No need for humbugs in ‘Scrooge! The Musical’

TOM HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Mary Elizabeth Johnson as Christmas Past in Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts production of "Scrooge! The Musical."

A re-imagined classic Christmas tale is returning to the Matthews stage.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts’ production of “Scrooge! The Musical” is back for its fourth year with a Dec. 12-21 run. The musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” is story of redemption, compassion, and the holiday spirit. Shows take place at Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. Tickets are available at matthewsplayhouse.com or by calling (704) 846-8343.

In addition to the eight regular performances, Scrooge! The Musical will feature a "Pay What You Can" performance on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Women's Health and Resilience Foundation, which advocates for women's health from the inside through knowledge, inspiration, and support.

The play, directed by Mary Lynn Bain, is set in 19th-century London and includes an award-winning music score by Leslie Bricusse and songs like “Father Christmas,” “December the 25th,” and the Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated “Thank You Very Much.” Lauren Smith is the music director and Anna Eve the choreographer. 

The production tells the tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Korey Risley), who despises Christmas and lives a life of greed and isolation. Scrooge, who treats his underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit (Bradley Wolke), with indifference, gets a Christmas Eve visit by the ghosts of former business partner Jacob Marley (Silas Fincher), Christmas Past (Mary Elizabeth Johnson), Present (Mike Carroll), and Future (Leighton Stall and Charlotte Thomson). 

The spirits reveal the consequences of Scrooge's selfishness, including the struggles of the Cratchit family: Mrs. Cratchit (Hannah Marks) and their ailing son Tiny Tim (Tobey Fincher). Moved by the haunting spirits, Scrooge embraces generosity and the Christmas spirit to bring joy to himself and those around him. 

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