1

Christmas Carol Script

( One ragged, cold boy is on stage trying to keep warm. He freezes. Then two gentlemen enter the stage, walking and talking, then they freeze. From the other end of the stage sellers of fruit and bread enter calling out , Apples for sale Get your fresh hot bread here when they reach their posts they too freeze. Narrator enters and stands next to the small boy) Narrator: Hello! Welcome to The Christmas Carol.I am here to tell the story.My name is Charles Dickens. ( Small boy unfreezes) Rizzo: And my name is Rizzo the Rat.(steals an apple) Rizzo: Hey. Wait a second. You're not Charles Dickens. Narrator: I am too! Rizzo: Dickens was a famous novelist? A genius! Narrator: Oh. You're too kind. Rizzo: Why should I believe you? Narrator: Well. Because I know the story of"A Christmas Carol like the back of my hand. Rizzo: Prove it! Narrator: All right. Narrator: There's a little mole on my thumb and. Uh. A scar on my wrist... From when I fell off my bicycle. Rizzo: No. No. No. No.Don't tell us your hand.Tell us the story. Narrator: Oh. Oh. Thank you. Yes. Jacob Marley was dead to begin with. Rizzo: Wha- Wha... Pardon me?

2
Narrator: That's how the story begins. Rizzo. Jacob Marley was dead to begin with, as dead as a doornail Rizzo: It's a good beginning.It's creepy and kind of spooky Narrator: Oh. Thank you. Rizzo. Rizzo: You're welcome. Mr Dickens Narrator: In life, Marley had been a business partner .. with a shrewd moneylender named Ebenezer Scrooge. You will meet him as he comes around that corner. Rizzo: Where?

Narrator: There. Rizzo: When?

Narrator: Now. ( Scrooge enters the street) There he is. Mr Ebenezer Scrooge. Rizzo: Say. Is it gettin' colder out here? (Scrooge walks toward the shop, while townsfolk sing) Song When a cold wind blows it chills you Chills you to the bone But there's nothing in nature that freezes your heart like years of being alone It paints you with indifference Like a lady paints with rouge And the worst of the worst The most hated and cursed Is the one that we call Scrooge Unkind as any And the wrath of many This is Ebenezer Scrooge

3
( chorus) Oh, there goes Mr Humbug There goes Mr Grimm If they gave a prize for bein'mean The winner would be him Old Scrooge, he loves his money 'cause he thinks it gives him power If he became a flavour you can bet he would be sour Even the vegetables don't like him. (chorus) There goes Mr Skinflint There goes Mr Greed The undisputed master of the underhanded deed He charges folks a fortune for his dark and draughty houses Us poor folk live in misery K,It's even worse for mouses

He must be so lonely He must be so sad He goes to extremes to convince us he's bad He's really a victim of fear and of pride Look close and there must be a sweet man inside - Nah. - Uh-uh. (chorus) There goes Mr Outrage There goes Mr Sneer He has no time for friends or fun

4
His anger makes that clear Don't ask him for a favour 'cause his nastiness increases No crust of bread for those in need No cheeses for us meeces Narrator: Scrooge liked the cold. He was hard and sharp as a flint.. secretive. Self-contained. As solitary as an oyster. (chorus) There goes Mr Heartless There goes Mr Cruel He never gives He only takes He lets his hunger rule If being mean's a way of life You practise and rehearse Then all that work is paying off 'cause Scrooge is getting worse Every day in every way Scrooge is getting worse Narrator: He was a tightfisted hand at the grindstone. Scrooge..a squeezing,wrenching. Grasping...clutching. Covetous old sinner. ( Scrooge enters the shop. Bob Cratchitt and some other clerks are busily writing down numbers on stacks of papers) Scrooge: Bob Cratchit?

Bob Cratchitt: - Yes. Mr Scrooge? Scrooge; Let us deal with the eviction notices for tomorrow. Mr Cratchit.( pointing to a stack of papers) Bob Cratchitt: - Tomorrow is Christmas. Sir. Scrooge: Very well.You may gift-wrap them.(goes to sit down at a desk)

5
Other clerks- Let us help you with that. Mr Cratchit.( The clerks attempt to help Bob carry the stack of papers. Bob moves over to Scrooges desk) - Oh. My. There are certainly a lot today.( Clerks pick up papers) - We'll get 'em. - Okay. Okay. - There you go. Boss. - Here you go. - Look out on that end - Look out. Look out! .( Clerks bump into each other and fall, papers fall covering them) Scrooge: Christmas is a very busy time for us. Mr Cratchit.People preparing feasts,giving parties..spending the mortgage money on frivolities.( evil laugh)One might say that December is the foreclosure season.Harvest time for the moneylenders. Other clerks(whisper)- Hey. Boss. Ask him. - Tell him. Mr Cratchit. - Come on. Do it now. Boss. Bob Cratchit: Uh. If you please. Mr Scrooge... It's gotten colder.and the bookkeeping staff...would like to have an extra shovelful of coal for the fire. Other clerks: Clerk 1: We can't do the bookkeeping. Clerk 2: Yeah. All of our pens have turned to ink-cicles. Clerk 3: Our assets are frozen! Scrooge: ( shouts)How would the bookkeepers like to be suddenly unemployed? Clerks: ( Suddenly act overheated while singing) Heatwave!This is my island in the sun.Boy, am I roasting! Bob Cratchit: l-I believe you've convinced them once again. Mr Scrooge. Narrator: At that moment. who should arrive at the door.. but Scrooge's nephew. Fred. his only living relative

6
Rizzo: Nephew Fred? I don't see him. Narrator: Trust me. ( Nephew Fred enters smiling and happy) Nephew Fred: Hello. Uncle? Rizzo: You're very good at that. Mr Dickens. Nephew Fred: A Happy Christmas. Uncle Scrooge. Scrooge: - Happy Christmas? Bah humbug.

Nephew Fred: Christmas a humbug. Uncle?Oh. You don't mean that. Surely. Scrooge: Happy Christmas you say? What right have you to be Happy?You're poor enough. Nephew Fred: What right have you to be dismal? You're rich enough. Rizzo: He's got him there.The old boy's speechless.

Scrooge: If I could work my will...every idiot who goes about with "Happy Christmas" on his lips...would be cooked with his own turkeyand buried...With a stake of holly through his heart. Rizzo: Well. Not quite speechless.

Nephew Fred: Oh. Uncle! Scrooge: Nephew...you keep Christmas in your own wayand let me keep it in mine. Nephew Fred: Christmas is a loving.honest and charitable time.And though it's never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket...I believe that Christmas has done me good and will do me good...and I say. God bless it! Clerks : Yeah. Yeah. Yeah!

7
Scrooge( shouting at the clerks) And how does one celebrate Christmas on the unemployment line? Narrator: Now. In these times. It was customary on Christmas Eve...for well-meaning gentlemen to call upon businesses...collecting donations for the poor and homeless. ( Gentleman 1 and Gentleman 2 enter the shop.) Gentleman 2;Mr Scrooge. I presume? Scrooge: Who are you?

Gentleman 1: We're from the Order of Victoria Charity Foundation. Gentleman 2: We'd like to speak to you about a donation. Nephew Fred: Ah. Welcome! This jolly old gentleman here is Mr Scrooge.He's very generous to charities. Scrooge: Humph!My dear nephew! At this festive season of the year. Mr

Gentleman 1: Scrooge...

Gentleman 2: Many of us feel that we must take care of our poor and homeless. Scrooge: And are there no prisons? No poorhouses? Oh. Plenty of those. Sir.

Gentleman 1: Scrooge:

Oh! Excellent! For a moment. I was worried.

Gentleman 2: Some of us are endeavouring to raise a fund for the poor and the homeless. Gentleman 1: Scrooge: What might I put you down for?

Nothing.

8
Gentleman 2: You wish to remain anonymous?

Scrooge: I wish to be left alone.I do not make merry myself at Christmas. Nephew Fred: That certainly is true. Scrooge: And I cannot afford to make idle people merry.

Nephew Fred: That is certainly not true. Scrooge(getting angrier) Don't you have other things to do this afternoon. My dear nephew? Nephew Fred: Sadly. I do. Uncle.So I shall make my donation..and leave you to make yours. Gentleman 1 and 2: Thank you so very much. Nephew Fred: Oh. Uncle. Come and have Christmas dinner with me and Clara tomorrow. Scrooge: Why ever did you get married?

Nephew Fred: Why?( laughing) Because I fell in love. Scrooge: That's the only thing in the world sillier than a merry Christmas.( continues reading papers on desk) Nephew Fred: It's no use. Uncle. I shall keep my Christmas humour to the last.A Happy Christmas to youand a happy New Year. Scrooge: Humbug! Happy Christmas. Fred.

Bob Cratchit:

Nephew Fred: Happy Christmas. Bob. Gentleman 1: Now. Then. Sir. about the donation?

9
Scrooge: Well. Now. Let's see.I know how to treat the poor. My taxes go to pay for the prisons and the poorhouses.The homeless must go there. Gentleman 2: But some would rather die.

Scrooge: If they'd rather die.then they'd better do it... and decrease the surplus population!(ending in a mean snarl) Gentleman 1: Oh. Dear. Oh. Dear. Gentleman 2: Oh. Dear. Oh. Dear. Scrooge: There is the door. You may use it.

Gentleman 1: All right. ( turns to Gentleman). Come along. Gentleman 2: I think we've taken enough of Mr Scrooge's time. ( exit)Oh. Dear. Dear. Dear. Bob Cratchit: Uh. Excuse me. Mr Scrooge,but it appears to be closing time. Scrooge: Very well. I'll see you at eight oclock tomorrow morning. Bob Cratchit: Tomorrow's Christmas. Scrooge: eight thirty then. Bob Cratchit: If you please. Sir. Half an hour off hardly seems customary for Christmas Day. Scrooge: (shouts)Hardly customary.

Bob Cratchit(nervous but persistant) Not at all! Scrooge: How much time off is customary. Mr Cratchit? Bob Cratchit: Uh. Why. Um. the. Uh. Whole day. If you please, Mr Scrooge,why open the office tomorrow?Other

10
businesses will be closed.You'll have no one to do business with.It'll waste a lot of expensive coal for the fire. Scrooge: Yes. That's definitely a point.It's a poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every December the 25th. But as I seem to be the only personaround who knows that...Take the day off. Clerks: Yay! Bob Cratchit: Thank you. Mr Scrooge.

Scrooge: Be here all the earlier the next morning. (Scrooge puts back on his muffler and leaves) (Scene ends as Bob Cratchitt and the clerks tidy up the office and leave as well Crachitt leaves the office, laughing and joking with the clerks. They play at snowballs or making a snowman)) . Start of sceen 2 Narrator: Scrooge lived in chambers which had once belonged... to his old business partners, Jacob and Robert Marley. Rizzo: Have an apple? Not while I'm working.

Narrator:

Rizzo: Okay. Suit yourself. Narrator: The building was a dismal heap of brick on a dark street. Now. Once again. I must ask you to remember that Jacob Marley was dead.. And decaying in his grave. Rizzo: Yuck! Narrator: That one thing you must remember...or nothing that follows will seem wondrous.

10

11
Rizzo: Um. Why are you whispering? Narrator: Rizzo: Oh. Start of sceen 3 It's for dramatic emphasis.

Narrator: Now, it is a fact, that there was nothing at all particular about the knocker on the door, except that it was very large. It is also a fact, that Scrooge had seen it, night and morning, during his whole residence in that place; Let it also be borne in mind that Scrooge had not bestowed one thought on Marley, And then let any man explain to me, if he can, how it happened that Scrooge, having 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. (Scoroge sees marleys face in the doorknocker and cries in horror.) Marley's face.. As Scrooge looked fixedly at this phenomenon, it was a knocker again. To say that he was not startled, or that his blood was not conscious of a terrible sensation, would be untrue. But he put his hand upon the key he had relinquished, turned it sturdily, walked in, and lighted his candle. Nararator: To say that Scrooge was not startled would be untrue. Still. The moment had passed. and the world was as it should be. Narrator: Come on. Rizzo. We'll follow him in. Rizzo: In a minute. I had a little bag of jelly beans over here.

11

12
Narrator; Will you just get over here! Rizzo: Steady. Steady.

Narrator: Scrooge made his way up the staircase... caring not a button for the darkness. Darkness was cheap. and Scrooge liked it. But the incident at the door had made Scrooge wary. Before he shut himself in for the night. he searched his rooms. Rizzo: Okay. That does it! Pardon?

Narrator:

Rizzo: How do you know what Scrooge is doin'? Rizzo: We're down here. And he's up there.

Narrartor: I keep telling you. Storytellers are omniscient. I know everything. Narrator: To conduct a proper search. Scrooge was forced to light candle.(lights go on in bedroom with a bed and a chair. There is a window frame toward the left of the stage.) (Scrooge is dressed in dressing gown slippers and a night cap. He is looking about with a lit candle. A bell rings and the Jacob Marley appears. Scrooge jumps back frightened.) Scrooge: Jacob Marley?

Marley: Scrooge! Scrooge: Humbug.

Jacob Marley : Look! It's Ebenezer Scrooge. Looking older and more wicked than ever. Robert: I knew he wouldn't disappoint us. Scrooge: Who are you?

12

13
Jacob: Marley: In life. we were your partners. Jacob... Robert Marley: And Robert Marley! Scrooge: It looks like you. but I don't believe it! Jacob Marley: Why do you doubt your senses? Schrooge: Because a little thing can affect them.A slight disorder of the stomach can make them cheat. You may be a bit of undigested beef...a blob of mustard. a crumb of cheese. Yes. There's more of gravy than of grave about you! Rizzo: Where do you get those jokes?( to Charles Dickens,who shrugs) Scrooge: Marley: not? `Dreadful apparition, why do you trouble e?'' Man of the worldly mind! do you believe in me or

Scrooge: I do. I must. But why do spirits walk the earth, and why do they come to me?'' Marley: It is required of every man,that he should walk abroad among his fellow-men, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander through the world -- oh, woe is me! -and witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness! (spectre raised a cry, and shook its chain, and wrung its shadowy hands). Scrooge( trembling.) You are fettered `Tell me why? Marley: I wear the chain I forged in life, I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free

13

14
will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you? (Scrooge trembled more and more). Marley: Or would you know, , the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have laboured on it, since. It is a ponderous chain! Scrooge: Old Jacob Marley, tell me more. Speak comfort to me, Jacob. Marley: I have none to give,Ebenezar. Nor can I tell you what I would. A very little more, is all 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 bank; and weary journeys lie before me! Scrooge.: Marley: Seven years dead, And travelling all the time? No rest, no peace. Incessant torture of remorse.

`Scrooge: You might have got over a great quantity of ground in seven years, ( The Ghost, on hearing this, set up another cry, and clanked its chain so hideously ) Marley: Oh! captive, bound, and double-ironed, not to know Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunities misused! Yet such was I! Oh! such was I! Scrooge: But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,

14

15
Marley: Business! (Ghost, wringing its hands) Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. (It held up its chain at arm's length dropping it heavily upon the ground again). Marley: Hear me! My time is nearly gone. Scrooge: `I will, But don't be hard upon me!. Marley: I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. Scrooge: You were always a good friend to me, Marley: You will be haunted, by Three Spirits. Scrooge: Is that the chance and hope you mentioned, Jacob? I -- I think I'd rather not, Marley: Without their visits, you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first to-morrow, when the bell tolls One. Scrooge: Couldn't I take 'em all at once, and have it over, Jacob?.

Marley: 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.
Narrator: And with that. The spirit of Scrooge's partner vanished into the darkness... leaving him once again Alone in his room.

15

16
Rizzo: Whoa. That's scary stuff. Hey. Should we be worriedabout the kids in the audience? Narrator: Rizzo: Scrooge: Oh. Humbug. Nah. That's all right. This is culture

Narrator: Scrooge slipped into the empty silence of a dreamless sleep.(Scrooge climbs into his bed) Narrator: Expect the first ghost when the bell tolls . !( bell rings and Scrooge awakens and looks around. There is a young ghost with light in her hand) Rizzo: Wow!Im impressed with all the special effects!

Narrator: What special effects? Rizzo: Im impressed by the total lack of them. Scrooge: Are you the spirit whose coming was foretold to me? Ghost: Scrooge: Ghost: Scrooge: Ghost: Scrooge: fall. Ghost: I am. What business has brought you here? Your welfare. A night's unbroken rest might aid my welfare. Your salvation then. Take heed.Come. I beg you. Spirit. I am mortal and liable to A touch of my hand and you shall fly.

16

17
(Ghost and Scrooge climb out the window and lights go out) Rizzo: What are we doin'? Nothin'.

Narrator: Rizzo:

What? Well. Just hold on.

Narrator: Rizzo:

What? W-Watch out. Rizzo.

Narrator: Rizzo:

What? Ow! Oh! Whee! Hello. London!

Narrator: Rizzo:

Goodbye. Lunch! Yeah! Spirit? What is that light?It cannot be dawn? It is the past.

Narrator: Scrooge: Spirit:

Narrator; And so they arrived in Ebenezer Scrooge's childhood. Rizzo: That was the worst trip of my life! Narrator: Well. It's over now.Get it? Its in the past. (chuckles and nudges Rizzo who moans) And Scrooge was conscious of a thousand odours...each one connected with a thousand thoughts...and hopes and joys and cares...long. Long forgotten. Scrooge: It's my old school. I was a boy here.That... That's Henry!And Edmund.Hello. Boys.Hello?

17

18
Spirit: These are but shadows of your past. Ebenezer. They can neither Come and let us go inside. see nor hear you. Narrator: And what a flood of memories came back to him... as Scrooge beheld his old classroom. Scrooge: I know it all so well. Spirit. The desks. The smell of the chalk. I chose my profession in this room. Ghost of past: And is he. Too. Familiar? Narrator: Scrooge beheld a small boy... a boy he knew. oh. Very well indeed. Scrooge: Good heavens. It's me. Henry(voice from offstage): Hurry. Ebenezer. The last coach is leaving. Come on. Edmund(voice from offstage): He never goes home for Christmas. Henry(voice from offstage):Guess his family wants to enjoy their holiday.(both laugh) Little boy Scrooge: Who cares about stupid old Christmas?

Scrooge: I was often alone. More time for reading and study. The Christmas holiday was a chance to get some extra work done. solitude. Ghost of Christmas past: Let us see another Christmas in this place. Scrooge They were all very much the same. Nothing ever changed. Ghost: You changed.

Narrator: The years performed their terrible dance... and in a moment. Scrooge had seen his entire childhood pass. He saw his old schoolroom age and decay.

18

19
(Part of school room collapses on Rizzo.) Rizzo: What? Hey. Hey! Ow! School master: So. Master Scrooge. graduation day. And yet... Scrooge: That's my old headmaster. This man taught me my greatest lesson. Schoolmaster:Stand up. Build your life as this school is built. Young Scrooge: Yes Headmaster. Schoolmaster: Ah. Yes! Work hard. Work long and be constructive. Oh. Ebenezer. life is a golden opportunity. Today you go forth into the real world. You must keep your nose to the grindstone. Work hard. Lad. And one day your life will be as solid... as this very building! ( Something falls) Headmaster: I've been meaning to fix that. Young Scrooge : Yes. Headmaster.

Schoolmaster: Well. Young man. You have been apprenticed to a fine company in London. Today you become a man of business. Young Scrooge: I'm looking forward to it. Headmaster.

Schoolmaster: You will love business. There is a great deal of money too be made in business. Young Scrooge: Yes sir. Ghost of Christmas Past: see Come. Scrooge. There is much to

19

20
Narrator: A moment later. Scrooge found himself standing on a city street... Looking at a building he had not seen in years. Ghost of Christmas Past: do you know this place? Tell me. Ebenezer Scrooge.

Scrooge: ( smiling)Know it? My first job was here. This is Fezziwig's. Why, it's old Fezziwig! Bless his heart; it's Fezziwig alive again!'' Narrator: Once again. it was Christmas Eve. Night was falling. And the lamplighters were plying their trade. There he is. old Fezziwig himself.

( Jolly looking man with two young men. Office is similar to Scrooge but it is decorated with evergreen and ribbon.) Fezziwig: Look. My lads. dusk has fallen. The lamplighters are at work. It's Christmas Eve for certain. Scrooge: What an employer he was. As hard and as ruthless as a rose petal. Fezziwig: It's time for the Christmas ( Everyone starts cheering and singing) Rizzo. Come on! Happy Christmas! Fezziwig: Please. Can I have your attention for a moment? Can I have your attention. Please?(crowd continues making noise) Mrs. Fezziwig: ( shouts)Quiet! (After immediate hush from the crowd she says sweetly)Thank you. Fezziwig: That's better. Welcome to Fezziwig and Mom's annual Christmas party. At this time in the proceedings, it is a tradition for me to make a little speech. Here is my Christmas speech. Thank you all. and Happy Christmas." party to begin!

20

21
Rizzo: That was the speech?It was dumb!It was obvious! It was pointless! Narrator: Rizzo: It was short.

I loved it!

Ghost; A small matter, to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.' Scrooge; Small! Ghost: Why! Is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money

Scrooge: It isn't that. It isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to render us happy or unhappya pleasure or a toil. The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune. Ghost: What is the matter?.

Scrooge: Nothing particular, No. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now! That's ll.'

Mrs. Fezziwig: Fezziwig: Clerks;

Let's dance. Son.

Hey. Here's Mrs Fozziwigto start the party. Way to go. Ma!

Fezziwig: It's a pleasure having youhere at the party. Please. Enjoy yourself. Young Scrooge: Fezziwig: Yes. Excuse me. Mr Fezziwig?

21

22
Young Scrooge: I've been going over the accounts. Do you know how much the firm is spending for this party? Fezziwig: Master Scrooge. This is Christmas! It's a time for generosity! Stop working. Enjoy yourself.( grabbing Belles arm) Belle. You know. I love theseannual Christmas parties. I love 'em so much. I think we'll do it twice a year! Belle : (laughingly)Oh Mr Fezziwig!

Fezziwig: ( to Scrooge) Excuse me. Oh. Master Scrooge! Excuse me. Belle. I'd like to introduce you to Ebenezer Scrooge... the finest young financial mind in the city. Ebenezer. This is Belle. a friend of the Fezziwig family. Young Scrooge: I'm pleased to meet you. Fezziwig: Well. I'm glad you two finally met.

Ghost of Christmas Past: Do you remember this meeting? Scrooge: Remember? Yes. I remember.

Ghost of Christmas Past: There was. Of course. another Christmas Eve.. with this young woman some years later. Scrooge: Oh. Please... do not show me that Christmas. ( lights go out. Two seated, Belle and Young Scrooge) Belle : Another year before our wedding. Ebenezer.

Young Scrooge : Well. It can't be helped. Belle. How could we marry now? There's not even enough for a decent home. The investments haven't grown as they should. Belle : So you said last year.

Young Scrooge : Business continues to be poor.

22

23
Belle : You're a partner in your own firm now.

Young Scrooge : And barely clearing expenses. Belle : All your other hopes have merged into the hope of being rich. I have seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master-passion, Gain, engrosses you. Have I not? Young Scrooge : This is for you. I love you. Belle. Belle : Our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor and content to be so. You are changed. When it was made, you were another man. But if you were free to-day, to-morrow, yesterday, can even I believe that you would choose a dowerless girl. Scrooge: (hangs his head as he whispers) Belle.

Belle: I release you. With a full heart, for the love of him you once were. Scrooge: Spirit. Show me no more. Why do you delight in torturing me? Ghost of Christmas Past: I told you. These were the shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are. do not blame me. Scrooge: Leave me! ( lights out. Lights on and Scrooge is alone, kneeling on the floor) Narrator: Scrooge was left alone and exhausted in his bedchamber. And thus he remained until the nearby clock began to strike the hour. Rizzo; (aside to the Narrator)What was that? Oh. Is it too early for breakfast?

23

24
Narrator; ( aside) Yes. Rizzo: Oh. Good. Supper time.( Grabs something from his pocket and eats it) Narrator: Scrooge knew that the second of the ghosts was due to appear. Yet now. As the clock finished striking... ( Ghost is dressed in rich robes with a large mug in his hand. There is food and candles on a table nearby) Ghost of Christmas Present: Come in and know me better. Man. Ghost of Christmas Present: Come in and know me better. Man. Did I already say that? Scrooge: You did. Yeah. Ghost of Christmas Present: I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. This is the night before the dawn before the day of Christmas! Did I tell you that I am the Ghost of Christmas Present? Scrooge: You did. Yeah Ghost of Christmas Present: Man! Come in and know me better.

Scrooge: You're a little absentminded. Spirit. Ghost of Christmas Present: No! I'm a very absentminded spirit!( hearty laugh) My mind is filled with the here and now. And the now is Christmas! Scrooge: I don't believe I've ever met anybody like you before. Sir. Really? Over 2000 of my brothers have come before me.

Rizzo;(aside)Imagine the grocery bills.

24

25
Ghost of Christmas Present: Have you ever noticed that everything seems wonderful at Christmas? Scrooge: In all honesty. Spirit. No. Perhaps I've never understood about Christmas. Ghost of Christmas Present: Before this day is done. you will understand! Scrooge: Oh. No. Oh. No! Ghost of Christmas Present: Ah. We shall go out into the world. Scrooge: Spirit. I had no idea. I wish to see friends. Kin. Show me family. It's... It's Fred. Scrooge: My dear nephew Fred and his wife Clara having Christmas with friends. Nephew Fred: We've had the plum pudding and sung the carols. What now. My lovelies Clara: A game. Fred. We must have a game at Christmas.

Nephew Fred:

Scrooge: Do people play games at Christmas? Guest 2: Wonderful idea.I love games! Nephew Fred: Guest 1: Guest 1: Guest 2: Let's play "Yes and No."

A wonderful game! Oh. Yes! Ah! That's a great game! I'll be it.

Clara; Yes. Let Fred be it. He always thinks of good things.

25

26
Nephew Fred: Guess! Guest 2: I do have a good one. Clara.

Is it vegetable? No.

Nephew Fred: Guest 2:

Mineral? No.

Nephew Fred: Guest 2:

Animal. Then?

Nephew Fred: What else? Guest 2: What else. Indeed! Guest 1: Is it found on a farm? Never.

Nephew Fred: Guest 2:

In the city? Usually.

Nephew Fred: Guest 1:

Does it pull a hansom cab? Certainly not!

Nephew Fred: Guest 2:

How about a dog? No.

Nephew Fred: Guest 2: Guest 1: Guest 2:

A cat? A cat? I said it first. No.

Nephew Fred: Clara:

Wait. Then.Is this an unwanted creature?

26

27
Nephew Fred: Clara: Often. A mouse. No. A rat. A cockroach. No. A leech. (Shakes his head) Oh. Dear. It's too

Nephew Fred: Guest 1: Guest 2:

Nephew Fred: Guest 1: Nephew Fred: wonderful.

Clara: Wait! Wait! I know!An unwanted creature,but not a rat. A leech or cockroach. Nephew Fred: Then what?

Clara: ( Smiling and signalling all to join her in the answer) What? All: It's Ebenezer Scrooge! Nephew Fred Yes! Guests; Wonderful! ( all laught) - Yes! - That's a good one! - That's a killer! Ghost of Christmas Present: Come. There's much to see. Scrooge: No more. I wish to see no more. Here. Why have we come to this odd corner of the town? Ghost of Christmas Present: It's Christmas here. Too. You know. That's Bob Cratchit's house.

27

28
Narrator: Perhaps it was the spirit's own generous nature... and his sympathy for all poor men... that led them straight to the home of Scrooge's faithful clerk. Rizzo: Goose!They're cookin' goose down there!

Narrator; Rizzo. Get out of the way! Scrooge: This is Bob Cratchit's house?

Ghost of Christmas Present: How do you know that? Scrooge:You just told me. Ghost of Christmas Present: Well. I'm usually trustworthy. Mrs. Cratchit: What has ever got your precious father then. And your brother, Tiny Tim! And Martha warn't as late last Christmas Day by half-an-hour!'' Kate: Here's Martha, mother! Dan: Here's Martha, mother! ``Hurrah! There's such a goose, Martha!'' Mrs. Cratchit: Why, bless your heart alive, my dear, how late you are!'' (taking off her shawl) Martha: We'd a deal of work to finish up last night,and had to clear away this morning, mother!'' Mrs. Cratchit: Well! Never mind so long as you are come, Sit ye down before the fire, my dear, and have a warm, Lord bless ye!'' Kate; There's father coming, Mrs. Cratchit: Peter: goose. Peter. Do not stop turning that spit.

That is the whole secret of a properly roasted

28

29
Dan: It smells so good. Mother. Peter: It does. Doesn't it? Martha; Oh. That smells wonderful! Kate: Mother. Mother. Mother! I thought you said we couldn't eat the chestnuts... until Father and Tiny Tim get home Mrs. Cratchit: l-I wasn't eating them.I was... I was merely checking them to see if they were not burnt.It's a chef's thing. Dear. And do not shout. Peter! ( Bob Cratchit and tiny tim enter) Bob Cratchit.Happy Christmas. Everyone. Children: Daddy! Happy Christmas. Girls. Happy Christmas. Lads Children; Happy Christmas. Mrs. Cratchit: Children. Children. Children! Now... Now it's time to set the table.Go ahead. Tiny Tim: Wait for me! Kate : Oh. Peter! Dan ; Hurray for the Christmas dinner! Tiny Tim: ( looking at the goose)The goose! The goose!(cough) Bob Cratchit: Oh. No. No. Now. Son. Son. now you've gotten too excited. Mrs. Cratchit: You go sit in your chair a moment. Okay. Rest. Rest a moment. How was he at church?

29

30
Bob Cratchit: As good as gold and better.He told me that he hoped the people saw him in church because...it might be pleasant for them to remember upon Christmas Day...who made lame beggars walkand blind men see. Rizzo;A remarkable child! Narrator: And with that. The Cratchitscame to what was surely...the happiest single moment in all the livelong year. Scrooge: Such a meagre feast.

Ghost: But very much appreciated. Scrooge: I pay Bob such a small amount.

Bob Cratchit: ( lifting a glass) Mr Scrooge! Mrs. Cratchit: glass) Bob! Bob Cratchit!(slamming down her

Bob Cratchit: ( It only seems right that I should lift a glass to my employer. I give you Mr Scrooge. the founder of the feast. Mrs. Cratchitt: The founder of the feast. Indeed! Hmmph! If I had him here. I would give him a piece of my mind to feast upon. And I bet he would choke on it. Hmm! Choke! Choke! Bob Cratchit: My dear! The... The children! Christmas Day! Mrs. Cratchitt: Well. I suppose that on the blessed day of Christmas... one must drink to the health of. Uh. Mr Scrooge.( still muttering ) Even though he is odious. Stingy... Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Wicked and unfeeling.. Mm-hmm! Mm-hmm!. Bob Cratchitt: To the founder of the feast. Mr Scrooge!

Children ;To Mr Scrooge.

30

31
Mrs. Cratchitt: He'll be very merry and happy this day. I have no doubt. No doubt. Bob Cratchitt: Tiny Tim: Cheers!

God bless us. Every one!

Mrs. Cratchit; Let's all take our seats now. Let's have dinner. Scrooge: Spirit. Tell me if Tiny Tim will live. Ghost of Christmas Present: That is the future. My realm is the present. However. Ah. I see a vacant seat by the chimney corner... and a crutch without an owner. If these shadows remain unaltered... I believe the child will die.( pauses and then using Scrooges tone of voice) What then? If he's going to die. he had better do it... and decrease the surplus population. Scrooge: Oh. Spirit.( hides his head in his hands) Narator: As the Cratchit family vanished into the darkness... Scrooge kept his eyes upon Tiny Tim until the last. Ghost of Christmas Present: Come. My time grows short. Scrooge: Spirit. Do you grow old? Ghost of Christmas Present: I do. Scrooge: Are spirits' lives so short? Ghost of Christmas Present: My time upon this globe is very brief. I believe it will end upon the stroke of Uh! One.(Bong) Scrooge: Now? But. Spirit. I have learned so much from you (Bong)

31

32
Narrator: Nothing Scrooge could do or say could stop the relentless march... (Bong) Of those terrible bells. (Bong) Scrooge: Oh. Spirit. Do not leave me. Ghost of Christmas Present: I think I must. In fact. Scrooge: You have meant so much to me. You have changed me. Ghost of Christmas Present: And now I leave you with the Ghostof Christmas Yet to Come. Scrooge: You mean the future? Must I?

Ghost of Christmas Present: Ho ho ho-ho-ho-ho! Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho! Scrooge: Am I in the presence. of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come? ( Ghosts doesnt make a sound) Spirit. I fear you more... than any spectre I have yet met. Rizzo: Oh. This is too scary. I don't think I want to see any more. Narrator: You're on your own. Folks. We'll meet you at the finale. Scrooge: I am prepared to follow and to learn... with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?( Ghost moves toward the window and beckons Scrooge to take his hand) Scrooge: Oh. Yes. Yes. Lead on. Spirit. ( Scene opens in the street. Two men are speaking) Gentleman 1: No. I don't know much about it either way. I only know he's dead. Gentleman 2: When?

32

33
Gentleman 1: Gentleman 2: never go. Gentleman 1: Gentleman 2: his money. Gentleman 1: Gentleman 2: Gentleman 1: Gentleman 2: Gentleman 1: Gentleman 2: Gentleman 1: Gentleman 2: Last night. I believe. Hmm. Wonder what he died of. I thought he'd Well. I don't know or care why he's gone. I'd just like to know what he's done with

That's right! Wouldn't we all? Well. He didn't give it to me. No. No.Nor to me.( laughs) Well. It's likely to be a cheap funeral. I don't know a single soul who'd go to it. I wouldn't mind goin'. Hey? - What? If lunch is provided.(both laugh)

Gentleman 1: I say! Speaking of lunch... Oh. Good Lord. Look at the time. Gentleman 2: Yes. We must be off.

Scrooge: I know some of those gentlemen. Spirit. Of what poor wretch do they speak? (lights out on street scene. Group of people inside room) Old Joe: So. Back from the house of sadness. I see.

33

34
Old rag lady: Huh! Sad that he didn't die years ago. the old skinflint. Other rag pickers: Hear. Hear!

Old Joe: Well. Let me see. What do you got for old Joe. Eh? What do you got for me to remember him by? Mrs. Toliver: Joe. Get off! Mrs Dilber; Well. I got these collar buttons from his dresser. Mother-of-pearl. Old Joe: (bites down on one) No. No. No. No. I got his bed curtains. Very fine damask. Oh.

Mrs. Toliver; Mrs Dilber: Old Joe:

Very cheap damask.but worth a few coins.

Mrs Dilber : Now. I've got his blankets. Old Joe: Oh. His blankets? Why. Mrs Dilber. they're still warm. I don't pay extra for the warmth. You know. Mrs. Dilber: had. Old Joe: You should. It's the only warmth he ever

(laughing)Only warmth he ever had!

Mrs. Toliver(laughing); The only warmth he ever had. Scrooge;I understand. Spirit. The case of this unhappy man might be my own. My-My life tends that way now. Merciful heavens. Let me see some tenderness connected with this world... or I'll be haunted by that terrible conversation forever. ( Ghost moves pointing toward other part of the stage0

34

35
Scrooge; It's Bob Cratchit's house. Oh. Yes. Spirit. A place of joy and laughter. Thank you for bringing me here. It's so quiet. Why is it so quiet. Spirit? ( Mrs. Cratchit is sitting down with the children0 Martha; Oh. Mother. You're crying again. Mrs. Cratchit: hurts my eyes. Oh. Um. No. It's just the lamplight that

Kate: Oh. Not Tiny Tim!( she starts crying too) Mrs. Cratchit: Th-There. There now. My eyes get weak in the... in the dim light. I would not want to show weak eyes to your father... ( Mrs. Cratchit gets up and starts dusting) when he gets home for anything in the world. Peter; He... He should be back now. Mrs. Cratchit: I think he's walked a little slower these past two evenings. Bob Cratchit: Children: Hello. My dears.

D-Daddy. Hello. Girls. Hello.Dan, Peter.

Bob Cratchit:

Mrs. Cratchit: Children. Please... please go set the table. Thank you. How was the churchyard? Bob Cratchit: Oh. It'll be lovely. Emily. It would have done you good to see how green the place is. l... I picked a spot for Tim where he can see... It-It's a spot on the

35

36
hill... and you can see the ducks on the river. - Tiny Tim... Mrs Cratchit;Tiny Tim always loved... watching the ducks on the river. Scrooge: Oh. Spirit. Must there be a Christmas... that brings this awful scene? How can they endure it? Bob Cratchit: It's all right. Children. Life is made up of meetings and partings. That is the way of it. I am sure we shall never forget Tiny Tim... or this first parting that there was among us. ( lights fade and Ghost and Scrooge are in a graveyard0 Scrooge: Must we return to this place? There's something else that I must know.. is that not true? Spirit. I know what I must ask. I fear to. But I must. Who was the wretched man whose death brought so much... glee and happiness to others? ( Ghost points to a gravestone) Answer me one more question. Are these the shadows of things that will be... or are they the shadows of things that may be only? These events can be changed. ( Scrooge wipes the dirt from the stone)Ebenezar Scrooge Oh. Please. Spirit. No. A life can be made right. Hear me. I'm not the man I was. Why would you show me this if I was past all hope? l... I will honour Christmas and try to keep it all the year. I will not shut out the lessons the spirits have taught me. Tell me that I may sponge out the writing on this stone. ( Ebenezar kneeling by the ghost and begging) ( l ights go out and then on again)

36

37
( Ebenezar kneeling holding a blanket) Oh. Spirit. Please speak to me. I'm home. Narrator: Yes. The bedposts were his own. The bed was his own. The room was his own. Rizzo: Hi. Guys! We're back. We promised we would be.

Narrator: But the thing that made Scrooge happiest of all... was that his life lay before him and it could be changed. Scrooge: Oh. Heaven and the Christmas time be praised for this day. I say it on my knees. Jacob Marley. On my knees. Oh. They're not torn down. They're here. And I'm here. More is the miracle. I don't know what to do. l-I'm as light as a feather. I'm as happy as an angel. I'm... I'm as merry as a schoolboy. Scrooge: You there. Boy.

Boy: What. Me?Uh. That is. What. Me. Sir? Scrooge: What's today?

Boy: Pardon? Scrooge: What's today. My fine fellow?

Boy: Today? Well. Today is Christmas Day. Scrooge: It's Christmas Day? I haven't missed it. The spirits did it all in one night. They can do anything they like.Of course they can. Of course they can.Do you know the poultry shop in the next street? Boy: Yes. Sir. I do.

37

38
Scrooge: An intelligent lad. A remarkable lad. Do you know whether the prize turkey has been sold in the window? Boy: Oh. The one twice as big as me? It's still there. Scrooge: Oh. It's a pleasure talking with you. Lad. Go and buy it. Boy: Be serious. Scrooge: I am being serious. Buy it for me. and I'll give you a shilling. Boy: Oh! No. I'll give you five shillings.

Scrooge:

Boy: What? Wow! Narrator: And so the boy was off like a shot. So eager...( Boys bumps into Narrator) Wah! Boy: Sorry. Scrooge: I'll bring it to Bob Cratchit's house. What a surprise it'll be. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. Narrator: And a few moments later. dressed in his finest... Scrooge appeared on the streets of the city.. to wish "Happy Christmas" to all the world. Scrooge: Happy Christmas. Narrator: Everyone was out and about this fine morning...and soon he encountered two familiar faces.M-M-Mr Scrooge? Scrooge: Pardon me. Gentlemen. But about the charity donation...You asked me for yesterday. Gentleman 1:Oh. Yes?

38

39
Scrooge: Put me down for...

Gentelman 2: That much? Scrooge: Not a penny less.A great many back payments are included in it. I assure you. Gentleman 1:Oh. My goodness Gentleman 2:I don't know what to say. Gentleman 1: I just wish there was something we could give you. Scrooge: A gift? A gift for me? Thank you. And a Happy Christmas. Boy: Here's your turkey. Mr Scrooge.

Scrooge: Follow me. Lad. Scrooge: Bob Cratchit!You. Sir. Were not at work this morning as we had discussed. Bob Cratchitt: Oh. But-but. Mr Scrooge. Sir. we did discuss it.It's Christmas Day.You gave me the day off. Scrooge: I? I. Ebenezer Scrooge? Would I do a thing like that? Bob Cratchitt: No.I mean yes.But-But you did. Scrooge: Bob Cratchit.I've had my fill of this. Mrs Cratchitt: And I have had my fill of you.Mr Scrooge. Bob Cratchitt: Scrooge: Emily! Emily! Mr Scrooge.

And therefore. Bob Cratchit...

Mrs Cratchitt: And therefore. You can leave this house at once!

39

40
Scrooge: And therefore. I'm about to raise your salary.

Mrs Cratchitt: Oh! And I am about to raise you right off the pavement and out... Pardon? Pardon? Scrooge: Yes. Bob. Raise your salary...and pay your mortgage on this house. Bob Cratchitt: Please. Sir. Come inside. Uh. Yes.

Mrs Cratchitt: Oh. Yes. Yes. Bob Cratchit. Would you care to join us for a little dinner on this fine Christmas Day? Narrator: And Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more! And. Uh. Tiny Tim? Narrator: And Tiny Tim. Who did not die... - Aw. Isn't that swell! Narrator: To Tiny Tim. Scrooge became a second father. He became as good a friend. as good a master and as good a man... As the good old city ever had! And It was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well... Rizzo: Hmm. Narrator: if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that truly be said of us and all of us! And so as Tiny Tim observed... God bless us. All cast;God bless us. Every one! Rizzo; Nice story. Mr Dickens. Narrator: the book. Oh. Thanks. If you like this. you should read

40

41
Cast assembled on stage, join arms and sing to the audience. At the end of the song, all bow.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

41