BRICK – The story has been told a thousand times – Ebenezer Scrooge is a skinflint and a tyrant, but has a change of heart after seeing Christmas past, present and future.
But that’s not the whole story.
“A New Scrooge,” a play written by local actor and director Corey Crawford, is making its debut this weekend. It tells the story of what comes next.
Crawford said his company, the Guild Theaterworks, put on “A Christmas Carol” last year. It had been the first time they did a full scale Christmas production in a very long time. He directed the show as well as played Scrooge. And that got him thinking…
“What happens next? Was it smooth sailing for him? We’re told he becomes a changed man but how does he go down that road?”
Those questions kept popping up, causing Crawford to put pen to paper. He hatched a story that takes place in the year following Scrooge’s transformation. It concludes on the Christmas following the one where he had his great epiphany.
Corey Crawford and Windber R. Brandt rehearse a scene out of costume. (Photo courtesy Guild Theaterworks)
This is a drama in the same vein as the original story, he said. He’ll be directing and playing Scrooge again. Some of the cast from last year are returning in their original roles, but there are some new characters as well.
“The name ‘A New Scrooge’ has a double meaning,” Crawford said. Ebenezer is a new man, but there’s also a new character who is very Scrooge-like who has a link to Ebenezer’s past.
The cast includes: Crawford as Ebenezer Scrooge; Windber R. Brandt as the Ghost of Christmas Present/Mr. Thompson; Herbie Brandt as Bob Cratchit; Jeff Hand as Dr. Duncan; Jessica Meszaros as Belle; Kelly Lindstrom and Gail Sheehan as Nurse Flora; Windber R. Brandt as Fred/Peter Cratchit; Christopher Othman as Tiny Tim; Sicilia Booker as Martha Cratchit/Clara; Diane Hand as Mrs. Cratchit. Crawford is the director. The Stage Manager is Michele Vittorioso and the Technical Director is Ivan Hahn.
Corey Crawford directs Jeff Hand in a scene. (Photo courtesy Guild Theaterworks)
Performances are at the Anstett Cultural Arts Center, 515 Herbertsville Road, Brick. Showtimes are December 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and December 3, 9 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available for an $8 donation. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 848-986-3104.
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