A Radio Christmas Carol (2020) A two-hour holiday celebration Re-Imagined Radio Season 08, Episode 12 Final Draft Premier broadcast: 24 December 2020 Adapted, Produced, Hosted by John F. Barber Sound design and Post-production by Martin Gallagher Graphics and social media by Holly Slocum Credits Script adaptation by John Barber Directed by Barbara Richardson Audio recording and post production by Martin J. Gallagher Sound Design by John Barber Broadcast services by KXRW, Vancouver, Washington Produced by John Barber Synopsis Re-Imagined Radio adapts and extends the December 24, 1939 episode of The Campbell Playhouse performance of "A Christmas Carol" starring Lionel Barrymore as Ebeneezer Scrooge, and Orson Welles as the narrator. Actors and singers from Metropolitan Performing Arts dramatize the story of how Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser, cold of heart and spirit, is transformed by three visits from Ghosts of Christmas into a kind, generous, and compassionate man. This two-hour performance brings joy and festivities to the seasonal holidays. Color Code Yellow highlighted text = sound effect(s), either pre- recorded or live. MUSIC = pre-recorded MUSIC = bespoke, created for this episode MUSIC: P.1 MUSIC: RE-IMAGINED RADIO THEME, UP, ESTABLISH, THEN FADE UNDER PRODUCER'S OPENING REMARKS PRODUCER Hello and welcome to Re-imagined Radio. I am John Barber, producer, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to "A Radio Christmas Carol," presented by Metropolitan Performing Arts, of Vancouver, Washington. "A Radio Christmas Carol" is based on the Christmas Eve 1939 radio adaptation by Orson Welles and The Campbell Playhouse of the Charles Dickens' novella, A Christmas Carol, first published December 19, 1843, and never out of print since. MUSIC: P.1, FADE UP, ESTABLISH, THEN FADE OUT. SFX 1.0. HOLIDAY STREET SOUNDS . . . JINGLE BELLS, HORSE DRAWN SLEIGHS, VOICES, ALL FADE INTO . . . MUSIC: CAROLS. "ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH" (2 MINS). "AWAY IN A MANGER" (1.3 MINS) SFX: HOLIDAY STREET SOUNDS FADE UP….ESTABLISH.... THEN CROSSFADE OUT UNDER MUSIC: PIANO. "CHOPIN NOCTURNE IN E FLAT" PLAYS UNDER NARRATION AND FADES OUT (USE MINUTES 6-10:32) ACT 1: INTERIOR: OFFICE OF SCROOGE AND MARLEY (BACKDROP SLIDE 1.1: SCROOGE- MARLEY OFFICE, EXTERIOR) NARRATOR (CONVERSATIONALLY) Our story begins on a street at the edges of London's financial district. It is Christmas Eve and clerks and shoppers hurry home to be with their families. They pass by the weathered office of Scrooge and Marley without so much a thought. Marley has been dead seven years. Dead as a doornail. But Scrooge never bothered to paint over Marley's name on the weathered sign above the front door. SCROOGE A waste of time, paint, and money! NARRATOR Scrooge and Marley were partners for many years. But Ebenezer Scrooge was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! A frosty rime remained permanently upon his head, his eyebrows, and on his wiry chin. His coldness iced his office in the dog- days, and didn't thaw it out one degree at Christmas. A fact attested by Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's overworked and shivering clerk . . . SFX 1.1: RATTLING OF STOVE DOOR, ETC. SFX 1.2: FIRE, LOOP, DUCK UNDER, CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SCENE BACKDROP SLIDE 1.2: SCROOGE-MARLEY OFFICE, INTERIOR SCROOGE Hey, hey, you there! Bob Cratchit! Come here! What are you doing there?! CRATCHIT Why, ah . . . (COUGHS) Well, you see, my stove's gone out Mr. Scrooge. I'm only putting a bit more coal in the fire, seeing it's so cold in here, sir. SCROOGE You put that coal back into the scuttle! A fire! A fire, indeed. I can tell you, if you use coal at that rate, you and I will soon be parting company, Bob Cratchit. You understand that? There's many a young fella'd like your situation, you know. CRATCHIT Oh yes. Yes indeed. I'm sorry, Mr. Scrooge. My fingers were getting stiff with the cold . . . SCROOGE Then put on your mittens . . . SFX 1.3: KNOCK AT THE DOOR SCROOGE There is someone at the door, Cratchit. Go and see who it is. CRATCHIT Yes sir. SFX 1.4: DOOR OPENS, WITH BELL CHARITY GENTLEMAN Good afternoon, sir. CRATCHIT Good afternoon. May I help you? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Is this the firm of Scrooge and Marley? CRATCHIT Yes, sir. It is. CHARITY GENTLEMAN I should like to see the head of the firm, if I may. CRATCHIT Oh, very good, sir. Please come in. SFX 1.5: DOOR CLOSES, NO BELL SFX 1.6: DOUBLE FOOTSTEPS INTO OFFICE SCROOGE (CALLS OUT) What is it? CRATCHIT (CALLS BACK) A gentleman to see you, sir. SCROOGE What? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge, or Mr. Marley? SCROOGE Marley's been dead these seven years tonight. I'm Scrooge. CHARITY GENTLEMAN Well, now, Mr. Scrooge, at this season of the year, it's only fitting that we who are more fortunate should help with food, clothing, and shelter for those less fortunate. You may not believe it, sir, but many in our community are now in want of common necessities. SCROOGE (GROWLS) CHARITY GENTLEMAN And many more will soon be afflicted unless we can organize a relief effort. SCROOGE (GROWLS) Are there no shelters? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Well, there are some, Mr. Scrooge, but never enough, especially at this time of year when safety and sanctuary are most needed. SCROOGE Are there no share houses, no food banks? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Yes, sir, there are. But they alone cannot meet the community needs. SCROOGE Why not? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Well sir, there are decades of resistance to change that must be overcome. SCROOGE Business will carry us forward by creating jobs and lowering the deficit. CHARITY GENTLEMAN Business cannot do it alone, sir. It takes a city, everyone working together. And at this time of the year, some additional provision for the poor and the destitute must be made. SCROOGE (SCOFFS) CHARITY GENTLEMAN A few of us are endeavoring to help, you see. And, uh, what shall I put you down for? SCROOGE Nothing! CHARITY GENTLEMAN Oh, I see. You wish to be anonymous, sir? SCROOGE I wish to be left alone! I don't make merry myself and do not wish to help make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments that take care of the poor . . . they cost enough in taxes. Let those who are badly off go there. CHARITY GENTLEMAN Many can't go there, sir. And many would rather die. Many will die. SCROOGE Then, my advice to them is to do so and decrease the surplus population. Besides, I've only your word for it that all this is so. CHARITY GENTLEMAN It's the truth, Mr. Scrooge. SCROOGE Well, so be it, then. It's not my business. It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly. Good afternoon, sir! CHARITY GENTLEMAN I quite understand, Mr. Scrooge. Good afternoon. SCROOGE Cratchit! Show this gentleman out. CRATCHIT Yes, sir. SFX 1.7: DOUBLE FOOTSTEPS TO THE DOOR CRATCHIT This way, sir, please. (LOWERS HIS VOICE) Sir, I couldn't help overhearing. I should like to contribute tuppence. SCROOGE Cratchit! CRATCHIT (TO SCROOGE) Yes, sir! (LOWERS HIS VOICE, TO CHARITY GENTLEMAN) It isn't much but it's all I can afford. But there are others in worse situation than I. CHARITY GENTLEMAN You're a generous fellow. I wish I might say so of your employer. SCROOGE (IMPATIENT) Cratchit! CRATCHIT (TO SCROOGE) Yes, sir. CHARITY GENTLEMAN Good afternoon, sir. And best wishes for the holidays. CRATCHIT Good afternoon. Happy holidays to you as well. SFX 1.8: DOOR OPENS, WITH BELL SCROOGE Cratchit! CHARITY GENTLEMAN Merry Christmas. CRATCHIT Merry Christmas, sir. (TO SCROOGE) Yes, sir! SCROOGE Close the door and get back to work! CRATCHIT Yes, sir. SFX 1.9: DOOR CLOSES, NO BELL SFX 1.10: CRATCHIT'S SLOW FOOTSTEPS BACK TO DESK CRATCHIT (SIGHS, TO HIMSELF) . . . twenty-four, thirty-one. One, carry three. A new scarlet tippet for Tiny Tim. A comb for Martha. Thirty-three. Three and carry three. A hair-ribbon for Belinda. Four, seven, twelve, fifteen. SCROOGE Cratchit! CRATCHIT Yes, sir? (WAKING FROM HIS REVERIES) Yes, sir? SCROOGE It's late, and other businesses will be closing, like fools. We may as well close up the office now. CRATCHIT Yes, sir. It IS getting a little dark. Hard to see the figures. SCROOGE I . . . (IRRITATED) I suppose you'll want the entire day tomorrow? CRATCHIT (SUPPLICATING) If it's quite convenient, sir. SCROOGE (REACTIVE) It's not convenient . . . and it's not fair, either. But I suppose I can't do anything about it. Heh. If . . . if I was to stop half-a- crown of your wages, you'd think yourself very ill-used, I'll be bound? CRATCHIT (RELUCTANT) Well, sir, I . . . SCROOGE Yes, but you don't think me ill-used, when I pay a day's wages for no work. CRATCHIT (REASONABLE) It's only once a year, sir. SCROOGE (INDIGNANT) Once a year! Once a year, indeed. A fine excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth of December! But I suppose there's no good talking. You must have the whole day. Well, see that you're here all the earlier the next morning. You understand? CRATCHIT (RELIEVED) Oh, I will, sir. Good night, sir. And Merry Christmas. SFX 1.11: CRATCHIT'S FOOTSTEPS TO DOOR SCROOGE Bah! SFX 1.12: DOOR OPENS, WITH BELL CRATCHIT Oh, my! Mr. Scrooge, it's your nephew, Mr. Fred. Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Fred. FRED (JOYFULLY) And a Merry Christmas to you as well, Bob! And the missus. And to Tiny Tim! CRATCHIT (APPRECIATIVE) Oh, thank you, Mr. Fred! Same to you, sir. Do come in. FRED Thank you, Bob! SFX 1.13: DOOR CLOSE, NO BELL SFX 1.14: FRED'S FOOTSTEPS INTO OFFICE FRED (CALLS OUT) Merry Christmas! God save you, uncle! SCROOGE Bah! Humbug! FRED Christmas a humbug? Uncle! Now, I'm sure you don't mean that! SCROOGE (DEFIANT) I mean JUST that . . . exactly that! Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you? You're poor enough. FRED Well, what right have you to be dismal about Christmas, uncle? You're rich enough. SCROOGE Bah! FRED Now, uncle, don't be cross. SCROOGE Well, what else can I say when I live in such a world of fools? If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips would be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart! FRED Uncle! SCROOGE Now, nephew. Keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine. FRED Keep it? But you don't keep Christmas, uncle. SCROOGE Well, let me leave it alone, then. What do you want? A Christmas gift, I've no doubt. FRED I came to wish you a merry Christmas, uncle. SCROOGE A merry Christmas! Much good may Christmas do you. Humbug! FRED There are many things from which I derive good by which I have not profited materially, I dare say, uncle. For example, I have no slogan hats for sale. But I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it! SCROOGE I wonder you don't go into politics. You talk enough nonsense. FRED Oh, don't be angry, uncle. I want nothing from you. I ask nothing of you. Why can't we be friends? SCROOGE Good afternoon. FRED I'm sorry you feel that way. Well, I tried. (EXITING) A Merry Christmas to you, uncle! SFX 1.15: FRED'S FOOTSTEPS TO DOOR SCROOGE (IRRITATED) Good afternoon. SFX 1.16: SCROOGE DOOR OPENS, WITH BELL FRED And a happy New Year, too! SFX 1.17: DOOR CLOSES, NO BELL SCROOGE (Bah! Humbug! Christmas! Nonsense. Twaddle. Flummery.) BACKDROP SLIDE 1.3: PRESHOW SFX 1.2: FADE OUT MUSIC: CAROLS:"JOY TO THE WORLD" (1.5 MINUTES) AND "DECK THE HALLS" (1.5 MINUTES) MUSIC: PIANO,"CHOPIN NOCTURNE IN E FLAT" PLAY AND FADE UNDER NARRATION (USE 1:33-2:56) ACT 2: INTERIOR, SCROOGE'S HOUSE: SCROOGE AND GHOST OF MARLEY NARRATOR The office of Scrooge and Marley was closed. It was Christmas Eve. In celebration, Bob Cratchit, with the long ends of his white comforter dangling below his waist (for he boasted no great-coat), went down a slide on Corn Hill, twenty times, and then ran home as hard as he could to spend the evening with his family. Scrooge, on the other hand, took a melancholy dinner in his usual melancholy tavern. After spending the rest of the evening with his banker's- book, he went to his dismal house. Scrooge walked through his rooms to see that all was right. Sitting-room. Bedroom. Storage room. All as they should be. Nobody under the table, nobody under the sofa, nobody under the bed, nobody in the closet. SFX 2.1: FIRE IN STOVE, AMBIENCE, LOOP AND DUCK UNDER THROUGHOUT SCENE NARRATOR Scrooge locked himself in. He double- locked himself in. He took off his cravat, put on his dressing-gown and slippers, and his nightcap, and sat down before the small fire, allowing himself the pleasure of its meager warmth while he fell asleep. BACKDROP SLIDE 2.2: BLACK SFX 2.2: BIG BEN, IN THE DISTANCE, STRIKES WESTMINSTER CHIME, THEN STRIKES 10 SFX 2.3" MARLEY GHOST AMBIENCE BEGINS AFTER THIRD STRIKE, SUSTAIN, FADE DOWN AND CONTINUE UNDER, THROUGHOUT SCENE SCROOGE (YAWNS MIGHTILY, COUGHS, THEN AMAZED) Marley. Marley? Marley! I could have sworn I saw old . . . Ah! Humbug. Marley's been dead these seven years. Humbug. All humbug. What I need is a good night's . . . SFX 2.4: "EBINEEZER SCROOGE 1," DISTANT SCROOGE What? What's that? SFX 2.5: "EBINEEZER SCROOGE 2," NOW CLOSER MARLEY (HIS VOICE ECHOING, WITH REVERB, FROM A DISTANCE) Ebenezer Scrooooooge . . . SCROOGE Someone is here. But the door's locked and double-locked! Something' . . . is coming! Some . . . something is . . . is coming closer. Outside my door. Bah! I won't believe it. It's humbug still! SFX 2.6: CHAINS, CLOSER, IN ROOM MARLEY (GHOSTLY) Ebenezer Scrooooge! Ebenezer Scrooooooge! SCROOGE (GASPS) Marley! (NERVOUS SQUEAK) Oh, no. What do you want with me? MARLEY I want much of you, Ebenezer. SCROOGE Who . . . who are you? MARLEY Ask me who I was. SCROOGE Oh ho. You're very particular, for a ghost. All right then. Who were you? MARLEY In life, I was your partner, Jacob Marley. SCROOGE (SKEPTICAL) Jacob Marley! But you're dead. You died seven years ago. MARLEY Seven years ago this very night. SCROOGE (SCOFFS) MARLEY What's wrong, Ebenezer? Don't you believe in me? SCROOGE I do not. MARLEY You doubt your senses, Ebenezer? SCROOGE Yes. Yes. Because a little thing affects them. A slight disorder of the stomach makes them cheats. You . . . you can't be a ghost. You may be an undigested bit of beef, or a blot of mustard, or a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato. (CHUCKLES) There may be more gravy than grave about you, whatever you are! Ah, humbug, I tell you. Humbug! SFX 2.7: MARLEY RAISES A FRIGHTFUL CRY AND RATTLES CHAINS SFX 2.8: MARLY'S GHOST AMBIENCE (SFX 2.3), UP, SUSTAIN, THEN DUCK AND CONTINUE UNDER EERILY SCROOGE (SHIVERS AND SHUDDERS IN FEAR) I do believe in you. You ARE a ghost, Jacob. MARLEY Thank you. SCROOGE But why . . . why do you walk the earth, Jacob? Why do you come to me? MARLEY It is required of every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellow men, and travel far and wide, to witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness. SCROOGE But tell me, Jacob, what is that chain you wear around you? MARLEY I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link, and yard by yard; by my own free will. Is its pattern strange to you, Ebenezer? SCROOGE Cashboxes? Keys and padlocks? Ledgers and purses? MARLEY Yours was as heavy and as long as this, seven years ago. You have labored on it since, Ebenezer. SCROOGE Old Jacob, speak comfort to me, Jacob! MARLEY Comfort I have none to give. I cannot rest, I cannot stay, I cannot linger. Weary journeys lie before me. SCROOGE You travel fast? MARLEY Yes, Ebenezer. On the wings of the wind. SCROOGE Ah, seven years dead and traveling all the time. MARLEY Seven years, Ebenezer. Seven years of remorse. Ebenezer, do you know that no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunities misused? SCROOGE But you were always a good man of business, Jacob. MARLEY Business! Mankind was my business! Charity, mercy, benevolence . . . they were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business! SCROOGE Jacob, Jacob, don't take on so, now. Jacob . . . MARLEY (INTERRUPTS) Listen to me, Ebenezer. SCROOGE I'll listen to you, Jacob. Speak to me but don't be so flowery. MARLEY Ebenezer, I am here to warn you that you have yet a chance of hope of escaping my fate. Do you hear that, Ebenezer? SCROOGE Yes, Jacob. Yes, you always were a good friend to me, Jacob. Thanks, Jacob. But . . . but go on, go on, go on, go on. How shall I escape? Oh, I'm afraid, Jacob. MARLEY You will be haunted by Three Spirits. SCROOGE Is that the only chance and hope, Jacob? MARLEY Without their visits, you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first tomorrow, when the bell tolls One. SCROOGE Couldn't I take them all at once, and have it over, Jacob? MARLEY Ebenezer, for your own sake, remember what has passed between us! Remember, when the bell tolls One, look for the first Spirit! SFX 2.9: RUSTLE OF MARLEY'S GHOST AND ITS CHAINS SCROOGE Marley! Jacob Marley! BACKDROP SLIDE 2.4: FADE TO BLACK SFX 2.10: MARLEY GHOST AMBIENCE (SFX 2.3), UP FOR AN ACCENT, THEN CROSSFADE TO SFX 3.1 . . . MUSIC 7.1: RE-IMAGINED RADIO THEME, FADE UP UNDER LAST LINE ABOVE, ESTABLISH, THEN DUCK DOWN TO PROVIDE BED FOR MID-WAY PRODUCER'S REMARKS. AT END OF REMARKS, CROSSFADE TO INSTRUMENTAL HOLIDAY MUSIC. PRODUCER You are listening to Re-Imagined Radio. This performance of "A Radio Christmas Carol" is presented by Metropolitan Performing Arts, providing acting and other dramatic arts training in Vancouver, Washington. Some of you listening now may recall gathering around the family radio set, tuning in a special program, and listening to the magic of sound-based storytelling. Re-Imagined Radio seeks to revive that magic with productions of classic and contemporary radio dramatic programs. We offer these productions as community storytelling experiences. We will continue with "A Radio Christmas Carol" as performed by Metropolitan Performing Arts following these announcements. Please stay tuned. We'll be right back with the second half of our performance. MUSIC 8.1: RE-IMAGINED RADIO THEME, FADE UP, ESTABLISH, THEN DUCK UNDER FOR PRODUCER'S WELCOME TO SECOND HALF OF PROGRAM. PRODUCER You are listening to Re-Imagined Radio. This episode presents Metropolitan Performing Arts and their performance of "A Radio Christmas Carol." Let's listen now to the second half of "A Radio Christmas Carol" performed for us by Metropolitan Performing Arts. MUSIC: CAROLS, "HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING" AND "SILENT NIGHT" MUSIC: PIANO, "CLEMENTI'S SONATA IN G MINOR" PLAY AND FADE UNDER NARRATION (USE MINUTES 0:00-:55 ACT 3: INTERIOR, SCROOGE'S BEDROOM: SCROOGE AND GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST BACKDROP SLIDE 3.1: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, FADE UP FROM BLACK SFX 3.1: CROSSFADE IN, BIG BEN STRIKES WESTMINSTER CHIME, PAUSE, STRIKES ONE SFX 3.2: GHOST AMBIENCE, FADE UP, ESTABLISH, THEN DUCK AND CONTINUE UNDER SCENE 3 AND SCENE 4 NARRATOR Scrooge awoke. He was lying on his bed. Suddenly, the curtains of his bed were drawn aside, and Scrooge found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them, as close to it as you are to the person sitting at your elbow. It was a strange figure . . . like a child, yet not so like a child as like an old woman. Its hair, which hung about its neck and down its back, was white as if with age, and yet the face had not a wrinkle in it, and the tenderest bloom was on the skin. The arms were long and muscular, the hands the same, as if its hold were of uncommon strength. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (ECHOING) Ebenezer Scrooge. SCROOGE (GASPS) Who . . . who's that? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Ebenezer Scrooge, I have come for you. SCROOGE You . . .? Are . . . are you the Spirit, Madame, whose coming was foretold me? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST I am that Spirit. SCROOGE Who . . .? What are you? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. SCROOGE Long Past? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST No. Your past. SCROOGE But . . . what do you want of me? What brings you here to haunt me? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Your welfare, Ebenezer Scrooge. Rise! and walk with me! SCROOGE Walk? In these slippers, dressing gown, night cap? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Come, we will leave by the window. SCROOGE Oh no, no, no. That is all very well for spirits. But I am mortal, and will fall down. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST I will keep you safe. Come! Follow me! MUSIC: PIANO, UP AND FADE OUT TO TRANSITION TO NEXT SCENE. "CLEMENTI'S SONATA IN G MINOR (USE MINUTES 4:30-5:00). ACT 4: ASTRAL SPACE: SCROOGE'S SCHOOL BACKDROP SLIDE 4.1: SCROOGE'S SCHOOL SFX 4.1: GHOST AMBIENCE, DUCK AND CONTINUE UNDER GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Look, just below us, Ebenezer Scrooge. Do you know this place. SCROOGE Why yes, I know it Spirit. I was a boy here. See, there is my old school with the cupola and the bell hanging in it. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Come, let us go closer. (BEAT) Look through the window into that cold, barren room. What do you see, Ebenezer Scrooge? SCROOGE I see a boy. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST A solitary child, neglected by his family. Alone. SCROOGE Yes, yes, I see. I know that boy. (SIGHS) Oh. I was that boy. So lonely when the school master told me Christmas was not for everyone, that self-pity was degrading. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (A very wise man. Don't you agree, Ebenezer?) SCROOGE Agh. Of course I don't agree, Spirit. Christmas is important for every child of that age. There was a young waif singing outside my office yesterday. I should have given him something. Oh, well. Too late now. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Is it? Come Ebenezer Scrooge. Let us see another Christmas. SFX 4.1: GHOST AMBIENCE, UP SUSTAIN, CROSSFADE TO . . . ACT 5: ASTRAL SPACE: FEZZIWIG'S PARTY BACKDROP SLIDE 5.1: FEZZIWIG'S PARTY GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Now we are in the city. And that lonely boy is older. Do you know this warehouse, Ebenezer SFX 5.1: FEZZIWIG PARTY, CROSSFADE WITH SFX 4.1. FADE UP AS A BED AND CONTINUE UNDER THE FOLLOWING SCROOGE (DELIGHTED) Know it?! Know it! This is the counting-house where I was apprenticed! (AFTER A PAUSE) It's my old master! Bless his heart; old Fezziwig! My master . . . alive again! And hosting one of his Christmas parties! (CHUCKLES HAPPILY) FEZZIWIG (CALLS A DANCE IN BACKGROUND) Pick your partners! SCROOGE Listen to him! FEZZIWIG Corkscrew! Thread the needle and back to your places! SCROOGE (LAUGHS ALONG WITH CROWD) OH, look! There's Mrs. Fezziwig herself, looking younger than any of 'em! And the tables, all loaded with roasts and cider, mince pie and beer! Oh, what a jolly time we used to have! GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST That carefree young man with the light heart and the gay smile? Do you recognize him? SCROOGE Yes, yes, yes. Merciful Heaven. How happy I was then. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST A small matter for old Fezziwig to make those silly folks so full of joy. SCROOGE (INDIGNANT) Small matter! Small, indeed. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Isn't it? He has spent only a few pounds of your mortal money. Is that so much that he deserves praise? SCROOGE (SCOFFS) It's not that, Spirit. Old Fezziwig has the power to make us happy or unhappy, to make our service light or heavy. His power lies in words and looks and in things so tiny that it's impossible to count them up. The happiness he gives is quite as great as if it cost a . . . a . . . GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST What is the matter? SCROOGE Oh, nothing. Nothing at all, Spirit. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Something, I think? SCROOGE No, no. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Speak. SCROOGE (HESITANTLY) Well, only. . . It's just that I should like to be able to say a word or two to MY clerk, Bob Cratchit. That's all. SFX 5.1: FEZZIWIG PARTY UP FOR A MOMENT, THEN FADE UNDER GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST My time grows short. And we have yet another journey to make. SCROOGE Where now? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Come! SFX 5.1: FEZZIWIG PARTY MUSIC UP, SUSTAIN, THEN SLOW CROSSFADE TO SFX 6.1 GHOST AMBIENCE TO PROVIDE TRANSITION ACT 6: ASTRAL SPACE: BELLE RELEASES SCROOGE BACKDROP SLIDE 6.1: BELLE RELEASES SCROOGE SFX 6.1: GHOST AMBIENCE (REUSE SFX 3.2), CROSSFADE FROM ABOVE, ESTABLISH, THEN DUCK UNDER AS BED FOR FOLLOWING GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST This is our last visit to your past, Ebenezer. Here, in this little room, with a fair young girl by your side. Do you recognize yourself, Ebenezer? SCROOGE (GASPS) No, no. No, no, no, no. Spare me this! GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST You're older now. A man in the prime of life. Your face has begun to wear the signs of care and avarice. Your eyes are greedy. The eager, restless eyes of a miser. SCROOGE No! No, please! GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST She knows it, too . . . that girl by your side. There are tears in her eyes. BELLE It matters little to you, very little . . . I know that. YOUNG SCROOGE Belle, have I changed toward you? BELLE When we were engaged, we were both poor. YOUNG SCROOGE Was it better then? Better to be poor? BELLE Better, at least, to be happy. You're changed. You were another man, then. YOUNG SCROOGE I was a boy! You blame me because I've grown wiser? Have I ever tried to break our engagement? BELLE In words, no. Never. YOUNG SCROOGE In what, then? BELLE In a changed nature. In an altered spirit. In everything that made my love of any value in your sight. So I release you from your promise. YOUNG SCROOGE Belle! BELLE Oh, at first, it may cause you pain to lose me. A very brief pain. But soon it will be dim, like a half-remembered dream. An unprofitable dream. And you will be glad to be awake from such a dream. May you be happy in the life you have chosen, Ebenezer. SCROOGE That's enough! Show me no more! Take me home! GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST These were shadows of the things that HAVE been. That they are what they are, do not blame me. SCROOGE No. No more. No more. Spirit, Spirit, I can't bear any more. Leave me. Haunt me no more. Take me back! Take me back! SFX 6.2: GHOST AMBIENCE, UP, SUSTAIN, THEN FADE OUT MUSIC: CAROLS, "O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM" MUSIC: PIANO, PLAY THEN FADE UNDER NARRATION "SHUBERT'S SONATA IN B FLAT" USE MINUES 0:00-1:32) ACT 7: INTERIOR, SCROOGE'S HOME: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT AND SCROOGE NARRATOR Scrooge awakened suddenly and sat bolt upright in his own bed. He remembered the words of Marley's ghost and wondered from which direction the second specter would appear. As he waited he became aware gradually of a great blaze of ruddy light, which seemed to shine upon him from the adjoining room. He got up softly and shuffled in his slippers to the door. It was his own sitting room . . . no doubt about that. But it had undergone a surprising transformation. The walls and ceiling were so hung with living green, that it looked a perfect grove; from every part of which, bright gleaming berries glistened and such a mighty blaze went roaring up the chimney, as had never been known in Scrooge's time. Heaped up on the floor, to form a kind of throne, were turkeys, geese, game, poultry, great joints of meat, suckling-pigs, long wreaths of sausages, mince-pies, plum-puddings, barrels of oysters, red-hot chestnuts, and seething bowls of punch, that made the chamber dim with their delicious steam. In easy state upon this couch, there sat a jolly Giant, glorious to see, who bore a glowing torch, in shape not unlike Plenty's horn, and held it up, high up, to shed its light on Scrooge, as he came peeping round the door. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Come in! Come in, Ebenezer Scrooge, and know me better, man! SCROOGE Who . . .? Who . . .? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT I am the Ghost of Christmas Present! Look upon me! You've never seen the like of me before! SCROOGE You're . . . You're different from the other Spirit. You're tall, almost a giant. And that great torch you carry . . . GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Its light pours into the homes of rich and poor alike. SCROOGE Spirit, take me where you will. Last time I went against my will and learnt a lesson which is working now. If you have anything to teach me, let me profit by it. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Take my hand, Ebenezer Scrooge! Take my hand! ACT 8: INTERIOR: CRATCHIT HOME BACKDROP SLIDE 8.1: CRATCHIT HOME SCROOGE Where've you brought me, Spirit? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT A humble dwelling in a humble street. SCROOGE It IS humble enough. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Yet there is happiness there. SCROOGE Who . . . who are these people? Who's that woman? And the children? SFX 8.1: CRATCHIT FAMILY CHATTER, FADE UNDER FOLLOWING GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT These are the family of your clerk, Bob Cratchit. His wife, dressed in a twice- turned gown, but brave in ribbons, laying the table for their Christmas dinner. And there, assisting her, is her daughter Belinda. And the young man with the fork in the stuffing . . . that's Master Peter Cratchit. And the two little Cratchits. Listen, Scrooge. SFX 8.2: DOOR OPEN YOUNG GIRL Here's Martha, mother! AD LIBS Martha! (EXCITED CHATTER) SFX 8.3: DOOR CLOSE MRS. CRATCHIT Why, bless your heart alive, Martha, my dear, merry Christmas to you! MARTHA Merry Christmas, Mother! AD LIBS Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! MRS. CRATCHIT How late you are, my dear. MARTHA Oh, we'd a deal of work to finish up last night and we had to clear away this morning. MRS. CRATCHIT Well, never mind so long as you're here now. Sit ye down before the fire and have a warm, Lord bless ye! MARTHA Where's father? MRS. CRATCHIT He's been to church with Tiny Tim. They'll be along directly. MARTHA (CONCERNED) How IS Tiny Tim, mother? Any better at all? MRS. CRATCHIT Sometimes I think he is. And sometimes I think . . . oh, dear God, if anything should happen to Tiny Tim . . . MARTHA (STEPS on MOTHER'S LINE) Mother! You mustn't even THINK of such a thing! SFX 8.4: DOOR OPENS, CRATCHIT AND TINY TIM ENTER CHILDREN AD LIB Here they are! MRS. CRATCHIT There's Tiny Tim! SFX 8.5: DOOR CLOSES CRATCHIT (Merry Christmas, everybody! Martha! Welcome, my dear!) MARTHA Merry Christmas, father! And Tim! SFX 8.6: FOOTSTEPS: TINY TIM AND BOB CRATCHIT, UNDER FOLLOWING. ***NOTE: TIM'S FOOTSTEPS SHOULD REPRESENT HIS USE OF A CRUTCH. TINY TIM Merry Christmas, Martha! MARTHA Oh, Tim, you darling! Oh, father, I'm so glad to be home. SFX 8.6: FOOTSTEPS STOP CRATCHIT And we're so glad to have you, Martha. MRS. CRATCHIT And how did little Tim behave in church, Bob? CRATCHIT Oh, as good as gold, and better. TINY TIM I like church, Mother. Oh, they sang the nicest songs. I hope people saw me there. MRS. CRATCHIT Saw you there? And why, Tim? TINY TIM Well, don't you see? Because I'm lame. And if they saw my crutch, it might be pleasant for them to remember on Christmas who it was made lame beggars walk, and blind men see. CRATCHIT Oh, bless you, my son. CHILDREN AD LIB Are we ready to eat, Mother? Come on, let's eat! (CHILDREN CONTINUE TO CHATTER UNDER FOLLOWING) SFX 8.7: DISHES, ETC. AT TABLE MRS. CRATCHIT Yes, children. We're all ready. Come, come take your places now. And, Bob, wait your turn . . . there's plenty! Stuffing and dressing and plum pudding for all of you. Martha, you take care of Tiny Tim. MARTHA Yes, Mother. MRS. CRATCHIT You see that he eats plenty, he must get tall and well. Now, sit down, sit down, everyone! CRATCHIT And, now, my dears, with such a dinner, a toast. A Merry Christmas to us all. And God bless us! MRS. CRATCHIT Amen. SFX 8.8: CLINKING GLASSES OF TOAST TINY TIM God bless us every one! CRATCHIT And, now, to Mr. Scrooge! CHILDREN AD LIB (UNHAPPY) Awwwww! CRATCHIT I give you a toast to Mr. Scrooge . . . the Founder of the Feast! MRS. CRATCHIT (UPSET) The Founder of the Feast indeed! . . . who pays you all of fifteen shillings a week! I wish I had him here. I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast on, and I hope he'd have a good appetite for it! CRATCHIT (PROTESTS) Oh, my dear . . . the children! Christmas Day. MRS. CRATCHIT Well, it should be Christmas Day, I'm sure, on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know he is, Bob! Nobody knows it better than you, poor fellow! CRATCHIT (INSISTS) My dear, Christmas Day. 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! TINY TIM And I say, God bless him, too, Mother. And God bless us, everyone. CHILDREN AD LIB (AGREEING WITH TIM) ACT 9: ASTRAL SPACE: FATE OF TINY TIM BACKDROP SLIDE 9.1: FATE OF TINY TIM GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Are those tears in your eyes Ebenezer Scrooge? SCROOGE Cratchit never told me his boy was lame. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT He has worn that brace, and carried that little crutch for as long as he can remember. They are not a handsome family, these Cratchits. They are not well dressed. Their shoes are far from being water-proof. Their clothes are scanty, and have known, very likely, the insides of a pawnbroker's. But, they are happy, grateful, pleased with one another, and contented with the time. But my time on this globe ends tonight, Ebenezer. I must away. SCROOGE Wait! Wait. Wait. Tell me this before you leave. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Yes? SCROOGE Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney- corner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. SCROOGE Oh, No, no, kind Spirit! Say he will be spared. Say he will live. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, Ebenezer, the child will die. SCROOGE No, no, no, oh, no, no. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Will it not be better if he dies? As you once said, "It will decrease the surplus population." Farewell, Ebenezer. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come awaits you. MUSIC: CAROLS, "WHAT CHILD IS THIS" MUSIC: PIANO, PLAY AND FADE UNDER NARRATOR, "CHOPIN BALLAD NUMBER 1 OP. 23" (USE MINUTES 0-:38) ACT 10: ASTRAL SPACE: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE AND SCROOGE BACKDROP SLIDE 10.1: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE NARRATOR Scrooge found himself once more in his bed, in his dressing gown with his nightcap on his head. He remembered the prediction of old Jacob Marley, and lifting up his eyes, beheld the Ghost of Christmas Future . . . a solemn Phantom, shrouded in black, draped and hooded, coming towards him, slowly and silently, like a mist along the ground. SFX 10.0: GHOST AMBIENCE (REUSE SFX3.2), FADE UP, SUSTAIN, THEN DUCK UNDER SCROOGE I know you. You . . . you are the Ghost of Christmas Future. You'll show me the shadows of things that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us. Answer me, Spirit! I fear you more than any specter I've seen. Yet I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, lead on. Lead on! The night is waning fast, and time is precious. SFX 10.1: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE 1 (NON-VOCAL REPRESENTATION OF SPEECH) SCROOGE Spirit! Why . . . why have you brought me here again? Here to Bob Cratchit's home? But it's not the same . . . What . . . ? Why is it so quiet, so very quiet here? SFX 10.2: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE 2 (NON-VOCAL REPRESENTATION OF SPEECH) MRS. CRATCHIT (WEEPING) MARTHA Mother. . . . Mother, please. MRS. CRATCHIT (WEEPING) Oh, my son. My little son. Tiny Tim. I loved him so. MARTHA Oh, Mother dear, you mustn't. It's almost time for father to be home. Don't let him see you crying. MRS. CRATCHIT Yes. Yes, Martha. MARTHA He's late tonight. MRS. CRATCHIT He walks more slowly than he used to. And yet I've known him to walk very fast indeed with Tiny Tim on his shoulder. MARTHA So have I, Mother. MRS. CRATCHIT But he was light to carry. And his father loved him so that it was no trouble: no trouble . . . SFX 10.3: DOOR OPENS SFX 10.4: CRATCHIT FOOTSTEPS, ENTERING MRS. CRATCHIT Bob! SFX 10.5: DOOR CLOSES CRATCHIT Good evening, my dear. MRS. CRATCHIT You're late, Bob. CRATCHIT Yes, I'm sorry, my dear. I . . . I went to the church yard today. I wish you could have gone with me. It would have done your heart good to see how sweet and green a place it is. But you'll see it often, I promised him. Yes, I promised Tiny Tim we'd walk there on a Sunday. MARTHA Father, dear. MRS. CRATCHIT It's God's will, Bob. CRATCHIT I'm trying to understand it, my dear. (TO HIMSELF) My son. My little son, Tiny Tim. And I loved him so. SFX 10.6: GHOST AMBIENCE, FADE UP, SUSTAIN, HOLD AS TRANSITION TO NEXT SCENE . . . ACT 11: ASTRAL SPACE: FATE OF SCROOGE BACKDROP SLIDE 11.1: VICTORIAN STREET, NIGHT SFX 11.1: GHOST AMBIENCE, FADE DOWN AND OUT UNDER THE FOLLOWING . . . SCROOGE Oh, that's cruel. Cruel. Spirit? Can't you give me one ray of hope that I may change all that? That Tiny Tim may live? Where are you taking me now? Here? On a common street, Spirit? What is there for me to learn here? Who . . . who are those men? SFX 11.2: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE 3 (NON-VOCAL REPRESENTATION OF SPEECH) 1ST MAN I don't know much about it, either way. I only know he's dead. 2ND MAN When did he die? 1ST MAN Last night, I believe. 2ND MAN It's likely to be a very cheap funeral, for upon my life, I don't know anybody to go to it. Suppose we make up a party and volunteer? 1ST MAN I don't mind going if a lunch is provided. (BOTH MEN LAUGH) 2ND MAN Come to think of it, I'll bet I was his best friend. 1ST MAN What? 2ND MAN We used to nod to each other when we met in the street. (MORE LAUGHS) SFX 11.3: GHOST AMBIENCE, FADE UP, SUSTAIN, THEN DUCK UNDER FOLLOWING . . . SCROOGE Spirit, help me. Who is this man that died? Is there no one to mourn the poor creature? No one to follow him to the grave? Perhaps they'll give him a green grave at least, like poor Tiny Tim. Perhaps . . . SFX 11.4: GHOST AMBIENCE, FADE UP, SUSTAIN AS RESPONSE FROM GHOST, THEN DUCK UNDER FOLLOWING . . . SCROOGE Ah, now I see it. Uh huh. There's writing on that stone. The name on the gravestone is . . . (READS, AWED) Ebenezer Scrooge. Ebenezer Scrooge?! Oh, no, no, Spirit! No, no, no! Hear me! I'm not the man I was! Why show me this, if I am past all hope?! Tell me that I can change these dreadful shadows you've shown me by an altered life! I'll honor Christmas in my heart! I'll . . . I'll try to keep it all the year. I'll live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. And I'll not shut out the lessons that they teach. Tell me, Spirit, oh, go on, tell me! Tell me that I can sponge away the writing on that stone, Spirit. I beg you, Spirit! I beg you! SFX 11.5: GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE SFX 11.6: GHOST AMBIENCE, FADE UP, SUSTAIN, THEN FADE AS TRANSITION TO NEXT SCENE . . MUSIC: CAROLS, "THE FIRST NOELLE" MUSIC: PIANO, PLAY AND THEN FADE UNDER NARRATOR, "CHOPIN ALLEGRO DE CONCERT" (USE MINUTES 0:00-:11) ACT 12: INTERIOR, SCROOGE'S HOME: SCROOGE BUYS A GOOSE NARRATOR Scrooge woke a changed man. SCROOGE Why, what's this? It's my own bedpost. Oh! I'm home. In my own bed. In my own room. And the sun! The sun's shining! It's clear! It's bright! No fog! What a beautiful day. Oh, glorious, glorious. SFX 12.1: DOOR OPENS SFX 12.2: AS DOOR OPENS, FADE UP CHRISTMAS CHURCH BELLS, SUSTAIN, THEN DUCK AND CONTINUE UNDER THE FOLLOWING . . . SCROOGE (CALLS OUT) Hey, hello! Oh, excuse me! GOOSE PERSON Yes, sir? SCROOGE What . . . What day is today? GOOSE PERSON What's that, sir? SCROOGE What day is it, my fine friend? GOOSE PERSON Today? Why, it's Christmas Day. SCROOGE Ha ha! Christmas Day! Then I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done it all in one night. All in one night. Heaven be praised. GOOSE PERSON How's that, sir? SCROOGE Listen, er, you know where the Poulterer is, in the next street? GOOSE PERSON I should say I do! SCROOGE Ha! An intelligent person! A remarkable person! Tell me, do you know if they sold the prize goose that was hanging in the window? GOOSE PERSON The one as big as me? SCROOGE (TO HIMSELF) Hee hee hee! What a delightful person! It's a pleasure to talk to ye. (TO GOOSE PERSON) Yes, my friend! GOOSE PERSON It's hanging there now, sir. SCROOGE That's wonderful. Go down, will you? And tell them to send it to Bob Cratchit and his family on Broad Street. And, mind you, they're not to know who paid for it. Go along, hurry, hurry, my friend. Here, here, wait a minute. Here's half-a-crown for your trouble. GOOSE PERSON Yes, sir! Yes, sir! And a merry Christmas, sir! SCROOGE Ha ha! And a merry Christmas to you, my friend! SFX 12.3: DOOR CLOSES SFX 12.2: CHRISTMAS CHURCH BELLS OUT WITH CLOSING OF DOOR SCROOGE (TO HIMSELF) Oh! I don't know what to do! I'm as light as a feather! As happy as an angel! I'm as merry as a schoolboy! (CALLS OUT) Merry Christmas! (LAUGHS) A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world. Whoo! Whoo! Hallooo! Ah, let's see. I must get dressed. Yes, I have much to do. It is going to be a very busy day. Yes, ha, a very busy day. MUSIC: CAROL, "GOOD KING WENCESLAS," PLAY AND FADE UNDER NARRATOR AND LINES OUTSIDE ACT 13: EXTERIOR, STREETS: SCROOGE ENJOYS CHRISTMAS BACKDROP SLIDE 13.1: CONTINUE WITH PRE-SHOW SFX 13.1: CHRISTMAS DAY STREET SOUNDS, CHURCH BELLS, DUCK UNDER ENTIRE SCENE NARRATOR And it was a very busy day. Ebenezer Scrooge was out observing Christmas in the merriest way. Scrooge talked with everyone he met. SCROOGE My dear sir! How do you do? CHARITY GENTLEMAN I . . . I beg your pardon? SCROOGE Well, you, sir . . . aren't you the gentleman who came to my office in regard to that charity? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Why, yes, sir. SCROOGE (WARMLY) A merry Christmas to you. CHARITY GENTLEMAN Er, yes, sir. SCROOGE Allow me to ask your pardon, sir. And will you have the goodness to accept . . . (LOWERS HIS VOICE) I prefer to whisper this. (WHISPERS) CHARITY GENTLEMAN Wha . . .? But Lord bless me! My dear Mr. Scrooge, are you serious? SCROOGE If you please. Now, not a farthing less. (CHUCKLES) A great many back- payments are included in it, I assure you! Heh! Will you do me that favor? CHARITY GENTLEMAN Well, my dear sir, I don't know what to say to such generosity! SCROOGE Now! Don't say anything, please. Come and see me. Will you . . . will you come and see me? CHARITY GENTLEMAN I will! I will, indeed. SCROOGE Ha ha! Thank you. I am much obliged to you. I thank you fifty times. Bless you! Merry Christmas! NARRATOR As he walked about, Scrooge looked so delighted that people could not resist talking to him. MAN ON STREET Merry Christmas, Mr. Scrooge. SCROOGE Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! NARRATOR Yes, and he stopped to pat children on the head. SCROOGE Hee, hee, Merry Christmas, my dear. NARRATOR And he gave shillings to beggars. BEGGAR God bless you, Mr. Scrooge. NARRATOR And Scrooge even went calling on his nephew. And his nephew's wife kissed him. Oh, Scrooge had a wonderful time. And a wonderful Christmas. SFX 13.1: CHRISTMAS DAY CHURCH BELLS, FADE OUT MUSIC: CAROLS, "O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL" AND "O CHRISTMAS TREE" MUSIC: PIANO, "SHUBERT SONATA" (USE 5:40-6:20) ACT 14: INTERIOR, SCROOGE'S OFFICE: SCROOGE SURPRISES CRATCHIT BACKDROP SLIDE 14.1: SCROOGE- MARLEY OFFICE, INTERIOR NARRATOR Next morning, Scrooge was early at his office. He went early for a reason. If he could only be there first, and catch Bob Cratchit coming late! That was the thing he'd set his heart upon. And he did it; yes, he did! The clock struck nine. No Cratchit. A quarter past. No Cratchit. Scrooge sat with his door wide open, that he might see Cratchit come in. When Cratchit did arrive, Scrooge called out . . . SFX 14.1: DOOR OPENS SCROOGE Hallo, you Cratchit! CRATCHIT Yes, sir? SFX 14.2: DOOR CLOSES SCROOGE (STERNLY) Step this way, Cratchit, if you please. SFX 14.3: CRATCHIT'S RELUCTANT FOOTSTEPS INTO OFFICE SCROOGE (STERNLY) Cratchit! What do you mean by coming in at this time of day? CRATCHIT Why, I am very sorry, sir. I am behind my time. SCROOGE (WITH A HINT OF HUMOR) You are. Yes, yes. I think you are. CRATCHIT (CONFUSED) Oh, it's only once a year, Mr. Scrooge. It shall not be repeated. I was making rather merry yesterday, sir. SCROOGE I'll tell you what, (WARMLY) my friend . . . I'll not stand this sort of thing any longer! And therefore, Bob Cratchit . . . (WITH EMPHASIS) I'm about to raise your salary. CRATCHIT (AFTER A PAUSE, TREMBLING) Mr. Scrooge? Are you quite yourself, sir? SCROOGE No. No, thank Heaven, I'm NOT quite myself. Merry Christmas, Bob! (LAUGHS) Merry Christmas, my good fellow! A merrier Christmas than I've given you in many a year! I shall raise your salary, and we'll see what we can do for Tiny Tim and the rest of your family. Hah?! (CHUCKLES) We . . . we'll discuss it this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop. MUSIC:PIANO, PLAY AND FADE UNDER NARRATOR, "SHUBERT’S SONATA" (USE 6:58-END) ACT 15: THE END NARRATOR Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more. To Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them. His own heart laughed. That was quite enough for him. He had no further interaction with Spirits, and lived happily ever after. And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us all. And so, as Tiny Tim observed . . . TINY TIM God bless Us, Every One. MUSIC: CAROLS, "WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS" PRODUCER That concludes "A Radio Christmas Carol," presented by Re-Imagined Radio. Our cast included . . . Julie Steinbrenner as Narrator Jeffrey Puukka as Ebenezer Scrooge Will Johnson as Bob Cratchit, Young Scrooge, and Second Man Kristin Heller as Charity Gentleman, Belle, Mrs. Cratchit, and Beggar on Street Greg Shilling as Nephew Fred, Tiny Tim and Goose Person Jason Weed as Ghost of Marley, Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present, Man on Street, and 1st Man Barbara Richardson as Ghost of Christmas Past, Young Girl with Cratchit family, and Martha Cratchit Ghost of Christmas Future (a non- speaking part) This Re-Imagined Radio performance was based on the ever timeless novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and the 24 December 1939 radio adaptation by The Campbell Playhouse starring Lionel Barrymore and Orson Welles. Script adaptation by John Barber Directed by Barbara Richardson Audio recording and post production by Martin John Gallagher Sound Design by John Barber Broadcast services by KXRW, Vancouver, Washington Produced by John Barber Special thanks again to CASA Clark County, ADCO Commercial Printing and Graphics, and New Vansterdam for their help making programing like this possible. Thanks also to The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program at Washington State University Vancouver, Metropolitan Performing Arts, Kiggins Theatre, Martin John Gallagher, and KXRW, Vancouver Washington's independent, community radio station, for their in kind support. This has been a production of Re- Imagined Radio. For information about our performances and to subscribe to our snappy email newsletter, please visit our website, www DOT reimaginedradio DOT net. That's www DOT reimaginedradio (all one word, no punctuation) DOT net. This is John Barber, producer of Re-Imagined Radio. Thank you so much for listening. Best holiday wishes to you one and all. MUSIC 15.1: CROSSFADE INTO . . . MUSIC: CAROLS, "GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN," "JINGLE BELLS," "JOLLY OLD ST NICHOLAS," AND "WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS"