Book & Lyrics by John Popa

Music by Steve Parsons

PRODUCTION SCRIPT

www.stagerights.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Copyright © 1997, 2015 Steve Parsons and John Popa
All Rights Reserved

All performances and public readings of A CHRISTMAS CAROL are subject to royalties. It is fully protected
under the copyright laws of the United States of America, of all countries covered by the International
Copyright Union, of all countries covered by the Pan-American Copyright Convention and the Universal
Copyright Convention, and of all countries with which the United States has reciprocal copyright relations.
All rights are strictly reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any
means, including mechanical, electronics, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
the author. Publication of this play does not necessarily imply that it is available for performance by
amateurs or professionals. It is strongly recommended all interested parties apply to Steele Spring Stage
Rights for performance rights before starting rehearsals or advertising.

No changes shall be made in the play for the purpose of your production without prior written consent. All
billing stipulations in your license agreement must be strictly adhered to. No person, firm or entity may
receive credit larger or more prominent than that accorded the Author.

For all stage performance inquiries, please contact:

Steele Spring Stage Rights

3845 Cazador Street
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 739-0413
www.stagerights.com
 PRODUCTION HISTORY
A Christmas Carol – The New Musical was originally presented by The Players Guild Theatre in
Canton, Ohio on November 28th, 1997. The director was Bil Pfuderer; the music director was
Steve Parsons, the choreography was by Sharon Rae; the lighting design was by Scott Kirkham;
the sound design was by Scott Sutton; the costume design was by Bil Pfuderer and Richard
Boczek; the set design was by Don Keith; and the production stage manager was Karen Heaston.
The cast was as follows:

EBENEZER SCROOGE ............................................ Donald F. Curie

BOB CRATCHIT ............................................................ John Capocci
FRED ..........................................................................Mickey Carroll
BELLE/ELIZABETH ............................................ Stephanie Newport
TINY TIM ................................................................... Cameron Dunn
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST ..................................... Keitha Wells
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT ......................... Richard Reahm
JACOB MARLEY/OLD JOE ................................................. Bob Baab
MR. FEZZIWIG ............................................................. Barry Wakser
MRS. FEZZIWIG ...................................................... Elizabeth Mapp
MRS. DILBER ............................................................ Kathy Ashcroft
MOLLY/MRS. CRATCHIT ........................................... Carol Capocci
COLLECTING MEN ........... Bryan Fetty, Dana E. Cole, John Apynys
 PRODUCTION HISTORY (CONT’D)
The revised version was presented by The Players Guild Theatre (Joshua Erichsen, Producing
Artistic Director) in Canton, Ohio on December 4th, 2015. The direction and choreography was by
Michael Lawrence Akers; the music direction, orchestration and vocal arrangements were by
Steve Parsons; the lighting and sound design was by Scott Sutton; the costume design was by
George McCarty II; the scenic design was by Joshua Erichsen; the flying effects were by ZFX
Flying Effects; the Technical Director was Joseph Carmola; and the production stage manager
was Megan Slabach. The cast was as follows:

EBENEZER SCROOGE ...................................................................... Don Jones

BOB CRATCHIT ...................................................................... Matthew Horning
FRED/YOUNG EBENEZER ...................................................... Matthew Heppe
BELLE/ELIZABETH ................................................................. Amanda Medley
TINY TIM .................................................................................. Adam Petrosino
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST/MATCH GIRL/
MRS. CRATCHIT ................................................................ Sarah Marie Young
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT/MR. FEZZIWIG..................... Bart Herman
JACOB MARLEY/OLD JOE/COLLECTING MAN #1 .....................Greg Rininger
MRS. FEZZIWIG/MOLLY .......................................................... Olivia Wimberly
MRS. DILBER/ROGUE WOMAN ..............................................Lisa Kaye Pyles
COLLECTING MAN #2/DICK WILKINS/TOPPER ........................... Doug Lizak
COLLECTING MAN #3/HOMELESS MAN ................................. Tyler Ferrebee
MARTHA CRATCHIT .................................................................... Natalie James
BOY SCROOGE/PETER CRATCHIT..................................................... Jared Six
FAN/BELINDA CRATCHIT ....................................................... Ariana Tsenekos
CLARA ........................................................................................... Miah Bickley
CORA .............................................................................................. Jill Williams
TURKEY BOY ................................................................................ Aden Graves
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET-TO-COME ..................................... Devin Koehler
ENSEMBLE — Noah Able, Mark Conneely, Kashari Dove, Zachary Juhasz, Reeghan Kerns, Tess
Marie, Erin Milano, Stephen Petrosino, Jennifer Ryan, Corrin Smith, Linda Teis, Sophia Tsenekos,
Justin Trompower
 CHARACTERS
Cast Requirements: 12M, 8F, Ensemble
EBENEZER SCROOGE: Male, 50s or older. Scrooge is a grumpy old man who’s buried a lot of
memories by focusing only on his work and material success. Vocal Range: A2-F#4.
BOB CRATCHIT: Male, 30s or older. Bob is a good-natured and hard-working man, doing his best
to stay positive while supporting a large family and working for a difficult boss. Vocal Range: C3-
Gb4.
FRED: Male, 20s and up. Fred is the opposite of his uncle Scrooge— upbeat and optimistic, he
celebrates his life, even though he’s not well off financially. Vocal Range: C3-G4.
YOUNG EBENEZER: Male, late teens-early 20s. Unlike his older self, Young Ebenezer tempers his
drive to succeed with a dash of wide-eyed romance. Vocal Range: C3-G4.
BELLE: Female, late teens-early 20s. Belle is the girl of Young Ebenezer’s dreams, who falls for
him but is strong and independent enough to walk away when he chooses work over her. Vocal
Range: B3-E5.
ELIZABETH: Female, 20s and up. Elizabeth is Fred’s better half; confident and strong, a modern
woman who isn’t afraid to let her voice be heard. Vocal Range: B3-E5.
TINY TIM: Male, between 8-12. Tiny Tim is Cratchit’s partially crippled son who still believes in
everything around him, despite his physical condition. Vocal Range: D4-D5.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST: Female, late teens and up. The Ghost seems soft and airy, but her
questioning of Scrooge intentionally causes him to address memories he’d be happier to push
aside. Vocal Range: B3-F5.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT: Male, adult. Loud and boisterous, the Ghost lives in the
moment but mixes his good nature with a serious understanding of the weight of time. Vocal
Range: Ab2-Gb4.
JACOB MARLEY: Male, 50s or older. The ghost of Jacob Marley shows the tragic end of a life lived
like Scrooge’s. He deals in heavy emotions at all times— anger and anguish mostly. Vocal Range:
C#3-Eb4.
OLD JOE: Male, 50s or older. Old Joe is a street person with a wicked sense of humor who’s not
afraid to engage in some dirty business. Vocal Range: A2-E4.
MOLLY: Female, adult. The female equivalent of Old Joe. Vocal Range: A3-C5.
COLLECTING MEN 1-3: Male. The Collecting Men are somewhat lovable fops who finish one
another’s sentences and have their sales pitch down to a science. Vocal Range: Man 1, Bb2-F4;
Man 2, Bb2-Bb4 (falsetto); Man 3, Bb2-F4.
MR. FEZZIWIG: Male, 40s or older. Mr. Fezziwig is a huge personality who is loved by all and who
wants nothing more than to share his success with everyone around him. Vocal Range: C3-E4.
MRS. FEZZIWIG: Female, 40s or older. Much like Mr. Fezziwig, Mrs. Fezziwig is a big personality
who turns everything she touches into a celebration. Vocal Range: C4-D5.
 CHARACTERS (CONT’D)
MRS. DILBER: Female, 50s or older. Scrooge’s miserable housekeeper who runs with a rougher
crowd than Scrooge probably knows. Vocal Range: A3-C5.
MRS. CRATCHIT: Female, 30s and up. Bob Cratchit’s supportive wife and mother to their large
brood. Vocal Range: A3-D5
MARTHA CRATCHIT: Female, late teens or older. Bob Cratchit’s oldest child who has moved out
but who makes it home for Christmas, knowing how important it is to the family. Vocal Range:
C4-E5.
BELINDA CRATCHIT: Female, pre-teen. Bob Cratchit’s younger daughter. Vocal Range: A3-A4.
WILLIE CRATCHIT: Male, pre-teen. Bob Cratchit’s younger son. Vocal Range: A3-A4.
PETER CRATCHIT: Male, early teens. Bob Cratchit’s oldest son, on the brink of adulthood but not
quite there yet. Vocal Range: C3-D4.
BOY SCROOGE: Male, pre-teen. Scrooge as a child is sullen and lonely, mostly content to bury
himself in books rather than engage the world around him. Vocal Range: Non-singing role.
FAN: Female, pre-teen; Scrooge’s slightly older sister. Her warmth is such that she can make
even Boy Scrooge’s saddest day better. Vocal Range: Non-singing role.
CLARA: Female, early 20s and older. A guest at Fred’s party and one object of Topper’s
affections. Vocal Range: F4-C5.
CORA: Female, early 20s and older. Another guest at Fred’s party and another object of Topper’s
affections. Vocal Range: F4-C5.
BESSIE FEZZIWIG: Female, older teen. Mr. Fezziwig’s pretty daughter. Vocal Range: Sings only
with the ensemble.
TOPPER: Male, 20s or older. Fred’s somewhat rowdy but entertaining friend. Vocal Range: Bb2-
D4.
TURKEY BOY: Male, pre-teen. A boy Scrooge meets on the street who is sent on an errand. Vocal
Range: Non-singing role.
DICK WILKINS: Male, late teen or early twenties. Young Ebenezer’s best friend, an outgoing and
confident young man. Vocal Range: C3-F4.
ROGUES’ SONG SOLOIST #1: Female, any age. A homeless person, lost and alone in the streets
at night. Vocal Range: A3-C#5.
ROGUES’ SONG SOLOIST #2: Male, any age. A homeless person, lost and alone in the streets at
night. Vocal Range: F#3-E4.
IGNORANCE: Boy, pre-teen. A creepy phantom of a child that torments Scrooge. Vocal Range:
Non-singing role.
WANT: Girl, pre-teen. Vocal Range: Non-singing role.
 CASTING NOTES
The show was developed with the cast doublings listed below in mind. While not required, they
do often create some dramatic parallels (and give the actors something to do in each act.)
• Fred/Young Ebenezer
• Belle/Elizabeth
• Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit
• Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Fezziwig
• Jacob Marley/Old Joe
• Mrs. Fezziwig/Molly
• Fan/Belinda Cratchit
• Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit

SETTING
London, England. 1843.

RUN TIME
2 hours, 15 minutes.
 SCENIC, PROP, AND COSTUME REQUIREMENTS
A Christmas Carol has been STAGED in a variety of ways, from a small, abstract “conceptual” set
to a large-scale realistic depiction of London. The most important element in deciding on an
approach is that the design must be flexible enough to allow for several shifts of location without
cumbersome scene changes that interrupt the flow. Even for theatres without a fully-equipped fly
system, rotating set pieces and other ideas have been found to help move the show along quite
effectively.
Similarly, COSTUMES can be as elaborate or simple as needed, although they should always
suggest the Victorian era in some way. Since the show involves quite a bit of actor doubling and
passing through different time periods, careful attention will need to be paid to indicating these
changes.
PROPS and SET DRESSING are more important in A Christmas Carol than a large set, and can be
quite effective in portraying the time period and scenes (especially with a creative lighting
design). A minimum plot might consist of the following:
• 2 Desks (mandatory for the opening scene, then one doubles as Fezziwig/Young Ebenezer’s
desk later.)
• A coal stove with opening door
• Coins (for Scrooge’s desk and to present to the Turkey Boy)
• Metal donation cups
• Single candles in metal holders
• Matches and a wearable tray for the Match Girl
• Tiny Tim’s crutch
• A large hardbound book for Boy Scrooge
• A broom for Young Ebenezer
• A small table of food for Fezziwig’s party
• A ledger and quill pen
• A staff or cornucopia for the Ghost of Christmas Present
• A table and chairs for the Cratchit family
• A small goose
• Trashcans for the Rogues and Homeless (possibly lit from within)
• Wine glasses and tray
• A loveseat and matching chair
• Gravestones
• A large turkey (tied in a cloth bag)
 MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I
1. Overture ........................................................................................................................ Instrumental
2. The Season Starts Today ....................................... Townspeople, Collecting Men, Fred, Carolers
Bob Cratchit & Ensemble
3. Scrooge’s Song .................................................................................................... Ebenezer Scrooge
4. Mister Scrooge .......................................................................................................... Collecting Men
4A. God Bless Us Everyone ....................................................................................................... Carolers
4B. Out of the Courthouse .................................................................................................. Instrumental
5. Next Christmas ............................................................................................................. Bob Cratchit
6. Scrooge’s Song (Reprise) .................................................................................... Ebenezer Scrooge
6A. Into Scrooge’s House ................................................................................................... Instrumental
7. Look at These Chains .................................................................................................. Jacob Marley
7A. Christmas Past ............................................................................................................. Instrumental
8. Walk with Me ............................................................................................ Ghost of Christmas Past
9. Ten Minutes More (Part 1) ..................................................................................... Young Ebenezer
9A. Ten Minutes More (Part 2) ......................... Dick Wilkins, Young Ebenezer & Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig
10. Nothing Else Like Christmas ................... Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig, Dick Wilkins, Guests & Ensemble
11. One Day ...................................................................................................... Young Ebenezer & Belle
12. Walk with Me (Reprise) ............................................................... Ghost of Christmas Past & Belle
13. I Have to Know ........................................................................................................................... Belle
14. Act I Finale ................................................................................... Ghost of Christmas Past, Guests
Ebenezer Scrooge & Ensemble
 MUSICAL NUMBERS (CONT’D)

ACT II
15. Entr’acte ........................................................................................................................ Instrumental
16. Beats the Dickens Out of Me ..............................Ghost of Christmas Present, Ebenezer Scrooge
Townspeople & Ensemble
17. Forever ................................................................................................. Ghost of Christmas Present
18. The Cratchits/Prayer ............................................................. Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Mrs. Cratchit
Martha, Peter, Willie & Belinda
19. A Child Alone ............................................................................................... Tiny Tim & Bob Cratchit
20. Rogues’ Song (Shine a Light On Me)............................................ Rogue Woman, Homeless Man
Rogues & Homeless & Rogue Child
20A. Rogues’ Exit ................................................................................................................. Instrumental
21. Yes and No/One Day (Reprise) ......................................... Topper, Fred, Elizabeth, Clara & Cora
22. Forever (Reprise) ............................................................................... Ghost of Christmas Present
23. We Build Ourselves Up ............................................ Collecting Men, Old Joe Mrs. Dilber & Molly
23A. Old Joe’s Exit ............................................................................................................... Instrumental
24. The Graveyard .......................................................... Mrs. Cratchit, Martha, Peter, Willie, Belinda
Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim & Ebenezer Scrooge
25. Scrooge’s Epiphany ........................................................................................... Ebenezer Scrooge
25A. Christmas Morning ..................................................................................................... Instrumental
25B.Out of Scrooge’s House .................................................................................................. Ensemble
25C.To the Cratchits’ .......................................................................................................... Instrumental
26. Finale ................................................................................. Carolers, Bob Cratchit & Mrs. Cratchit
27. Bows & Exit Music....................................................................................................... Instrumental
 AUTHORS’ NOTES
“So, what rhymes with ‘Scrooge’?”
As it turns out, not a lot in the sense of useful lyric material! Despite this slight creative limitation,
in 1997 we found ourselves, at the request of a local theatre, creating a song demo and
treatment for a full-fledged musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novella. We
immediately understood that this was no simple feat, as the list of movies, plays and (perhaps
more relevant to our situation) musicals numbered in the thousands, so there were bound to be
high expectations.
In doing our research, one thing stood out clearly: it was rare that most versions were able to
both capture the feel of the source material AND relate the issues Dickens dealt with to
contemporary audiences. With that in mind, we knew that merely updating the setting or style
would alienate those who love the traditional story, but we needed our own spin to effectively
create a new take. As if on cue, one thoughtful actor asked a game-changing question in the
middle of rehearsals: “Why does it seem that Scrooge ultimately just changes to avoid his own
death?” Pondering an answer lead to our solution: Tiny Tim.
Social commentator that he was, Dickens placed Tiny Tim into his book to emphasize the plight
of the under-privileged children of his day. What if Scrooge realized his own responsibility in
causing the Cratchits’ situation and that fact softened his heart enough to truly seek
redemption? Certainly a much nobler reason than fear, and something current audiences could
empathize with. That’s not to say we didn’t point up other story elements as well, but there
needed to be something selfless to finalize his change in the graveyard. Tiny Tim’s death and his
father’s grief are emphasized so strongly in the original text that we felt Dickens was leading us
right to our needed hook.
In the years since that first version, the show has been performed for 12 seasons at its
originating theatre, been produced in both New York and California, and even had its first
international production in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! Yet, despite the vast cultural differences in
our audiences and numerous revisions of script and score, we’ve never lost sight of that creative
breakthrough and its importance to our show.
The 2015 production that spawned this licensed edition was carefully revised to polish the
material without tampering with the core effectiveness of our well-traveled musical. Special
thanks must go to the late Bil Pfuderer (original director and producer) and Michael Lawrence
Akers (2015 director/choreographer) for their considerable input and guidance. Additional
thanks to Joshua Erichsen (Producing Artistic Director, Players Guild Theatre) for his passion for
the show and use of the artwork/logo, and the many cast, crew and orchestra members who
have brought this show to life time and time again.
We hope this adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings joy to your holiday season!

Steve Parsons & John Popa, February, 2017

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT 1

ACT I

PROLOGUE
SONG #1: OVERTURE

The OVERTURE ends with the chiming of Big Ben. Lights come up
on the streets of London as two shopkeepers throw open their
windows and call to each other. The music segues.

SONG #2: THE SEASON STARTS TODAY

FEMALE SHOPKEEPER
COME AND SING A CHRISTMAS CAROL!
MALE SHOPKEEPER
COME AND SING A CHRISTMAS CAROL!
COMPANY enters as shoppers, etc. sing overlapping phrases.
CAROLERS
LET VOICES RING
AND PROVE
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LIVES
LET VOICES RING,
LET VOICES RING!
MEN (SIMULTANEOUSLY)
COME AND SING
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
LET THE MELODY RING OUT
COME AND SING
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
COME AND SING, COME AND SING!
WOMEN (SIMULTANEOUSLY)
COME AND SING
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
COME AND SING A SONG
COME AND SING
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
ALL are onstage. They sing in unison.
ALL
COME AND SING A CHRISTMAS CAROL
LET THE MELODY RING OUT
2 A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT

ALL (CONT’D)
HUM THE TUNE IN DAILY TOIL
HOLDING CLOSE WHAT IT'S ABOUT

REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
IN EV'RY SINGLE WAY
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
THE SEASON STARTS TODAY!
Three COLLECTING MEN appear and solicit money good-
naturedly.
COLLECTING MAN #1
GIVE A PENNY, ONE DONATION
COLLECTING MAN #2
GIVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN SPARE
COLLECTING MAN #3
TAKE THE TIME FOR YOUR ELATION
DON'T FORGET WHO GOT YOU THERE
COLLECTING MEN
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
IN ANY WAY YOU MAY
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
THE SEASON STARTS TODAY
SCROOGE appears and pushes his way through the crowd. A
MATCH GIRL [GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST] offers him a match
from her tray but he ignores her and keeps walking. A group of
CAROLERS stands on the street corner singing a carol. The
COLLECTING MEN listen and playfully conduct their song, joining
in.
FRED and ELIZABETH emerge from the crowd, approaching the
COLLECTING MEN and generally being friendly with most anyone
they see.
FRED
PEACE AND JOY
TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU
(to the Collecting Men)
TAKE THESE COINS, MY OFF'RING TO YOUR CAUSE
(to Elizabeth)
AS FOR YOU, I'VE SOMETHING FOR YOU TOO
(producing a gift of some sort)
KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU
KNOW MY WORDS ARE TRUE
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT 3

CAROLERS
LET VOICES RING
AND PROVE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LIVES
ALL PEOPLE SING
AND PRAISE THE GOODNESS CHRISTMAS GIVES

ON CHRISTMAS MORN
LET PEACE BE BORN
THE SEASON'S NEVER DONE

TO EACH AND ALL OF YOU

GOD BLESS US EV'RY ONE

TO EACH AND ALL OF YOU

GOD BLESS US EV’RY…
SCROOGE angrily bursts through the group of CAROLERS as
music stops.
SCROOGE
Out of my way!
COLLECTING MEN
(in unison, staring after him)
Oh my!
The COLLECTING MEN resume their merriment as SCROOGE exits
into his counting house.
(singing)
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
IN ANY WAY WE MAY
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
THE SEASON STARTS TODAY
Amongst the crowd, BOB CRATCHIT and TINY TIM emerge.
CRATCHIT
ONE MORE DAY
AND CHRISTMAS WILL BE HERE AGAIN
JUST ONE MORE
UNTIL OUR WAIT IS THROUGH
DON'T FORGET, THAT ONCE THE TABLE'S SET
WE WILL BE TOGETHER
FOR THE BEST DAY YET
COMPANY
COME AND SING A CHRISTMAS CAROL
LET THE MELODY RING OUT
HUM THE TUNE IN DAILY TOIL
HOLDING CLOSE WHAT IT'S ABOUT
4 A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT

COMPANY (CONT’D)
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
GIVE THANKS TO GOD AND PRAY
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
THE SEASON STARTS TODAY

REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
IN EV'RY SINGLE WAY
REJOICE!! REJOICE!!
THE SEASON STARTS TODAY!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT 5

SCENE 1
SONG #3: SCROOGE'S SONG

The COMPANY exits and scene shifts to the interior of SCROOGE's

counting house. He stands at the window watching the merriment
outside. In the same room, Scrooge's clerk, BOB CRATCHIT works
diligently, frequently rubbing his hands together due to the cold
and the tiny fire Scrooge provides him.
SCROOGE
LOOK AT THEM ALL, JACOB MARLEY
WASTING THE DAY IN THE STREETS
LISTEN TO THAT, JACOB MARLEY
I HOPE THEY CHOKE ON THEIR SICKENING SWEETS
(speaking)
Bah!
He turns from the window and returns to his desk.
(singing)
WITH SO MUCH TO DO
AND NO USEFUL HELP
CAN NO ONE WORK AN HONEST DAY?

WHEN I ASK THEM WHY

I SHOULD WASTE MY TIME
"BECAUSE IT'S CHRISTMAS"
IS ALL THEY SAY

THEY BEG AND BORROW

AND PLEAD FOR GIFTS
AFTER YEARS YOU’D THINK THEY'D LEARN
HAVE THEY NO SHAME
OR NO PRIDE I ASK?
WHY GIVE THEM WHAT I EARN?

COIN BY COIN
I COUNT MY FORTUNE
WHILE EV'RY INGRATE
BEGS ME FOR A PORTION
WASTED MONEY
MAKES A WASTED SEASON
AND CHRISTMAS IS HARDLY A GOOD ENOUGH REASON
While the song is going on BOB CRATCHIT sneaks from his tiny
desk and approaches the coal sitting next to Scrooge’s fire.
(speaking)
CRATCHIT!
6 A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT

CRATCHIT
Yes, sir?
SCROOGE
I don't recall asking you to put another coal on my fire.
CRATCHIT
Actually, sir, I was hoping to add one piece of coal to MY fire. It's so cold I can barely feel the pen
in my hand.
SCROOGE
BACK TO YOUR DESK, MR. CRATCHIT
AND NOT ONE MORE STEP OUT OF LINE
IF COAL'S WHAT YOU NEED, MR. CRATCHIT
I CAN SEND YOU TO WORK IN THE MINES
CRATCHIT
(giving up and returning to his desk)
I assure you sir, that won't be necessary.
SCROOGE
And I assure YOU that if you do not return to work it will become so.
Both men return to work. CRATCHIT tries to make the best of it,
and rubs his hands together between pen strokes. Scrooge's
nephew FRED enters in a merry mood. He nods to Cratchit, and
walks right up to Scrooge, who is still counting money at his desk
and has taken no notice of him.
FRED
Merry Christmas, Uncle!
SCROOGE
(with irritation, not even glancing up)
Humbug!
FRED
(rolling his eyes and exchanging an amused look with
Cratchit)
Don't be cross, uncle! At this time of year, especially, a man of your great wealth has no need to
be unpleasant.
SCROOGE
(still not looking up)
A man of your extreme mediocrity has no reason to be happy, and yet you insist upon screaming
"Merry Christmas" to any fool who will listen.
(finally looking Fred in the eye)
Away with "Merry Christmas," and away with YOU!
FRED
How can you say that?
SCROOGE
It's quite simple, nephew. What is Christmas? Just another day, time for finding yourself older but
none the wiser AND none the richer.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT 7

SCROOGE
If I had my will, every idiot who stumbles about with "Merry Christmas" on his lips should be
thrown into prison, boiled in his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!
FRED
(amused at the melodrama)
Uncle! Surely you are exaggerating.
SCROOGE
I NEVER exaggerate. Keep Christmas in any way you see fit, but allow me the freedom to keep it
in my own way as well.
FRED
But you don't keep it at all.
SCROOGE
Then allow me to ignore it, the same way I am trying to ignore you.
FRED
(playing along)
You wound me, uncle. And yet, for your sake I will admit that Christmas has never placed a scrap
of gold in my pocket. Unlike you, however, I am able to derive good from those situations where I
do not profit financially. Christmas is one of the few times when people open their hearts and
wallets as easily as they open their mouths, and for that reason alone I believe it has done me
good. Therefore, I say: God bless Christmas!
CRATCHIT
(pounding his desk enthusiastically)
Well, said, sir!
SCROOGE
(standing and crossing to Cratchit)
Not another sound from you or you'll find yourself in the coal mines!
(to Fred)
You're quite the persuasive speaker, sir. You seem particularly adept at inspiring the dim-witted;
it's a wonder you haven't run for Parliament.
FRED
Don't be difficult. Please, just join my wife and I for dinner tomorrow.
SCROOGE
I'll see you in Hell first.
FRED
(getting a bit annoyed)
Why are you so hateful?
SCROOGE
You're still married to that woman?
FRED
My wife has nothing to do with…
SCROOGE
(interrupting)
Your mother never would have approved.
8 A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT

FRED
You've never even spoken to Elizabeth. How can you say that?
SCROOGE
I know her kind all too well, Fred. She does nothing but hold you back. I was nearly seduced by
one like her many years ago, but I saw the error in my ways. I had hoped that you would do the
same. Tell me again why you married her?
FRED
Because we fell in love.
SCROOGE
(sarcastically)
Because you fell in love! BAH! HUMBUG!
FRED
Won't you set aside your bitterness long enough to share dinner with us? I ask for nothing but the
friendship of my only uncle.
SCROOGE
(scowling)
You ask for more than you deserve. Jacob Marley is my only friend; I will spend Christmas with
him.
FRED
Jacob Marley is dead, dead as a doornail. You can't spend Christmas talking with phantoms!
SCROOGE
Good afternoon, sir!
FRED
Well you can't destroy my Christmas spirit, try as you might.
(he starts to leave)
Merry Christmas, uncle!
SCROOGE
HUMBUG!
FRED
(with a wry grin)
And a happy new year!
SCROOGE
(rising from his chair)
Humbug I say! BAH HUMBUG!
FRED nods to BOB and exits. Outside, he passes the three
COLLECTING MEN, cheerfully gives them a donation, and moves
along. The collecting men look up at the sign on Scrooge's
counting house reading "Scrooge and Marley" and realize where
they are.
Each gesture for the others to go first, but the FIRST MAN finally
gets pushed through the door by the OTHER TWO. They tip their
hats to BOB, and reluctantly approach SCROOGE.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – PRODUCTION SCRIPT 9

COLLECTING MAN #1
(overly-enthusiastic, carrying a record book)
Do we have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge?
COLLECTING MAN #2
(almost overlapping with Man #1)
Or is it Mr. Marley?
COLLECTING MAN #3
Or someone else entirely?
MAN #3 laughs at his own joke, and the others join in after a
beat. They trail off as SCROOGE addresses them.
SCROOGE
You will not have the pleasure of addressing Mister Marley. He's been dead seven years this very
night.
The COLLECTING MEN are a little shocked by his frankness.
ALL THREE
Oh, my!

SONG #4: MR. SCROOGE

SCROOGE
(as music begins)
I do not recall any appointments this late in the work day, gentlemen, and I do not like surprise
visits. This had best be important.
COLLECTING MAN #1
WE KNOW THAT YOU'RE A BUSY MAN,
NOTORIOUSLY SHREWD
COLLECTING MAN #2
SO KNOW WE'D NEVER WASTE YOUR TIME
WE PRAY WE DON'T INTRUDE
COLLECTING MAN #3
AT THIS FESTIVE TIME OF YEAR
WE HOPE YOU’LL USE YOUR CLOUT
COLLECTING MAN #1
TO OFFER HELP TO THOSE IN NEED
WHO SADLY DO WITHOUT
ALL THREE
MISTER SCROOGE— MISTER SCROOGE
WE'RE ASKING MISTER SCROOGE
COLLECTING MAN #1 COLLECTING MEN #2 & #3
WE ONLY WANT THE SMALLEST SLICE WE ONLY WANT THE
OF THE PIE THAT'S ON YOUR PLATE PIE THAT'S ON YOUR PLATE
Thanks for checking out a preview of this script.

To continue reading, we encourage you to

purchase the DIGITAL PERUSAL SCRIPT
or PRINT EDITION from the

button on the show page.

https://www.stagerights.com/allshows/a-christmas-carol/