II-1-1

ACT II

Scene 1

SCROOGE's BEDROOM.

#22 ENTR’ACTE - Orchestra

DICKENS 's heart grew softer from the reflections and memories of his past. To have him greet and observe his Present with the same emotion and sentiment, might open his eyes to the bounty which lay near to his hand.

There is a loud chime that rings ONE and wind and a swirling / twinkling sound moves through the air.

PRESENT Come Scrooge. Come look upon me and know me better, man!

SCROOGE Ohhhhhhh, oooooh, whaatt....???

PRESENT I am the Ghost of Christmas Present. LOOK UPON ME!!!!!

PRESENT You have never seen the like of me before!!!

SCROOGE Never!!

PRESENT Have you never walked forth with the younger members of my family, those who have come before me?

SCROOGE I don't think I have. I am afraid I have not. Have you had many brothers, Spirit?

PRESENT More than eighteen hundred.

SCROOGE Eighteen Hundred!!! A tremendous family to provide for!!!

PRESENT You're a funny little man, Scrooge.

SCROOGE Don't do that..what's the matter with you?

#23 HAVE A BANQUEST – PRESENT / SCROOGE / DICKENS II-1-2

PRESENT I PROVIDE FOR ALL MANKIND SPREADING JOY AND PEACE OF MIND

SCROOGE (speaking) Well, you're very noisy about it!

PRESENT LET ME BE PRECISE LITTLE MAN TAKE MY ADVICE AND.... HERE, HAVE SOME TURKEY MR. SCROOGE HAVE A GLASS OF WINE OR TWO JUST RELAX WE'LL HAVE A CELEBRATION HERE, TRY A BIG DELICIOUS SLICE OF THE BANQUET I CALL LIFE JUST SIT BACK I WANT NO AGGRAVATION MR. SCROOGE

PRESENT & DICKENS YOUR NOT TRYING MR. SCROOGE HAVE AN APPLE, DON'T BE RUDE JUST RELAX ACCEPT MY INVITATION NOW, THE PARTY'S STARTING NOW AND WE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO DINE.

PRESENT Here, Scrooge have a few grapes!

SCROOGE I DON'T LIKE GRAPES THEY GIVES ME GAS THANK YOU, SPIRIT I THINK I'LL PASS

PRESENT Here,drink this down,

SCROOGE What is it.

PRESENT Taste it!!

SCROOGE (drinking)Ummmmmm...ummmmm.

PRESENT Do you like it?

II-1-3

SCROOGE It's wonderful, I've never tasted anything like it before.

DICKENS Of course you haven't.

SCROOGE What is it?

PRESENT The milk of human kindness.

SCROOGE

MY, MY, MY, MY, I FELL TID'LY LIFE IT SEEMS HAS MADE ME GID'LY

PRESENT There you see Scrooge, Life it seems can be quite a feast, indeed.

PRESENT & DICKENS SCROOGE HERE TRY A BIG DELICIOUS SLICE MY, MY, MY, MY, I FEEL TID'LY OF THE BANQUET WE CALL LIFE LIFE IT SEEMS HAS MADE ME GID'LY JUST RELAX WE'LL HAVE A CELEBRATION

ALL THREE NOW, STARTING NOW, WE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO DINE.

DICKENS & PRESENT Have a banquet, Mr. Scrooge!!!

SCROOGE Spirit, what business have you with me?

PRESENT Mankind, is my business.

DICKENS So should it be yours, .

SCROOGE Spirit, conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion, and I learnt a lesson which is working now. Tonight, if you have aught to teach me, let me profit by it.

PRESENT Touch my robe.

The lights change as we ransition to next scene…

#24 – CRATCHIT’S HOUSE UNDERSCORE - Orchestra

II-2-4

ACT II

Scene 2

BOB CRACHIT's HOME.

DICKENS (Addressing the audience) It was perhaps the Spirit’s own kind, generous, hearty nature and his sympathy with all poor men, that lead him straight to Scrooge's clerk's. They were not a handsome family. They were not well dressed; their clothes were scanty, but they were happy, gratefully pleased with one another, and contented with the time. What they lacked in appearance was prosperously present in spirit!

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.

MARTHA (Coming in the door) Here's Martha, mother!

BELINDA Here's Martha, mother!

MRS. CRATCHIT Why, bless your heart alive, my dear, how late you are!

MARTHA We had a great deal of work to finish up last night, and then we had to clear away this morning, mother!

MRS. CRATCHIT Well!! Never mind so long as you are here. Sit ye down before the fire, my dear, and have a warm. Lord bless ye!

PETER There's father coming! Hide Martha, hide!!

BOB Why, where's our Martha?

MRS. CRATCHIT Not coming.

BOB Not coming? Not coming upon Christmas Day!

MARTHA No, father, here I am.

MRS. CRATCHIT Children, fetch the goose. And how did little Tim behave? II-2-5

BOB As good as gold and better. He seems to grow stronger and heartier each day. Somehow he gets thoughtful sitting by himself so much and thinks of the strangest things you ever heard. He told me coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see.

MRS. CRATCHIT Oh! Robert!

The children re-enter carrying dinner and singing

CRATCHIT CHILDREN IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, THE JOLIEST DAY OF THE YEAR. EVERY HEART IT OVERVLOWS WITH JOY AND LAUGHTER AND CHEER.

MRS. CRATCHIT Now children, everyone to the feast.

BOB I don't believe there has ever been such a goose.

MRS. CRATCHIT Oh! Robert! You say that each year!

BELINDA Carve the goose father. Quickly, father, quickly.

PETER Yes, father, carve the goose.

BOB Soon enough but first, to Mr. Scrooge! I'll give you Mr. Scrooge the Founder of the Feast!!

MRS. CRATCHIT The Founder of the Feast, indeed! I wish I had him here. I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast upon, and I hope he'd have plenty a good appetite for it.

BOB My dear, the children: Christmas Day.

MRS. CRATCHIT It should be Christmas Day, I am sure, on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know he is Robert! Nobody knows it better than you do, poor fellow!

BOB My dear, Christmas Day.

II-2-6

MRS. CRATCHIT I'll drink his health for your sake and the Day's not for his. Long life to him! A Merry Christmas and a happy new year! He'll be very merry and very happy, I have no doubt! Mr. Scrooge!

ALL Mr. Scrooge!

TINY TIM Mr. Scrooge.

The scene freezes as Scrooge, Present and Dickens look on.

SCROOGE This meal is so small. It is barely enough for two let alone this family.

PRESENT Man, nobody here would say or even think that it is at all a small feast for such a large family. It would be flat heresy to do so. After all, to buy the ingredients for the feast, it cost Bob Cratchit some fifteen shillings. Nearly a full week's wages, is that not so?

SCROOGE But, Spirit was it not your intent to show me the bounty of the world. Tell me, Spirit, what bounty lies with this family.

PRESENT Look closer, man. Look closer.

MRS. CRATCHIT And here is a toast to your father for all the love and happiness he gives us and to Tiny Tim for the health we wish him.

BOB A Merry Christmas… God Bless us.

TIM God Bless us Everyone.

BOB Tim, let's have a carol, for this Christmas Day.

TIM LAST NIGHT AS I LAY SLEEPING FATHER CHRISTMAS CAME TO ME AND IN MY DREAM HE SAID "HEY, TIM, COME SIT UPON MY KNEE." I'VE HAD A LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY MY WORK IS ALMOST DONE BUT THE FINEST CHRISTMAS GIFT OF ALL I'VE SAVED FOR YOU, MY SON IT'S LOVE, LOVE IT CAN'T BE LOST OR TOSSED AWAY LIKE TOYS SOON AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY FOR LOVE, LOVE II-2-7 WILL BE WITH YOU TIME, WHERE'EER YOU GO AND WARM YOU THROUGH THE WINTER SNOW YES, YOU'RE THE LUCKIEST LAD I KNOW OH, THANK YOU FATHER CHRISTMAS FOR THE STOCKING FILLED WITH JOY WHEN I LOOK AROUND AND SEE SUCH LOVE I KNOW I'M THE WORLD'S LUCKIEST BOY

ALL IT'S LOVE, LOVE IT CAN'T BE LOST OR TOSSED AWAY LIKE TOYS SOON AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY FOR LOVE, LOVE

BOB WILL BE WITH YOU TIM, WHERE'EER YOU GO AND WARM YOU THROUGH THE WINTER SNOW YES, YOU'RE THE LUCKIEST LAD I KNOW

ALL OH, THANK YOU FATHER CHRISTMAS FOR A STOCKING FILLED WITH JOY WHEN I LOOK AROUND AND SEE SUCH LOVE

TIM I KNOW I'M THE WORLD'S LUCKIEST BOY

ALL IT'S LOVE

The Cratchit scene freezes as Scrooge, Present and Dickens continue.

SCROOGE Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live.

PRESENT I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, the child will die.

SCROOGE No, no. Oh, kind Spirit! Say he will be spared!

PRESENT If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, none other of my race will find him here.

DICKENS What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.

II-2-8

SCROOGE Please, Spirit, lead me where you will for I've seen enough.

PRESENT Come!

The lights fade as the scene transitions … II-3-9

ACT II

Scene 3

FRED Ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!! He said that Christmas was a humbug. And as I live, he believed it too!

NEICE The more the shame for him, Fred. How can you have such patience with him?

FRED I am sorry for him. Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself. Here he takes it into his head to dislike us, and he won’t come to dine with us. What’s the consequence? (teasing his wife) He doesn’t lose much of a dinner.

NIECE Enough! Enough! Let's have another game.

FRED I know! Let's play "yes and no."

ALL Hear, hear. Yes. Splendid!

SCROOGE Here's a game. It's a marvelous game, as I recall. You must find the answer with questions answered only by yes and no.

FRED All right I'm ready. What am I thinking of.

NIECE A person?

FRED No.

EMILY An animal?

FRED Yes!

TOPPER Alive?

FRED Barely.

NUTLEY In England?

II-3-10 FRED Yes.

BEATRICE A wild beast?!!!!

FRED Yes.

TOPPER Does it growl?

FRED Yes.

EMILY Does it bite?

FRED Many have felt the bite, yes.

NUTLEY Is it in London?

FRED Yes.

NIECE Oh exhibition?

FRED A tiger?

BEATRICE A bear?

FRED No, no......

SCROOGE Has it been here a long time?

NIECE Has it been here a long time?

SCROOGE I just said that!!!!

FRED Yes!

NIECE Wait a minute...... is it old?

FRED Yes.

II-3-11

NIECE Is it ugly?

FRED Yes!!!! Poor thing it is.

NIECE Is it wealthy?

FRED Yes.

NIECE And does it go about London eating up the poor?

FRED Famous for it!!

NIECE I have found it out! I know what it is, Fred!! It's your Uncle Scro-o-o-o-o- o-o-o-ge!!!!!

FRED Yes, yes, yes, of course. He's a comical old fellow, that's the truth; and not so pleasant as he might be. However, he has given us plenty of merriment, I am sure, and it would be ungrateful not to drink his health. Here is a glass of mulled wine ready to our hand at the moment; and I say a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the old man, whatever he is!!! Uncle Scrooge!!!

ALL Uncle Scrooge!

Scrooge begins to make a speech, as the crowd exits for dinner and the ghost beckons him away. 2-4-12

ACT II

Scene 4

The STREETS of LONDON. As the lights come up DICKENS speaks to the audience.

DICKENS Nothing inspired me more than the desperate children of the Ragged Schools of Field Lane, located in a dismal part of London. I had seldom seen in London or elsewhere, anything so shocking as the dire neglect of soul and body exhibited in these children. And Scrooge knew little of it.

PRESENT I have brought you home!

SCROOGE You're not going?

PRESENT My life upon this globe is very brief, it ends tonight.

The three quarter hour chime of the clock strikes as the GHOST continues

PRESENT Hark! My time is drawing near.

Scrooge notices something peering from under the Ghost’s robe.

SCROOGE Forgive me if I am not justified in what I ask, but I see something strange beneath your robe. Is it a foot or a claw?

PRESENT It might be a claw, for the flesh there is upon it. Look here!! Look here, man!!

SCROOGE Ahhhhhhhhhh, Spirit! Are they yours?!!!

PRESENT They are Man's. They cling to me appealing from Mankind. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want.

DICKENS See in them the terrible seeds of human indifference. They represent that which is the approaching plague. They are results of your whims.

SCROOGE Of mine?

2-4-13

DICKENS Of yours, and of all who are like you. Their possibilities for advancement for a better life are restricted by your own self-interest.

SCROOGE Ohhhh, how sorry I am! I...... I...... did not know!!

DICKENS Your regret cannot make amends for your opportunities misused!

PRESENT They fear the world because of you.

DICKENS And because of you they know nothing of affection, care, love, or kindness of any sort.

SCROOGE Have they no refuge or resource?

DICKENS & PRESENT Are there no prisons?!!!! Are there no workhouses???? ARE THERE NO PRISONS?!!!! ARE THERE NO WORKHOUSES????!!!!

#29 CHIMES III Underscore - Orchestra (Twelve Strikes)

II-5-14

ACT II

Scene 5

The STREETS of LONDON. As the final bell rings the SPECTRE of DEATH appears and crosses behind SCROOGE. As SCROOGE turns and sees the GHOST HE falls to his knees at the sight of the SPECTRE.

#30 GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE Underscore - Orchestra & Offstage Voices

SCROOGE I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come? Ghost of the Future! I fear you more than any Spectre I have seen. But, as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bare you company, and do it with a thankful heart. (Pauses) Will you not speak to me? The night is waning fast, and it is precious time to me, I know. Lead on, Spirit!

The Spector points at an open area on the street as the lights reveal TWO GENTLEMEN who are in the middle of a coversation.

1st GENTLEMAN No, I don't know much about it, either way. I only know he's dead.

2nd GENTLEMAN When did he die?

1st GENTLEMAN Why last night, I believe.

2nd GENTLEMAN What was the matter with him? I thought he'd never die.

1st GENTLEMAN God knows.

2nd GENTLEMAN What has he done with his money?

1st GENTLEMAN I haven't heard. Left it to his Company, perhaps. He hasn't left it to me. That's all I know.

DICKENS Speakers and listeners strolled away. Scrooge knew the men and looked towards the spirit for an explanation. The Phantom glided on into the darkness of the street.

II-5-15

CHARWOMAN Evenin' guv'nor, feelin' good natured this evening?

DICKENS In the late hours of the evening, men and women would meet to compare their horrible plunder. Here Scrooge would learn how man preyed upon man.

LAUNDRESS Look here, Old Joe, here's a chance! If we haven't all three met here by mistake.

PAWNBROKER You couldn't have met in a better place. You're all suitable to your calling. You're well matched.

CHARWOMAN What odds then! What odds, Mrs. Dilber? Every person has a right to take care of themselves. He always did!

LAUNDRESS That's true, indeed! No man more so.

CHARWOMAN Besides, whose the worse for the loss of a few things like these? Not a dead man, I suppose.

UNDERTAKER No indeed! Cold isn't it?

PAWNBROKER Seasonable.

#31 PAWNBROKER'S SONG

LAUNDRESS BOO-HOO

ALL BOO-HOO

LAUNDRESS WOE IS ME

ALL WOE IS ME

LAUNDRESS THEM ARE TEARS ON MY CHEEKS YOU SEE

ALL YOU SEE

LAUNDRESS BOO-HOO

II-5-16

ALL BOO-HO0

LAUNDRESS ME HEART IS BROKE

ALL IS BROKE

LAUNDRESS THAT THE POOR OLD BLOKE WAITED SO DAMN LONG TO CROAK

ALL HE WAS ONE IN A MILLION HE WAS SUCH A FRIEND LIFE FOR US WON'T BE THE SAME SINCE HE'S GONE ROUND THE BEND.... SOOOOOOOOO...... CHEERIO, TA-TA SO LONG, SKINFLINT HOW CAN WE EVER GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU YOU HAD A CERTAIN SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT WAS NASTY SO MEAN AND NASTY CHEERIO, TA-TA SO LONG, TIGHTWAD HOW CAN WE FACE TOMORROW, SIR, WITH YOU GONE I GUESS WE'LL HAVE TO WAKE UP TO A NEW DAWN AND SAY; GOD BLESS US THE BUZZARD PASSED ON

PAWNBROKER WHO'S GONNA START OUR DAY SAYING: "HUMBUG, GET OUT OF MY WAY!"

CHARWOMAN AND WHO'S GONNA MAKE US FEEL OH SO PROPER

ALL WORKIN' OUR FINGERS TO THE BONE FOR ONE THIN COPPER CHEERIO, TA-TA SO LONG, SKINFLINT SEE YOU ON JUDGEMENT DAY YOU WERE SWEET AS VINEGAR IN A CRYSTAL GLASS HOW'D YOU LIKE TO KISS MY...

LAUNDRESS ASK ME ALL THE GOOD HE DONE I'LL SUM IT UP IN ONE WORD: NONE

2-5-16

UNDERTAKER ASK ME IF HE TREATED US WELL ASK ME IF WE'LL MISS HIM WE'LL SAY

ALL LIKE HELL!!! CHEERIO, TA-TA SO LONG SKINFLINT YOU WERE SUCH A FRIEND OF MINE SO LONG, GUV'NOR SO LONG, SWINE WE CAN GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU WE CAN GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU JUST FINE!!

CHARWOMAN Well, Old Scratch has got his own at last, hey?

UNDERTAKER Indeed! Quite so. Cold, isn't it?

CHARWOMAN & LAUNDRESS Seasonable!

CHARWOMAN I wish it was little heavier one and it should have been, you may depend upon it, if I could have laid my hands on anything else. Open the bundle Joe, and let me know the value of it.

UNDERTAKER No, no, no. I shall be the first. Here Joe.

PAWNBROKER A pencil case, a pair of sleeve buttons and a brooch. Shabby grabb'ins if you ask me. That's the account, and I wouldn't give another sixpence if I was to be boiled for not doing it. Who's next?

The LAUNDRESS coyly unfolds HER bundle and the PAWNBROKER adds up HER total the same way HE did the UNDERTAKER's

PAWNBROKER Sheets, towels, a little wearing apparel, two silver teaspoons, a pair of sugar-tongs, and a few boots. I always give too much to the ladies. It's a weakness of mine, and that's the way I ruin myself. That's your account. If you asked me for another penny, and made it an open question, I'd repent of being so liberal, and knock off half-a-crown.

CHARWOMAN And now undo my bundle, Joe.

PAWNBROKER What do you call this? Bedcurtains????!!!

II-5-18

CHARWOMAN Aye!!!! Bedcurtains!!!

UNDERTAKER You don't mean to say you took 'em down, rings and all, with him lying there?

CHARWOMAN Yes I do! And why not?

PAWNBROKER You were born to make your fortune, my dear, and you'll certainly do it.

CHARWOMAN Don't be droolin’ on the blankets, now.

PAWNBROKER His blankets????

CHARWOMAN Whose else's do you think! He isn't likely to take cold without 'em I dare say.

PAWNBROKER I hope he didn't die of anything catching? Eh????!!!

CHARWOMAN Don't you be afraid of that, I ain't so fond of his company that I'd loiter about him for such things, if he did.

CHARWOMAN (as the PAWNBROKER pulls out the nightshirt) You may look through that shirt till your eyes ache; but you won't find a hole in it, nor a threadbare place. It's the best he had and a fine one too. They'd have wasted it if it hadn't been for me.

LAUNDRESS What do you call wastin' it?

CHARWOMAN Putting it on him to be buried in, to be sure. Somebody was fool enough to do it, but I took it off again. This is the end of it, you see!! He frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead!!!!

LAUNDRESS It's the truest word that ever was spoke, it's a judgement on him.

#32 PAWNBROKER'S SONG: Reprise

CHARWOMAN WHEN HE KNOCKED ON HEAVEN'S GATE ST. PETER RAISED HIS HEAD HE SAW THE OLD GEEZER AND HERE'S WHAT PETEY SAID

II-5-19

SCROOGE Oh, my God, they’re going to sing again.

DICKENS Shhhh.

ALL CHEERIO, TA-TA SO LONG, TIGHTWAD YOU'LL HAVE TO COUNT YOUR SHILLINGS IN HELL MOVE ALONG, GUV'NOR CHEERIO WE CAN GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU WE CAN GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU QUITE WELL!!! TA-TA!!!

SCROOGE I see, I see. The case of this unhappy man might be my own. My life tends that way, now. But let me see some tenderness connected with a death or these dark shadows will forever be present to me.

Lights fade as the scene transitions…

2-6-19

ACT II

Scene 6

#33 DEATH OF TINY TIM Underscore – Orchestra

BOB CRATCHITS HOME in late evening. We see the GHOST and SCROOGE at the CRATCHIT HOME. All the CHILDREN are gathered around their MOTHER. BOB and TINY TIM are missing. SHE is doing needle work by a dim light.

MRS. CRATCHIT (Wiping her eyes) The color hurts my eyes. They're better now again. It makes them weak by candle light; and I wouldn't show weak eyes to your father when he comes home, for the world. It must be near his time.

PETER Past it. But I think he's walked a little slower than he used to these last evenings, mother.

MRS. CRATCHIT I've known him walk with -- I have known him walk with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder very fast indeed. But he was very light to carry, and his father loved him so, that it was no trouble --- no trouble.

MRS. CRATCHIT IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS AND TELL YOU THAT I LOVED YOU THEN A RAY OF SUNSHINE WOULD COME THRU' IF I COULD HOLD YOU I COULD DRY MY TEARS OF SADNESS THEN THE HOPES OF MY TOMORROWS WOULD BE TRUE IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS FOR A MOMENT AND THEN KISS YOUR TENDER CHEEK AND HOLD YOU HAND THEN ALL MY FEARS WOULD FADE AWAY THERE'D BE HOPE TO GUIDE THE WAY

MRS. CRATCHIT CHILDREN IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS THERE'LL BE NO CHRISTMAS AND TELL YOU THAT I LOVED YOU WITHOUT YOU THEN A RAY OF SUNSHINE THERE'LL BE NO LAUGHTER WOULD COME THRU' ONLY TEARS IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARM THERE'LL BE NO JOY I COULD DRY MY TEARS OF SADNESS ONLY SORROW THEN THE HOPES OF MY TOMORROWS IN A HOME ONCE FILLED WOULD BE TRUE WITH CHEER II-6-21

MRS. CRATCHIT CHILDREN IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS BUT YOU WON'T BE THERE FOR A MOMENT YOU WON'T SEE THERE AND THEN KISS YOUR TENDER CHEEK OPEN ARMS THAT WAIT FOR YOU AND HOLD YOU HAND AND HOLD YOUR HAND

MRS. CRATCHIT THEN ALL MY FEARS WOULD FADE AWAY THERE'D BE HOPE TO GUIDE THE WAY IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS TODAY.

MRS. CRATCHIT (Realizing that BOB has entered) There is your father at the door! You went today, Robert?

BOB Yes, my dear, I wish you could have gone. It would have done you good to see how green a place it is. But you'll see it often. I promised him that I would walk there on Sunday. My little, little child. My little, Tiny Tim.

HARRIET Don't cry father...

BOB I know, my dears, that however and whenever we part from one another, we shall none of us forget poor Tim or this first parting that there was among us, shall we?

HARRIET No, never, father.

BOB If I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS FOR A MOMENT AND THEN KISS YOUR TENDER CHEEK AND HOLD YOUR HAND THEN ALL MY FEARS WOULD FADE AWAY THERE'D BE HOPE TO GUIDE THE WAY

MRS. CRATCHIT IF I COULD HOLD YOU IN MY ARMS TODAY

CHILDREN THERE'LL BE NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU

#35 GRAVEYARD Underscore - Orchestra & Offstage Voices

II-7-22

ACT II

Scene 7

The GRAVEYARD of London. SCROOGE and the SPIRIT stand in a pool of light while DICKENS stands off the side. There is a slow movement of fog on the stage. The lights dimly reveal an eerie churchyard filled with gravestones. The MUSIC begins at the top of the scene. As the MUSIC swells the SPIRIT moves toward a large gravestone which emerges from the background. It is covered with snow so the audience or SCROOGE cannot read the name.

SCROOGE Something informs me that our parting moment is at hand. Spirit, before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point, answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that will be or are they the shadows of the things that may be, only?

DICKENS Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends. But if theses courses be departed from, the ends will change.

SCROOGE Say it is thus with what you show me!

SCROOGE Ebenezer Scrooge!!!! Am I that man whom they speak of? No, Spirit! Oh, no, no. Spirit!!! Hear me? I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this nights' journeys. Why show me this, if I am past all hope!!!!??? I will live in the Past the Present and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone! Spirit, spirit I beg of you reverse my fate. No, no, no please I shall change. I shall change, please, Spirit. No, no, no, no, no, no, NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

The MUSIC continues to swell until SCROOGE is shouting over it. The lights being to flash until the scene becomes total chaos. The lights blackout. SCROOGE is heard screaming in the dark, and then suddenly there is total silence.

2-8-22

ACT II

Scene 8

As the lights come up SCROOGE is mumbling to himself. DICKENS drops the curtains and SCROOGE sees that they are his bed curtains.

SCROOGE I'm alive, I'm alive! Old Jacob was right! Thank'ee Jacob oh, thank'ee. (seeing the bed curtains) They are not torn down. My bed curtains, rings and all. They are here; I am here.

DICKENS Yes! And the bedpost is your own. The bed is your own. The room is your own. Best and happiest of all, the time before you, Ebenezer, is your own, to make amends in! The shadows of the things that would have been may be dispelled.

SCROOGE They will be. I know they will! I don't know what to do! I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha…

#36 ONCE MORE - Scrooge and Dickens

SCROOGE ONCE MORE I WILL LIVE LIFE ONCE MORE I WILL SING ONCE MORE I'LL DANCE DANCES AND LAUGH LIKE A KING ONCE MORE I'LL HEAR MUSIC AND LOVE EVERYTHING AS I START ALL OVER AGAIN ONCE MORE

DICKENS YOU'LL LIVE FOR THE FUTURE YOU'LL THROW OFF THE PAST YOU'LL SPREAD JOY AND SUNSHINE AND LIVE AT LONG LAST

BOTH IN A BRAND NEW WORLD WITH A BRAND NEW DREAM WITH THIS BRAND NEW HOPE IT WOULD SURELY SEEM I (YOU) WILL START ALL OVER AGAIN ONCE MORE

II-8-24

DICKENS ONCE MORE YOU'LL ENJOY LIFE

SCROOGE I'LL FILL IT WITH JOY

DICKENS YOU'LL SHOW EVERY PERSON

SCROOGE THE LOVE I EMPLOY

BOTH IN A BRAND NEW WORLD WITH A BRAND NEW DREAM WITH THIS BRAND NEW HOPE IT WOULD SURELY SEEM I (YOU) WILL START ALL OVER AGAIN ONCE MORE

At the end of the song THEY joyously laugh together. SCROOGE has dressed himself during the song so HE is ready to go into the street. The chimes from a city clock begins to ring.

#37 CHIMES IV - Orchestra (Morning Bells)

SCROOGE Oh, come quickly, come quickly. Oh, glorious, glorious. No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; golden sunlight; heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious, glorious. (as a boy crosses the street) You, boy, what's today?

BOY Eh? SCROOGE What's today, my fine fellow?

BOY Today??? Why, Christmas Day!!!

SCROOGE It's Christmas Day, I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. Now, see here my fine fellow, do you know the Poulterer's in the next street, at the corner?

BOY I should hope I did.

SCROOGE An intelligent boy! A remarkable boy! Do you know whether they've sold the prize turkey that was hanging up there? Not the little prize turkey: the big one!!!

II-8-25

BOY What the big one like me?

SCROOGE What a delightful boy! It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, lad.

BOY It's hanging there now.

SCROOGE It is? Go and buy it.

BOY WALKER??? Do you take me for a fool, guv'nor!!

SCROOGE No, no, I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it here that I may give them the full payment for the bird. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less that five minutes, and I'll give you half-a-crown. (the boy runs off)

SCROOGE I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's. He shan't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. I shall make this the best Merry Christmas ever.

DICKENS Merry Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge.

#38 ONCE MORE: Reprise - Scrooge and Dickens

SCROOGE ONCE MORE I'LL ENJOY LIFE I'LL FILL IT WITH JOY I'LL SHOW EVERY PERSON THE LOVE I EMPLOY WITH A TEAR ON MY CHEEK

DICKENS WITH YOUR HEART FILLER WITH LOVE

SCROOGE I WILL SHARE PEACE AND JOY

DICKENS AND WITH HELP FROM ABOVE

BOTH I (YOU) WILL START ALL OVER AGAIN ONCE MORE

lights crossfade into next scene…

II-9-26

ACT II

Scene 9

PEOPLE begin to fill the street. It is Christmas morning. Bells are ringing and the TOWNSPEOPLE are singing the PROLOGUE.

#39 FINALE - Company

ALL ON CHRISTMAS DAY ON CHRISTMAS DAY THE JOLLIEST DAY 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 HERE SING NOEL, SING NOEL, SING NOEL, NOEL SING NOEL, SING NOEL, SING NOEL, NOEL

SCROOGE wanders through the crowd, greeting them all and wishing each one a Merry Christmas as THEY pass HIM. Until he sees The GENTLEMEN who were in HIS office the previous morning. SCROOGE sees them and catches THEM as THEY pass. The MEN are startled.

SCROOGE My dear sirs, how do you do? I hope you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of you. A Merry Christmas to you, sirs.

lST GENTLEMAN Mr. Scrooge!!!!

SCROOGE Yes, that is my name.

DICKENS I fear it may not be a pleasant one to him.

SCROOGE Oh, yes, you're quite right. Allow me to ask your pardon. And will you have the goodness to......

1ST GENTLEMAN Lord bless me!!!

II-9-26

2nd GENTLEMAN My dear, Mr. Scrooge, are you serious?

SCROOGE If you please, not a farthing less. A great many back payments are included in it, I assure you.

1ST GENTLEMAN My dear, sir, I don't know what to say to such munifi......

SCROOGE Don't say anything, please. And will you do me one more favor? Come and see me. Will you come and see me?

1ST GENTLEMAN I will!!!!! I will, Mr. Scrooge!!!!!!!

SCROOGE Thank-ee, I am much obliged to you. I thank you fifty times. Bless you!!!!!

SCROOGE begins to run off and bumps into HIS NEPHEW and NIECE

SCROOGE Oh, Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh......

FRED Oh, I am sorry.....UNCLE SCROOGE!!!!!!!!

NIECE Dear God, it's your Uncle Scrooge!

SCROOGE Why, nephew!!

FRED Uncle Scrooge! I'm so sorry!! Please uncle.....

SCROOGE Think nothing of it, my boy, think nothing of it. Yes, Fred, it is your Uncle Scrooge. Dear nephew, may I come to dine with you this Christmas Day. Will you let me in.

FRED Uncle Scrooge, of course we will let you in. You have always been welcome.

SCROOGE For dinner and for games. Oh, I do love to play games, Fred. But not "Yes and No."

NIECE No???

SCROOGE No. I don't like that game.

II-9-28

NIECE Then we shall not play it. Whatever you want, on Christmas Day, Uncle Scrooge, whatever you want!

SCROOGE Thank'ee. Thank'ee, my dear. I shall be there shortly. By the way, nephew. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

BOB CRATCHIT and his family enter and BOB bumps into MR. SCROOGE knocking him down flat on the ground...

BOB Oh, I'm sorry sir..... Oh, my god, Mr. Scrooge.....

SCROOGE Oh, my God Bob Cratchit! Cratchit??? What do you mean by knocking a man down like that?

BOB Oh, I'm terribly sorry sir....

SCROOGE Yes, well I see..... you're sorry. Yes, well, I think you are....Step this way, if you please.

BOB You see we've been making rather merry....

SCROOGE Now, I'll tell you what, my friend. I am not going to stand for this sort of thing any longer. And therefore....I am about to...to... raise your salary.

BOB But Mr. Scrooge....

TINY TIM Raise his salary????!!!

BOB Raise my salary????!!

SCROOGE I'll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family and we will discuss your affairs this very day, over a Christmas wine. A Merry Christmas, Bob! A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you, for many a year!

SCROOGE laughs and then Bob laughs and then everyone laughs together as the ENTIRE COMPANY shares in the warmth of the moment and then freezes.....as DICKENS comes forward and says...

II-9-29

DICKENS Scrooge's change in mind was a result of his change in heart. He became the example of how each person might prevent the ever approaching doom of human indifference. And for us, like Scrooge, if we are able to open our shut-up hearts to save on poor man's child, we'll find that...

#40 ONCE MORE: Reprise - Company

ALL WE CAN LIVE FOR THE FUTURE AND THROW OFF THE PAST WE WILL SPREAD JOY AND SUNSHINE AND LIVE AT LONG LAST IN A BRAND NEW WORLD WITH A BRAND NEW DREAM WITH A BRAND NEW HOPE IT WOULD SURELY SEEM WE WILL START ALL OVER AGAIN ONCE MORE

SCROOGE (to audience) A very, very, Merry Christmas to each of you.

TINY TIM God bless us everyone.

#41 BOWS & FINALE

ALL IT'S LOVE, LOVE, IT CAN'T BE LOST OR TOSSED AWAY LIKE TOYS SOON AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY FOR LOVE, LOVE WILL BE WITH YOU, NOW, WHERE'EER YOU GO AND WARM YOU THROUGH THE WINTER SNOW YES, YOU'RE THE LUCKIEST ONE, I KNOW OH, THANK YOU FATHER CHRISTMAS FOR THE WONDROUS AND THE JOYOUS GIFT OF LOVE, THAT IS IN MY HEART! !!

THE END