2nd GENTLEMAN And the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation? 1st GENTLEMAN They are. Although I wish I could say they were not. Many can't go there; and many would rather die. If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. 1 st Gentleman (shocked, but pressing ahead) Under the impression that they scarcely furnish peace of mind or body to the multitude, a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. 2nd GENTLEMAN We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall we put you down for? Nothing!

9 I-2-9 You wish to be anonymous? 1st GENTLEMAN I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen,that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas, and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned they cost enough; and those we are badly off must go there. Good afternoon, gentlemen. Good afternoon!!! (Both gentlemen depart) (muttering as he returns to his work) I know nothing of these people and their problems! It's not my business. It's enough for a man to understand his own business. Mine occupies me constantly. I have no want or need to meddle in the affairs of others. It is that simple. My life remains simple, clear, concise. I have no time for others. (observing him) And in that, you show that you have even less time for yourself. Bah. Humbug! All sentiment is humbug -- and any emotion that might hinder business is nonsense!! BOY CAROLER ON CHRISTMAS EVE ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE JOLLIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR THE AIR IS CHILLED... returns to his work as Dickens gestures for a small BOY to begin to sing at the window. Be gone with you, and your Merry Christmas. Bah. Humbug! Merry Christmas, indeed, what is a merry Christmas. What do any of you know of a Merry Christmas. (emphatically muttering to himself) We have public programs that have been designed to assist the poor. I offer a yearly donation through my taxes. If you do not offer of yourself, the only mark you will leave is a cold, gray stone in a forgotten graveyard. Bah, Humbug!!!! There was no man, woman, or child who could soften the icy heart of Ebenezer Scrooge. Too many years had gone by, living out of the reach of human kindness. Only the cold calculated figures of his business gave him comfort and solace. #7 JINGLE OF MONEY - Scrooge

10 I-2-10 WHEN A SHILLING HITS A SHILLING IT GOES CLINK WHEN A FARTHING HITS A FARTHING IT GOES PLINK WHEN A CROWN HITS A CROWN AND YOU SHAKE THEM BOTH AROUND THE SOUND IS MUSIC TO MY EARS WHEN COPPER TOUCHES COPPER IT GOES JINGLE WHEN SILVER TOUCHES SILVER IT GOES DINGLE WHEN GOLD TOUCHES GOLD WHEN IT S MORE THAN YOU CAN HOLD THEN YOU DROP IT IN A BAG AND TIE IT WITH A STRING AND HIDE IT IN A BOX OR IN A DRAWER OR ANYTHING THEN YOU TAKE IT OUT AND SHAKE IT HEAR THE TING-A-LING-A-LING OF.. MONEY - I LOVE THE JINGLE OF MONEY IT'S SWEETER THAN THE JINGLE OF A CHRISTMAS BELL MONEY - I LOVE THE JINGLE OF MONEY IT'S SWEETER THAN THE MUSIC OF A CARROUSEL LISTEN, CAN YOU HEAR THE JING JING JINGLE OF GOLD LISTEN, CAN YOU HEAR THE TING TING TINGLE OF WEALTH UNTOLD MONEY - I LOVE THE JINGLE OF MONEY IT'S SWEETER THAN THE JINGLE OF A CHRISTMAS BELL MONEY - I LOVE THE JINGLE OF MONEY IT'S SWEETER THAN THE MUSIC OF A CARROUSEL PENNIES WERE MEANT TO BE PINCHED FISTS WERE MEANT TO BE CLINCHED AND MONEY, MY MONEY BE IT BOB OR CROWN IS BETTER OFF HIDDEN NEATH THE COLD DARK GROUND BUT EVEN THERE I CAN HEAR THE MERRY MERRY SOUND -- OF THE JINGLE OF MONEY THE JANGLE AS WELL THE JINGLE OF MONEY IS SWEETER THAT THE JINGLE OF A CHRISTMAS BELL (Spoken) MONEY!!!!! #8 CHIMES I - Orchestra (Westminster and seven strikes) (to CRATCHIT) You'll want all day tomorrow I suppose? If quite convenient, sir? BOB

11 I-2-11 It's not convenient and it's not fair. If I were to stop half-a-crown for it, you'd think yourself ill used, I'll be bound! And yet, you don't think me ill-used when I pay a day's wages for no work. BOB After all it is only once a year, sir. A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth of December! But I suppose you must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier the next morning!! BOB Oh, yes, sir! A Merry Christ... (HE catches himself) Good night, sir!! Bah! Humbug!! closes the door and CRACHIT sighs with relief that HE'S gone. #8A NOT TOMORROW BOB DID YOU HEAR THAT? I M PICKING HIS POCKET IMAGINE THAT! I M ROBBING HIM BLIND! DID YOU HEAR THAT I M ALSO A DIM-WIT I M A FOOL, AN IMBECILE TOO HE CALLED ME A DUNCE AND NOT JUST ONCE A LAGGARD, A BLACKGUARD WHO KNEW? YOU RE A POOR EXCUSE FOR A CLERK, MR. CRACHIT OH YES, SIR, I SAY FOR A MAN MUST PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY SO CALL ME WHAT YOU WILL.TODAY BUT NOT TOMORROW! FOR TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS DAY AND IT S MINE! TO SHARE WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN TO SIT BY A LOVELY FIRE TO SAVOR EVERY MOMENT HOW DIVINE! MY WIFE WILL CALL ME SUGAR PLUM TO MY CHILDREN, I M FATHER DEAR AND FOR 24 BLISSFUL HOURS I WON T HEAR YOU RE LATE, BOB CRACHIT I SHALL DOCK YOUR WAGE YOU RE INEPT, BOB CRACHIT THERE S A SMUDGE ON THIS PAGE! NOT TOMORROW FOR TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS DAY, AND IT S MINE TO SING ABOUT STARS AND SHEPHERDS AND HEAR THE MORNING BELLS CHIME TO FEEL HOW MY CHILDREN LOVE ME HOW DIVINE!

12 I-2-11A IF THE QUEEN SAID, COME TOMORROW FOR TEA I, BOB CRACHIT, WOULD DECLINE NOT TOMORROW FOR TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS DAY (I VE WAITED ALL YEAR IT S ALMOST HERE) YES TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS DAY AND IT S MINE! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Bob Cratchit Exits The office was closed in a twinkling, and the clerk, having put on his scarf and hat ran home to Camden town

13 I-3-12 ACT I Scene 3 #9 CLOSING THE OFFICE Underscore - Orchestra THE STREET in front of 'S home and 'S BEDROOM. It was not by chance or fated circum-stance that Scrooge lived isolated and alone. It was his clear, concise, conscious choice. I fashioned Scrooge's lodgings from a house that stood at 46 Lime Street in the Langborn Ward. It stood far back and alone up a narrow courtyard. It was the prefect surroundings for a haunting. Now it is a fact, that there was nothing at all particular about the knocker on the door, except that it was very large. And, it is a fact, that Scrooge had not bestowed one thought on Marley, since his last mention of his dead partner that afternoon. So then let any man explain to me, if he can, how it happened that Scrooge, having placed his key in the lock of the door, saw in the knocker, without its undergoing any intermediate process of change -- not a knocker, but Marley's face. (Seeing 's face in the knocker) Jacob? Jacob? (from offstage)scroooooooooooooooooogggggggggeeeeeeeeeeee... Jacob! Jacob Marley????!!!!!! As Scrooge looked fixedly at this phenomenon, it was a knocker again. He put his hand upon the key he had relinquished, turned it sturdily, and walked in. puts his hand upon the key and walks into the house, returns for a brief moment to say, "Bah, pooh, pooh!" He walked into the darkness of this old hollowed home. Scrooge liked the darkness, for darkness was cheap. He checked about to see that everything was as it should be. Nobody under the bed...nobody under the chair...nobody in the fireplace. Indeed, he assured himself, everything was as usual. He sat down before the fire in his bed chambers to take his gruel. (from offstage)scccccccccccccooooooooooggggggggeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

14 I-3-13 Humbug!!! It's humbug still. I won't believe it. How now! What do you want with me. A small bell begins to ring after a pause the bell grows louder until every chime in the house begins to sound. The image of Marley s face swirls in the air and around the set. The bells stop, leaving silence and then the sound of clanking noise is heard as 's GHOST appears, as if out of a grave. The chain he draws is clasped about his middle. It is long and wound about him like a tail, it is made of cash boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses wrought in steel. Much! Who are you!!! Ask me who I was. Who were you then? In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley. Bah! You don't believe in me?? What evidence would you have of my reality, beyond that of your senses? I don't know. Why do you doubt your senses? Because a little thing affects them. A slight disorder of the stomach makes them cheat. You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato. There's more of gravy than of grave about, you, whatever you are! (Marley wails) Mercy! Dreadful apparition, why do you trouble me?

15 I-3-14 It is required of every man, that the spirit within him should walk among his fellow-men and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. You are chained and shackled. Tell me why? I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link, yard by yard. Is its pattern strange to you? Or would you know the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was as heavy and as long as this, seven years ago. You have labored on it, since. It is a ponderous chain!! Jacob, old Jacob Marley, tell me more. Speak of comfort to me, Jacob. I have none to give. Nor can I continue, a very little time is all that is permitted to me. I cannot rest, I cannot stay, I cannot linger anywhere. My spirit never walked beyond our counting house. Mark me! In life my spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole; and weary journeys lie before me!! But you were always a good man of business, Jacob! Business!! Mankind was my business. Hear me, my time is nearly gone. I am here tonight to warn you, that you have a chance and hope of escaping my fate, Ebenezer. You were always a good friend to me. Thank'ee. You will be haunted by Three Spirits. I think I'd rather not. Without their visits you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first tomorrow night, when the bell tolls one. Couldn't I have them all at once and be done with it.

16 I-3-15 Expect the second on the next night at the same hour. The third upon the next night when the last stroke of twelve has ceased to vibrate. Look to see me no more; and look that, for your own sake, you remember what has passed between us!! has been watching the scene and as he continues, prepares for bed checking the house and the doors etc. Scrooge went straight to bed, without undressing, and fell asleep upon the instant. The first Ghost, of which Marley spoke, would come from a world Scrooge had long forgotten. In reflecting upon the past, injustices once done can scar the spirit! But generosities remembered, if allowed, can heal the soul. #10 CHIMES II - Orchestra (One strike) (awakening) One - now what was it that Marley said, Nothing - yes, just a dream! #11 'S APPEARANCE Underscore - Bell Tree The Spirit of Christmas Past appears and there is a glow of light around the head of the spirit, illuminating the room. (Not sure of what he sees) Are you the Spirit whose coming was foretold to me? I am. You don't look like a Ghost. Who and what are you? I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. Long past? No. Your past. That which I will show you are shadows of the things that once were. I recall them as if they might have happened --- only yesterday. So shall you, Ebenezer Scrooge!!!

17 I-3-16 #12 REMEMBER - Ghost of Christmas Past I KNEW A CHILD WITH A SHINING FACE WITH A WARM EMBRACE IT WAS LONG AGO LONG AGO, REMEMBER I KNEW A BOY WHO HAD A MANNER MILD WHO HAD EYES THAT SMILED IT WAS LONG AGO, LONG AGO, REMEMBER? BUT THESE MEMORIES OF THE HAVE FALLEN AWAY AND NOW THE DARKNESS THAT CONSUMES YOU LEADS YOU ASTRAY WON'T YOU TAKE THE KEY AND FOLLOW ME SOON YOU WILL SEE SEE YOURSELF AS YOU USED TO BE WHEN YOU WERE KINDER WHEN YOU WERE WARMER WHEN YOU WERE WISER IT WAS LONG AGO, LONG AGO, REMEMBER? DO YOU REMEMBER, DO YOU REMEMBER, LONG AGO? Spirit, what purpose brings you to me. Your welfare!! I am very much obliged, but Spirit would not a night of rest be more conducive to that end. (Placing HER hand upon his heart) Bear but a touch of this hand upon your heart, and your soul will be uplifted. Now, rise and walk with me. Where are we going? & We are going to look at your childhood. The lights fade as the scene transitions #13 CHRISTMAS Underscore - Orchestra

18 I-4-17 ACT I Scene 4 The scene opens with, and standing on stage in low light surrounded by mist and fog. It is to a cold, wintry day, with snow upon the ground. is amazed to see a place that is filled with memories of a good time. People pass by the TRIO, singing the PROLOGUE. (Seeing the familiar surroundings) Good Heaven! I was bred in this place. I was a boy here! Oh, there's Nasty Dick and that Strange Girl. Oh,and there's Mr. Cheevers, I've never seen him sober. Oh, and Molly the pastry cook, the loveliest buns in town. Merry Christmas, hallo...merry Christmas... Spirit, why do they not answer me? They are but shadows of the things that have been. They have no consciousness of us. But what is Merry Christmas to you. Out upon Merry Christmas! What good has it ever done you? (remembering his own words) Yes...I suppose...lead me where you will Spirit. You recall the way? Remember it? I could walk it blindfold. Strange to have forgotten it for so many years. Let us go on! There is a boarding school near by. The school is not quite deserted. A solitary child, neglected by his friends, is left there still. He has no mother and his father bares him a grudge. Why does his father bare him a grudge? Because...she died at childbirth... his birth.

19 I-4-18 Come... They exit as speaks to the audience He knew of this boy, as well as I. As a schoolboy at the Wellington House Academy I myself came to realize how dear the thoughts of going home for the holidays were and how heart breaking it was to be the child left behind. Dickens brings the GHOST and into the scene which is a bare room except for a small school desk where AS A YOUNG CHILD sits reading. Your lip is trembling. And what is that upon your cheek? (Embarrassed about the emotion) It is nothing...just a pimple...poor boy! (pauses and wipes his eyes on his robe) I wish, but it's too late now. What is the matter? Nothing...nothing!! Nothing??!! There was a boy singing a carol at my door last night. I should like to have given him something; that's all. Let us see another Christmas. They exit as speaks to the audience On one occasion I held a fond memory of Wellington House. My sister, Fanny, arrived one day, and bursting through the door of the school room announced... UNDERSCORE OUT A slightly older boy appears and a little GIRL, younger than the BOY, comes darting in, and puts HER arms about him

20 I-4-19 FAN Dear, dear brother, I have come to bring you home, dear brother! To bring you home, home, home, Ebenezer!!! Home, Fan?? YOUNG FAN Yes! Home, for good and all. Home, forever and ever. Father is so much kinder than he used to be, that home's like Heaven. He spoke so gently to me one dear night that I was not afraid to ask him once more if you might come home; and he said "Yes" you should; and sent me in a coach to bring you. And you're to be a man...and to never come back here; but first, we're to be together all Christmas long, and have the merriest time in all the world. #14 FAN'S SONG - Fan & Young Scrooge FAN THERE'S BEEN NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU THERE'S BEEN NO LAUGHTER ONLY TEARS THERE'S BEEN NO JOY ONLY SORROW IN A HOME ONCE FILLED WITH CHEER BUT NOW YOU'LL BE THERE AND YOU'LL SEE THERE OPEN ARMS THAT WAIT FOR YOU FOR I'D HAVE NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU I'D HAVE NO MORE JOY WITHOUT YOU DANCE SECTION Always a delicate creature, whom a breath might have withered. But she had a large heart! So she had, you're right! I'll not gainsay it. God forbid! She died a woman and had, as I think, children. One child. True, your nephew. (With uneasiness) Yes. Who wants nothing from you...

21 ... asks nothing of you......yet you cannot be friends. I-4-20 No, I...how could you understand? What reason, what need, would he have for the companionship of a bitter old man. (Indicating YOUNG and FAN) Perhaps the same need that a young man once had for his sister. YOUNG AND FAN BUT NOW YOU'LL (I'LL) BE THERE AND YOU'LL (I'LL) SEE THERE OPEN ARMS THAT WAIT FOR YOU FOR I'D HAVE NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU I'D HAVE NO MORE JOY (NO MORE JOY) WITHOUT YOU (Placing HER hand upon )Come our time here has ended! They exit as speaks to the audience #15 FEZZIWIG'S WAREHOUSE Underscore - Orchestra

22 I-5-21 ACT I Scene 5 FEZZIWIG's WAREHOUSE During earlier holiday seasons the sound of the holiday spirit would fill the warehouses of England. Here is where a man's generosity and good-fellowship are his fortune, not his gold and silver. The Ghost stopped at such a warehouse door and asked Scrooge: Dickens brings Scrooge and Past into the scene Do you know this place? Know it? I was apprenticed here? Yes, here is a Christmas you truly enjoyed! HE sees FEZZIWIG who is sitting on top of a large desk. FEZZIWIG is a jolly, heavy set man in his fifties. HE is wearing a powdered wig. recognizes FEZZIWIG and is joyous... Why it's Fezziwig! Bless his heart! It's Fezziwig alive again. FEZZIWIG (Having examined HIS watch HE closes his books) Yo, ho, there! Ebenezer! Dick! EBENEZER as a YOUNG MAN and DICK WILKINS enter Dick Wilkins, my old fellow "Prentice", to be sure! Bless me, yes, there he is!! FEZZIWIG Yo, ho, my boys! No more work tonight. Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve, Ebenezer!! Let's have the shutters up before a man can say, Jack Robinson!! Let's have everything cleared away before Mrs. Fezziwig and the guests arrive. Clear away. Hilli-ho! my lads, and let's have lots of room here!

23 I-5-22 the FIDDLER enters, tuning like fifty stomach-aches, followed by MRS. FEZZIWIG, who is every bit as big as MR. FEZZIWIG. Guests enter, some shyly, some boldly, some gracefully some awkwardly, some pushing, some pulling! Then old FEZZIWIG stands out to dance with MRS. FEZZIWIG. #16 DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING - Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig & Company FEZZIWIG MAKE ROOM FOR MY MISSUS A DANCE FOR EVERYONE COME, MY CHRISTMAS PUDDING WE'LL SHOW 'EM HOW IT'S DONE! MRS. FEZZIWIG DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING CAUSE CHRISTMAS EVE IS HERE FEZZIWIG JIG! JIG! MRS. FEZZIWIG YOU'RE A FEATHER-ON-YOUR-FEET, MY DEAR MRS. FEZZIWIG WHILE THE YULE LOG IS BURNING FEZZIWIG AND LAUGHTER FILLS YOUR HEART COME DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING DANCE WITH YOUR TART BOTH DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING DANCE WITH YOUR TART EVERYONE BOW TO YOUR PARTNER LET'S BEGIN DOWN THE MIDDLE AND UP AGAIN FEZZIWIG THREAD THE NEEDLE CURTSEY, BOW MRS. FEZZIWIG BOTH LET THE FEZZIWIGS SHOW YOU HOW! CLAP YOUR HANDS BOW ONCE MORE MRS. FEZZIWIG

24 I-5-23 FEZZIWIG WHIRL YOUR SUGAR PLUM ROUND THE FLOOR BOTH TRA LA LA LISTEN TO THE FIDDLE HERE COME THE FEZZIWIGS UP THE MIDDLE!! ALL DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING CAUSE CHRISTMAS EVE IS HERE WHIRL, WHIRL, YOUR FAVORITE GIRL FEZZIWIG I'LL SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET, MY DEAR LET'S SHOW YOUNG EBENEZER JUST HOW YOU WON MY HEART MRS. FEZZIWIG MR. FEZZIWIG takes a piece of mistletoe out and holds it above MRS. FEZZIWIG S head. SHE laughs hysterically and then HE kisses HER on the cheek. SHE laughs and giggles continuously. COME DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING DANCE WITH YOUR TART! HEY! BOTH ALL DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING CAUSE CHRISTMAS EVE IS HERE JIG, JIG, MRS. FEZZIWIG YOU'RE A FEATHER-ON-YOUR-FEET, MY DEAR WHILE THE YULE LOG IS BURNING AND LAUGHTER FILLS YOUR HEART COME, DANCE WITH YOUR DUMPLING DANCE WITH YOUR TART HEY!!!! After the applause the dancing continues in slow motion under the following dialogue until all have exited. #17 AFTER DUMPLING Underscore - Orchestra A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude. Small????!!!! Why! Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds; three or four perhaps.

25 I-5-24 Is that so much that he deserves this praise? It isn't that, it isn't that! He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. What then, the happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune!! Yes, quite so!! Employees now in many businesses are not even given the time off to celebrate Christmas Day. Exactly! This is my... Your point... So, what is the matter? All the guests have exited as Scrooge, feeling the stare from both and the GHOST, becomes quiet. Nothing, nothing I would like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now! That's all. My time grows short, let us go on! The scene fades away as once again Dickens remains on stage as the Ghost and Scrooge exit. #18 BELLE Underscore - Orchestra

26 I-6-25 ACT I Scene 6 A STREET IN LONDON My first marriage engagement was broken because her father found me to be at an unsuitable station in my career. My first love was Maria Beadnell, Scrooge would know her merely as Belle. YOUNG Have I ever sought release from our engagement. Dickens brings and the GHOST have entered into the scene as Young Man Scrooge and Belle enter from the opposite side of the stage. In words, no. Never. In what, then. BELLE YOUNG BELLE In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in everything that made my love of any worth or value in your sight. Another idol has displaced me. A golden one. How often and how keenly I have thought of this, I will not say. It is enough that I have though of it, and can release you. YOUNG This is the even-handed dealing of the world. There is nothing as hard as poverty, and nothing condemned more than the pursuit of wealth!! You feared the world too much. She did not condemn you, you condemned yourself. BELLE Your nobler aspirations have fallen off one by one, until the master-passion, Gain, engrosses you. (addressing the image of Belle) I had not changed towards you. (To Past) Had I? BELLE Our marriage contract is an old one. It was made when we were poor and content to be so. When it was made, you were another man.

27 I-6-26 I was a boy. YOUNG BELLE Your own feelings tell you that you were not then, what you are now. How well she knew you. Can even you believe, today, tomorrow, yesterday that you would have chosen a dowerless girl. Your quite, right, she knew how my regret would have surely followed. She knew it, and she released you. With a full heart, for the love of him you once were. BELLE It matters little to you, very little. If this had never been between us, tell me, would you seek me out and try to win me now? (There is no reaction) Ah, no... YOUNG (Hurt and defensive, he begins to exit) Then have your release, and be done with it! BELLE (She stops him momentarily) May you be happy in the life you have chosen, Ebenezer. (Crossing to YOUNG ) Go to her. Go to her. Tell her that you love her. You fool. You've lost her. You've lost her. (Young Man Scrooge exits as turns back to BELLE and sings) #19 ONLY A FOOL - Scrooge and Belle A FOOL, ONLY A FOOL WOULD LET YOU WALK AWAY A FOOL CONTENT WITH DREAMS OF YESTERDAY A FOOL, ONLY A FOOL LIKE ME WOULD BE SO BLIND TO TURN AWAY AND LEAVE BEHIND A LOVE, LIKE YOU & BELLE WHY, OH WHY DID I FIND JOY, THEN LET IT DIE AND SETTLE FOR WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN MEMORIES OF WHEN I LOVED YOU BELLE

28 I-6-27 I LOVED YOU A FOOL, ONLY A FOOL WOULD BREAK YOUR HEART IN TWO AND WATCH WHILE HAPPINESS SLIPPED THRU HIS HANDS WHAT'S DONE IS DONE I'VE LOST YOU BOTH THERE'S NOTHING MORE TO SAY BUT ONLY A FOOL WOULD HAVE LET YOU WALK AWAY SHE exits into the mist of the past, as finishes the song and turns to face the GHOST. MUSIC continues under the following scene until it becomes dissonant and harsh. #20 REMOVE ME Underscore - Orchestra Spirit! Remove me from this place. I told you these were shadows of the things that have been. Remove me! I cannot bear it. Images and Echoes of familiar voices and faces from the previous scenes float through the air. FAN Home, Ebenezer, home. BELLE Another idol has displaced me. YG Then have your release. FEZZIWIG Christmas Eve, Dick. Christmas Eve, Ebenezer. These are shadows of the things that have been. They are what they are. Leave me! Take me back. Haunt me no longer!! to... The lights flash and then black out... we move

29 I-7-28 ACT I Scene 7 's BEDROOM. The lights dim and then restore to have struggling with his bed coverings. is beside him. #21 REMEMBER: Reprise - Christmas Past and Dickens Haunt me no longer! Haunt me no...long... (Seeing that they are only his bed coverings) Have I lost my senses? (OFF-STAGE MIC) You have not lost them, you have had them brought back to you by shadows of things you had ceased to remember. What good is this punishment? It causes me pain and sorrow. But that sorrow is of your own construction, what of the joy you could feel. (More determined than ever) I am now, what I will always be. (OFF-STAGE MIC) No, you are now what you have determined to be. You are free to choose another course. I can't. I can't. (Pause.) I don't know how. (OFF-STAGE MIC) Ebenezer, see yourself not as you are, but as you once were... WHEN YOU WERE KINDER WHEN YOU WERE WARMER WHEN YOU WERE WISER IT WAS LONG AGO, LONG AGO &

30 I-7-29 AND REMEMBER LONG AGO, LONG AGO, REMEMBER? YOU SHOULD REMEMBER YOU SHOULD REMEMBER LONG AGO END OF ACT I