: The Musical Ghost Story Side 1 : Schoolmaster

Schoolmaster: Older Character Actor. Bari-Tenor Vocal Range. An uncaring and miserable man who taught as a child, viewed him as a prize pupil, and instilled lessons of an uncaring nature.

Appropriate read to get the “flare” of Schoolmaster, Old Joe, Undertaker, , etc.

Scene takes place in the past as all student, but young Master Scrooge, leave the boarding school for the holiday season.

START READ:

SCHOOLMASTER: Ah, young Master Scrooge. I see you will be staying here over the holidays once again. You’re better off, Master Scrooge. Christmas is nothing but an excuse to rob a man’s pocket. The whole thing is drivel, do you hear me? It’s poppycock, balderdash! Christmas is a ... humbug! Repeat that! Christmas is a humbug. Stay true to your studies, Master Scrooge, and you will become a well-respected man. That’s all that matters. Not holidays, not family, and most definitely not Christmas. Now back to your dormitory. A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story Side 2 : Mr. Fezziwig

Mr. Fezziwig: Older Character Actor. Bari-Tenor Vocal Range. Mr. Fezziwig is the jovial and comedic boss of Scrooge in his younger days.

Appropriate read to get the “flare” of Mr. Fezziwig, Mr. Barkby, Caroler, etc.

Scene takes place in the past as the work day ends on Christmas Eve and it is time to start setting up for the Christmas Ball as guests begin to arrive.

START READ:

FEZZIWIG: Yo ho, there, Dick! No more work tonight! It’s almost time for the festivities! And you there, Ebenezer! Let’s have the shutters up before a man can say, Jack Robinson! Clear away, my lads, and let’s have lots of room here! Hilli-ho, Dick! Chirrup, Ebenezer! And a big welcome to one and all! Eat, dance, and be merry everyone! But wait … we cannot start the festivities yet. Where is my dear Mrs. Fezziwig? Ah, there you are, my darling. Now, we can begin! (Getting serious) I do have but one rule … everyone must forget all their worries and have the best Christmas ever! Now, Mrs. Fezziwig, let’s show them how it’s done! A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story Side 3 : Fred

Fred: Age range 20 - 30. Baritone (very little singing required, could even be non-singing). The exuberant and caring nephew who doubles as a young version of Scrooge, back when he still had ideals about love and happiness.

Appropriate read to get the “flare” of Fred, Young Ebenezer, , Topper, etc.

Scene takes place in the counting house, as Fred tries to have meaningful conversation with his Uncle in order to prepare to ask him to come for Christmas dinner.

START READ:

FRED: There are many things I consider good by which I have not profited. I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time … a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time! The only time I know of, in the long year, when men and women seem to open their shut up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, Uncle, 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! A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story Side 4 : Mrs. Dilber

Mrs. Dilber: Older Character Actress. Alto / Mezzo Vocal Range. The comedic and recurring housekeeper to Scrooge, who also steals much of his belongings in the foretold future when he dies.

Appropriate read to get the “flare” of Mrs. Dilber, Charwoman, Fortune Teller, etc.

Scene takes place in the future as Mrs. Dilber tries to sells off the now deceased Scrooge’s household items she managed to steal.

START READ:

MRS. DILBER: And now look at me bundle, Joe. I got his bed curtains! He isn’t likely to catch cold without ‘em, I dare say! And that’s one of his shirts … you can look over it ‘till your eyes ache but you won’t find a hole in it. It’s the best one he had, and a fine one too. They’d have wasted it, if it hadn’t been for me … they were going to bury him in it. (Pause) Somebody was fool enough to do it, but I took it off. So that’s the end of it. He frightened every one away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead! A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story Side 5 : Mrs. Cratchit

Mrs. Cratchit: Age Range 30 - 50. Soprano Vocal Range. The strict but loving wife of Bob, who runs a tight ship and ensures every penny is saved.

Appropriate read to get the “flare” of Mrs. Cratchit, Belle, Fred’s Wife, Christmas Past, etc.

Scene takes place in the future sitting by the fireplace with the children, waiting for Bob to arrive home. Tim has recently passed.

START READ:

MRS. CRATCHIT: The ashes from the fire. They make my eyes weak by candle light and I wouldn’t show weak eyes to your father when he comes home, for the world. He should be home by now. He used to walk very fast 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. He seems to have walked slower these past few days. He misses Tim … Of course we all do. We all do, my darlings. But we just have to hold on to all the wonderful memories we have of Tim and then he will always be with us. (There is a noise) Oh, that must be your father. Everyone go wash up for dinner. Martha, will you take them, please? A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story Side 6: Mrs. Root (Christmas Present)

Mrs. Root: Age Range 30 - 60. Mezzo Vocal Range. A jovial and comical version of the ghost of Christmas Present who doubles as an equally jovial and exuberant solicitor whom Scrooge encounters the day before his infamous night.

Appropriate read to get the “flare” of Mrs. Root, Christmas Present, Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Topper, etc.

Scene takes place as Mrs. Root tries to ask Scrooge if he would willing to donate to charity, only to be find his lack of response extremely undignified.

START READ:

MRS. ROOT: “Scrooge and Marley’s,” I believe? And you must be Mr. Scrooge! At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute who suffer greatly. A few of us are attempting to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. What shall I put you down for? (no response) Mr. Scrooge? (still no response) Well … Come, Mr. Barkby. It is clear that Mr. Scrooge does not understand our concerns for those less fortunate than he. We shall simply move on to more courteous establishments.