Ebenezer Junior - Musicline

Ebenezer JuniorJunior ScriptbyMalcolm Sircom6/040913/2 ISBN: 978 1 89875 447 3

Published byMusicline PublicationsP.O. Box 15632TamworthStaffordshireB77 5BY01827 281 431www.musiclinedirect.comNo part of this publication may be transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced inany form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, manuscript, typesetting,recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owners.It is an infringement of the copyright to give any public performance or reading of this showeither in its entirety or in the form of excerpts, whether the audience is charged anadmission or not, without the prior consent of the copyright owners.Dramatic musical works do not fall under the licence of the Performing RightsSociety.Permission to perform this show from the publisher ‘MUSICLINE PUBLICATIONS’ isalways required. An application form, for permission to perform, is supplied at the back ofthe script for this purpose. To perform this show without permission is strictlyprohibited. It is a direct contravention of copyright legislation and deprives the writers oftheir livelihood.Anyone intending to perform this show should, in their own interests, make application tothe publisher for consent, prior to starting rehearsals.All Rights Strictly Reserved.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 1CONTENTSCast List ................................................................................................................................ 3 Cast List by Number of Lines ............................................................................................. 4 Cast List in Alphabetical Order (With Line Count) ........................................................... 5 List of Characters in Each Scene ....................................................................................... 6 List of Properties ................................................................................................................. 7 Production Notes ................................................................................................................. 9 Scene One: Track 1: Track 2: Track 3: Track 4: Scene Two: Track 5: Track 6: Track 7: Track 8: Track 9: Track 10: Track 11: Track 12: Track 13: Track 14: Track 15: Track 16: Scene Three: Track 17: Scene Four: Track 18: A London Street ............................................................................... 14 Roll On, Christmas! .......................................................................... 14 Charity ............................................................................................. 17 I Hate Everybody! ............................................................................ 19 I Hate Everybody! (Reprise) ............................................................ 20 Scrooge’s Bedroom ......................................................................... 21 SFX Tapping At Window .................................................................. 21 SFX Door Creak .............................................................................. 21 SFX Eerie Howl ............................................................................... 22 SFX Clanking Chains Approaching ................................................. 22 SFX Eerie Howl ............................................................................... 22 SFX Door Creak .............................................................................. 22 Too Late Now .................................................................................. 23 Too Late Now (Reprise)................................................................... 24 SFX Clock Quarter Past .................................................................. 24 SFX Clock Half Past ........................................................................ 25 SFX Clock Quarter To ..................................................................... 25 SFX One O’Clock ............................................................................ 25 A Schoolyard ................................................................................... 26 SFX School Bell ............................................................................... 26 Fezziwig’s Warehouse ..................................................................... 27 Let’s Have A Party ........................................................................... 28 © Musicline Publications Ltd.

2 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptTrack 19: Track 20: Track 21: Track 22: Scene Five: Track 23: Scene Six: Track 24: Scene Seven: Track 25: Track 26: Scene Eight: Track 27: Scene Nine: Scene Ten: Track 28: Scene Eleven: Track 29: Track 30: Track 31: Scene Twelve: Track 32: Scene Thirteen: Track 33: Track 34: Track 35: Let’s Have A Party Play Off ............................................................. 28 Where Is The Music? ....................................................................... 30 SFX One O’Clock ............................................................................ 30 Christmas Present Rap .................................................................... 31 Bob Cratchit’s Home ........................................................................ 32 Silent Night ...................................................................................... 34 Fred’s Parlour .................................................................................. 35 Dear Old Uncle Scrooge .................................................................. 36 A Desolate Place ............................................................................. 37 Exit Rap ........................................................................................... 37 SFX Twelve O’Clock ........................................................................ 37 The Market Place ............................................................................. 39 And Everyone Loved Him ................................................................ 40 The Cratchits’ Home ........................................................................ 41 Scrooge’s Bedroom (And Graveyard) .............................................. 42 Christmas Bells ................................................................................ 43 The Street ........................................................................................ 45 Charity Entry (Reprise) .................................................................... 45 Charity Song Resumes .................................................................... 46 Charity Song Play Off ...................................................................... 46 Fred’s Parlour .................................................................................. 46 Dear Old Uncle Scrooge (Reprise) .................................................. 47 Scrooge’s Office .............................................................................. 48 Finale: The Rest Of My Life ............................................................. 49 Curtain Reprise: Rap and Roll On, Christmas! ................................ 50 Play Off Riff (Optional)..................................................................... 50 Photocopiable Lyrics ........................................................................................................ 51 © Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 3CAST LISTN.B. In the following list, the bracketed number shows the number of spoken lineseach role has.An asterisk (*) before the character’s name indicates that this character ALSO hassolo or featured sung lines.* Ebenezer Scrooge ......................................................................................................... (215)* Fred ................................................. His Nephew ............................................................ (53)Fred's Wife ........................................................................................................................... (5)* Bob Cratchit ..................................... Scrooge's Clerk ...................................................... (29)Mrs Cratchit ....................................................................................................................... (22)Martha Cratchit .................................. The Elder Daughter .................................................. (3)Belinda Cratchit ................................. The Younger Daughter ............................................. (5)Peter Cratchit ..................................... The Elder Son .......................................................... (6)Tim Cratchit (Tiny Tim) ...................... Crippled Young Son ................................................. (4)* Charity Collector 1 ........................................................................................................... (14)* Charity Collector 2 ........................................................................................................... (10)* Carol Urchin ...................................................................................................................... (9)* Marley's Ghost ................................................................................................................. (21)* Three Angels (female) ..................... Backing group to Marley's Ghost .............................. (0)* Three Devils (male) ......................... Backing group to Marley's Ghost .............................. (0)Ghost of Christmas Past (Ghost) ....................................................................................... (22)Scrooge (as a child) ............................................................................................................. (0)Scrooge's Sister (as a child) ................................................................................................ (0)* Mr Fezziwig ....................................................................................................................... (7)Mrs Fezziwig ........................................................................................................................ (3)* The Three Fezziwig Daughters ......................................................................................... (0)* Three Suitors ................................... Of the Misses Fezziwig ............................................ (0)Young Scrooge .................................. Apprentice to Fezziwig ............................................. (4)Dick Wilkins ....................................... His Apprentice Friend ............................................... (1)* Belle ................................................ Young Scrooge's Girlfriend ....................................... (8)* Ghost of Christmas Present (Spirit) . A Dude Rapper ....................................................... (19)* Posse of Four Rappers ........................................................................................ (1-2 each)Ragged Boy ......................................................................................................................... (0)Ragged Girl .......................................................................................................................... (0)Ghost of Christmas Future (Spectre) ................................................................................... (0)Old Joe .............................................. A Merchant ............................................................. (14)Mrs Dilber .......................................... An Old Bag ............................................................... (4)An Old Crone ....................................................................................................................... (4)Two Market Traders ................................................................................................ (3-5 each)Their Wives ................................................................................................................ (1 each)* Guest 1 ............................................................................................................................ (11)Guest 2 ................................................................................................................................ (3)Additional chorus of: Crowd in Street; Fezziwig’s Guests; Fred’s Guests; Children asUrchins; Schoolchildren.Choir© Musicline Publications Ltd.

4 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptCAST LIST BY NUMBER OF LINESN.B. In the following list, the number shows how many spoken lines each role has.An asterisk (*) before the character’s name indicates that this character ALSO hassolo or featured sung lines.* Scrooge ........................................................................................................................... 215* Fred ................................................................................................................................... 53* Cratchit (Bob) .................................................................................................................... 29Ghost ................................................................................................................................... 22Mrs Cratchit ......................................................................................................................... 22* Marley ................................................................................................................................ 21* Spirit .................................................................................................................................. 19* Collector 1 ......................................................................................................................... 14Joe ....................................................................................................................................... 14* Guest 1 .............................................................................................................................. 11* Collector 2 ......................................................................................................................... 10* Urchin .................................................................................................................................. 9* Belle .................................................................................................................................... 8* Fezziwig .............................................................................................................................. 7Peter ...................................................................................................................................... 6Belinda ................................................................................................................................... 5Fred's Wife ............................................................................................................................. 5Trader 1 ................................................................................................................................. 5Crone ..................................................................................................................................... 4Mrs Dilber .............................................................................................................................. 4Tim ......................................................................................................................................... 4Young Scrooge ...................................................................................................................... 4Guest 2 .................................................................................................................................. 3Martha .................................................................................................................................... 3Mrs Fezziwig .......................................................................................................................... 3Trader 2 ................................................................................................................................. 3* Posse 3 ............................................................................................................................... 2* Posse 4 ............................................................................................................................... 2Dick Wilkins ........................................................................................................................... 1* Posse 1 ............................................................................................................................... 1* Posse 2 ............................................................................................................................... 1Wife 1 ..................................................................................................................................... 1Wife 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 1© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 5CAST LIST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (WITH LINE COUNT)N.B. In the following list, the number shows how many spoken lines each role has.An asterisk (*) before the character’s name indicates that this character ALSO hassolo or featured sung lines.Belinda ................................................................................................................................... 5* Belle .................................................................................................................................... 8* Collector 1 ......................................................................................................................... 14* Collector 2 ......................................................................................................................... 10* Cratchit (Bob) .................................................................................................................... 29Crone ..................................................................................................................................... 4Dick Wilkins ........................................................................................................................... 1* Fezziwig .............................................................................................................................. 7* Fred ................................................................................................................................... 53Fred's Wife ............................................................................................................................. 5Ghost ................................................................................................................................... 22* Guest 1 .............................................................................................................................. 11Guest 2 .................................................................................................................................. 3Joe ....................................................................................................................................... 14* Marley ................................................................................................................................ 21Martha .................................................................................................................................... 3Mrs Cratchit ......................................................................................................................... 22Mrs Dilber .............................................................................................................................. 4Mrs Fezziwig .......................................................................................................................... 3Peter ...................................................................................................................................... 6* Posse 1 ............................................................................................................................... 1* Posse 2 ............................................................................................................................... 1* Posse 3 ............................................................................................................................... 2* Posse 4 ............................................................................................................................... 2* Scrooge ........................................................................................................................... 215* Spirit .................................................................................................................................. 19Tim ......................................................................................................................................... 4Trader 1 ................................................................................................................................. 5Trader 2 ................................................................................................................................. 3* Urchin .................................................................................................................................. 9Wife 1 ..................................................................................................................................... 1Wife 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 1Young Scrooge ...................................................................................................................... 4Non-speaking roles: 3 Fezziwig Daughters, 3 Suitors, 3 Angels, 3 Devils (all of whomsing solo or as small groups), Ragged Boy, Ragged Girl, Scrooge (as a child),Scrooge’s Sister (as a child) and Spectre.© Musicline Publications Ltd.

6 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptLIST OF CHARACTERS IN EACH SCENEScene OneCollector 1Collector 2CratchitCrowdFredScroogeUrchinScene TwoAngelsDevilsGhostMarleyScroogeScene ThreeGhostScroogeScrooge (as a child)Scrooge's sisterScene Four3 Fezziwig Daughters3 SuitorsBelleCrowdDick WilkinsFezziwigGhostGuest 1GuestsMrs FezziwigPosse 1Posse 2Posse 3Posse 4ScroogeSpiritYoung ScroogeScene FiveBelindaCratchitMarthaMrs CratchitPeterPosse 1Posse 2Posse 3Posse 4ScroogeSpiritTimScene SixFredFred's WifeGuest 1Guest 2GuestsScroogeSpiritScene SevenPosse 1Posse 2Posse 3Posse 4Ragged BoyRagged GirlScroogeSpectreSpiritScene EightCratchitCroneMrs DilberOld JoeScroogeSpectreTrader 1Trader 2Wife 1Wife 2Scene NineBelindaCratchitMarthaMrs CratchitPeterTimScene TenScroogeSpectreUrchinScene ElevenCollector 1Collector 2CrowdScroogeScene TwelveFredFred's WifeGuest 1Guest 2GuestsScroogeScene ThirteenCratchitScroogeAll (for Finale and bows)© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 7LIST OF PROPERTIESScene OneWalking stick ............................................................................................................... ScroogeCoalscuttle ................................................................................................................... CratchitOffice door with "Scrooge & Marley" painted above ............................................. Scene PropTin containing coins ................................................................................................. CollectorsHat(s) .................................................................................................... Collectors (Male only)Keys (on a keychain) .................................................................................................. ScroogeDesk and chair ...................................................................................................... Scene PropScene TwoBed, with optional mechanics listed at top of Scene Two ..................................... Scene PropBowl and spoon on a bedside table ...................................................................... Scene PropNightshirt and nightcap on a chair ........................................................................ Scene Prop(Electric) Candle and holder ....................................................................................... ScroogeCoat and shoes ........................................................................................................... ScroogeWindow frame with curtains .................................................................................. Scene PropBedroom door ....................................................................................................... Scene PropBooks and cash boxes on chains ................................................................................. MarleyPitchforks ....................................................................................................................... DevilsScene ThreeWooden hoops ........................................................................................... Chorus of ChildrenScene FourTable of food ......................................................................................................... Scene PropScene FiveTable laid for Christmas dinner ............................................................................. Scene PropOptionally, small stove with saucepans on it ........................................................ Scene PropOptional umbrella/coat stand ................................................................................ Scene PropCutlery and crockery ............................................................................ Mrs Cratchit & BelindaCrutch ................................................................................................................................ TimPlates of food ............................................................................................... Martha & BelindaJug of drink and glasses ....................................................................................... Mrs CratchitScene SixChairs or sofas ...................................................................................................... Scene PropGlasses .................................................................................................................. All presentScene EightCamp table or similar, to represent a market stall ............................................................. JoeBundles of clothes, including a clean shirt ................................................ Mrs Dilber & CroneMoney bags, containing coins ........................................................................................... Joe© Musicline Publications Ltd.

8 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptScene NineNeedle and thread, and some cloth or a garment ................................................ Mrs CratchitArmchair ............................................................................................................... Scene PropFireplace ............................................................................................................... Scene PropCrutch ................................................................................................................... Scene PropScene TenBed, table, window frame and door as in Scene Two ........................................... Scene PropGravestone with "EBENEZER SCROOGE" in large letters .................................. Scene PropMoney ......................................................................................................................... ScroogeCard or paper .............................................................................................................. ScroogeScene ElevenTin containing coins ................................................................................................. CollectorsMoney bag .................................................................................................................. ScroogeScene TwelveChairs or sofas, glasses, as in Scene Six ............................................................. Scene PropScene ThirteenOffice door as in Scene One ................................................................................. Scene PropDesk and chair ...................................................................................................... Scene PropStool ...................................................................................................................... Scene PropRuler ..................................................................................................................... Scene Prop© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 9PRODUCTION NOTESSTAGINGThis is a show that moves from location to location throughout:Scene One starts in the street and then moves into Scrooge’s office.Scene Two uses Scrooge’s bedroom.Scene Three is set in a schoolyard.Scene Four takes place in Fezziwig’s warehouse and so on…Dependent on the size of acting area and the resources available, the show can be stagedin different ways. As stated in the script, it can be performed using a simple, multi-purposeset or it can be performed ‘in the round’ with acting areas being located in different parts ofthe theatre for each of the scenes: e.g. two areas opposed to each other at one end of thetheatre would allow one scene to run whilst the next is being set. This could be increasedto three areas to improve smooth flow of the action.An alternative method would be to adopt the more traditional method of a thrust stage withalternate scenes being set behind tabs or flats.Thus Scene One would be run using half of the stage’s depth and…Scene Two would use the full set. Clearly, the Office setting does not need to be as big asthe Bedroom due to the nature of the props – desk vs. four-poster bed.Scene Three could then take place in front of the main tabs, acting as a link scene whilst…Scene Four – Fezziwig’s Warehouse is being set on the full stage area.At the Blackout following Song Seven, the main tabs could close and the lights come upon Scrooge pleading with the Spirit to ‘remove him from this place’ in front of the tabs. Thiswould allow…Scene Five – Bob Cratchit’s Home, to be set. Again, this is quite a large set as it requires adining table and the kitchen recess to be set and used again as Scene Nine.Scene Six – Fred’s Parlour, is then created as a half set by tabs or flats in front of theprevious scene’s props such as the table etc.Scene Seven – A Desolate Place, being performed in front of the main tabs provides timefor setting…© Musicline Publications Ltd.

10 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptScene Eight – The Market Place as a half set in front of Cratchit’s home.During Track 27, the Market Place Scenery can be removed revealing…Scene Nine – Bob Cratchit’s Home, once again. The tabs close at the end of this scene.To then go into Scrooge’s Bedroom, as the author states, would result in some delay so itmight be better to start…Scene Ten in front of the main tabs (The Graveyard). During the blackout, Scrooge wouldthen move to the bed on the main stage area set as Scrooge’s Bedroom.Scene Eleven – The Street, acts as a link scene to allow setting of…Scene Twelve – Fred’s Parlour as a full set scene once again. The final scene is setduring…Track 32 – the Reprise of “Dear Old Uncle Scrooge” . This scene needs adequate space toallow for the curtain calls.© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 11CHOREOGRAPHYThis is a lively show for much of the time and needs to be dynamic, especially during thesongs.Track 1 – “Roll On Christmas” is a clever counterpoint melody of the familiar carol “Ding,Dong, Merrily On High” and is sung by street vendors, urchins, passers-by etc.Consequently there needs to be movement within the song, to emphasise a busy streetscene just before Christmas: a great opportunity for a dance instructor to animate the song!Again, Track 2 – “Charity” is an animated song, moving into a salsa or conga routinearound the stage. Scrooge brings all of this down to earth with his vindictive song – “I HateEverybody!” – and the reprise at the end of the scene.Track 11 is a little more relaxed but does require the presence of the devils and angels tobe prompt.Track 18 provides a great opportunity for dance, with a lively rock ‘n’ roll and/or jiveparticularly in the dance section.Track 22 – “Christmas Present Rap”, and Track 25 (a reprise) – are not set as a dance,but certainly need to be animated, especially by the posse!Track 24 – “Dear Old Uncle Scrooge”, contains a Bavarian Waltz which provides anopportunity, and this needs to be light-hearted without making fun of Scrooge.Track 27 – “And Everyone Loved Him”, is a poignant number reflecting on the passing ofTiny Tim, although Scrooge doesn’t perhaps see that at first. Bob Cratchit sings solo withthe choir counter-pointing him. If the choir are characters on stage, then they could perhapsgroup around Bob to form a cameo setting as the song concludes. The remaining songsare self explanatory in their setting and choreography.© Musicline Publications Ltd.

12 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptCOSTUMEThis is a traditional Dickens’ story and should be costumed in that period throughout, withthe exception of the Ghost of Christmas Present (Spirit), Ghost of Christmas Future(Spectre) and the Devils and Angels. The Ghost of Christmas Present, being a rapper, canbe dressed in whatever is fashionable at the time and preferably ‘Over the Top’. ChristmasFuture can be as futuristic as you can imagine. The Devils and Angels could be traditionalor be a little mischievous, playing on the characters of ‘Little Devils’ and ‘Little Angels’.Lighting and SoundThis all depends on what resources you have available to you – every group is different,but the following suggestions presume you have a reasonable amount of lighting at yourdisposal. If you haven’t, then clearly you can adapt accordingly to create the atmosphere.The lighting for Track 1 wants to be bright with lots of steel blue tints to enhance the colourof the snow and compliment the vitality of this opening number. The lighting rapidlychanges on Scrooge’s entrance to a darker more sinister feel, utilising cold colours.This remains for the rest of the scene, only contrasted on Track 2 when the CharityCollectors start their number. Scrooge’s Bedroom (Scene Three) is cold and dark as he istoo mean to either illuminate or heat it. Some gently flickering light to imitate his candlestickwould be good. The scene remains dark and sinister throughout except where indicated forMarley’s apparition appearing and the use of white light and reddish light as appropriate,when the angels and the devils appear.Scene Three, the Schoolyard, is meant to be a mysterious, dream like place. This wouldbe enhanced by the use of a smoke-machine or dry-ice machine for atmosphere. Lighting,set on the stage floor, beaming through the smoke towards the audience would greatlyenhance this effect.Scene Four – Fezziwig’s Warehouse should be brightly lit, despite being a warehouse. It isa contrast to the previous scenes, revealing the nephew’s appreciation of how Christmasshould be celebrated. ‘Disco’ lighting using effects etc. to create a party or ‘club’atmosphere is what is ideally needed to lift the show to a new height at this point. Incontrast, when young Scrooge and Belle enter they should if possible be spot lit, with theremaining set barely visible as the scene leads into Track 20.After the blackout the lighting should come up again on Scrooge before switching to bright,colourful, strong colours for the entrance of Christmas Present and his Rap (Song Eight).Strong bright lighting, switched in time to the beat of the music, would be appropriate here.Bob Cratchit’s home (Scene Five) just needs average lighting, not too bright, but focussedon the key acting areas as does Scene Six (The Parlour).© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 13The smoke machine can be used again in Scene Eight (Market Place) for atmospherealong with a yellowish tint in the lighting to enhance the smog emanating from the coal firesand the early morning air.Scene Nine should be lit as per Scene Five.Scene Ten opens with dim lighting and a heavy feeling but switches to a light, bright airyfeel after the blackout and Scrooge casts off his past.This extends into Scene Eleven for a fresh feel in the street.Scene Twelve (Fred’s Parlour) should be lit as previously (Scene Two).The last scene – in Scrooge’s Office - should start off dimly lit but switch to a bright feelingas Scrooge raises Bob’s salary in his second major monologue. Give it all you’ve got foryour curtain calls!SOUND EFFECTSWith regard to sound, there are a small number of Sound Effects, available from Musiclineas part of the vocal and backing tracks CDs (or downloadable MP3s). The sounds are asfollows:Scene Two:Scene Three:Scene Four:Scene Seven:Scene Ten:Tapping At WindowDoor CreakEerie HowlClanking Chains ApproachingEerie Howl (again)Door Creak (again)Clock Quarter PastClock Half PastClock Quarter ToOne o’ClockSchool BellOne o’Clock (again)Twelve o’ClockBells Chime© Musicline Publications Ltd.

14 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptSCENE ONE:A LONDON STREETThe chorus are discovered, hustling and bustling about in typical Victorian pre-Christmas manner. Street vendors, urchins etc., a busy, jolly street scene, witheveryone excited, wishing each other a Merry Christmas etc.TRACK 1:ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!CHORUS:ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN.ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN.TIME TO SHOVEL SNOW AGAIN,FOR YOUR NOSE TO GLOW AGAIN,KISS YOUR AUNTY FLO AGAIN,ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!TIME FOR KETTLES ON THE HOB,TIME FOR STOPPERS IN YOUR GOB,BUTTER UP YOUR UNCLE BOB,ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!CHOIR:DING, DONG, DING,THE CHURCH BELLS RING,HEAR THE CHOIR SING:HOSANNA IN EXCELSIS.The Choir now sing “Ding Dong Merrily…” as the Chorus repeat “Roll on, Christmas"CHOIR:DING, DONG! MERRILY ON HIGH,IN HEAV'N THE BELLS ARE RINGING.DING, DONG! VERILY THE SKY,IS RIV'N WITH ANGELS SINGING.GLORIA, HOSANNA IN EXCELSIS.GLORIA, HOSANNA IN EXCELSIS.CHORUS:ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN.ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN.TIME TO SHOVEL SNOW AGAIN,FOR YOUR NOSE TO GLOW AGAIN,KISS YOUR AUNTY FLO AGAIN,ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!TIME FOR KETTLES ON THE HOB,TIME FOR STOPPERS IN YOUR GOB,BUTTER UP YOUR UNCLE BOB,ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!ALL:ROLL ON, CHRISTMAS!CHRISTMAS!© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 15CROWD:SCROOGE:It’s Ebenezer Scrooge!Bah! Clear off, the lot of you!(He waves his stick at the crowd. The crowd scream and disperse. Scrooge goes intohis counting house (with the legend 'Scrooge & Marley' over the door). Inside thereare two offices: his own inner office, and the small outer office. He is confronted byhis clerk, Bob Cratchit, with a coalscuttle in his mittened hand.)SCROOGE:CRATCHIT:SCROOGE:CRATCHIT:SCROOGE:Well, Cratchit, what do you want?Please, sir… I… I wondered if I… if I might have a lump of coal from yourscuttle, Mr Scrooge. My fire is almost out.A lump of coal? Did I hear right?It is very cold, sir - and it is Christmas - just one little lump?Coal costs money, Cratchit - and as for Christmas! If I hear anymore talkof Christmas I'll… I'll retire to the nearest lunatic asylum! Christmas,Cratchit? Humbug!(Scrooge retires to his inner office. Enter his nephew Fred, cheerful and vivacious.)FRED:CRATCHIT:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:A Merry Christmas, Bob Cratchit.And to you Mr Fred.Is the old misery in?(From within) I heard that!He's in! (He goes into Scrooge's office) A Merry Christmas, uncle! Godsave you!Bah! Humbug!Christmas a humbug, uncle! You can't mean that, I'm sure?Indeed I do. Merry Christmas - bah! What right have you to be merry,young Fred? You're poor enough.Come, then, what right have you to be so dismal? You're rich enough.Nephew! Keep Christmas in your way and let me keep it in mine.Keep it! But you don't keep it! Come, uncle, dine with us tomorrow.I'll see you in Hades first.But why? Why?Why did you get married?Because I fell in love!Because you fell in love! Bah! Humbug! Good afternoon, nephew!You never came to see me before I was married. Why give it as a reasonfor not coming now?Good afternoon!© Musicline Publications Ltd.

16 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptFRED:SCROOGE:FRED:SCROOGE:I am sorry with all my heart to find you so resolute. We have never had aquarrel to which I have been a party, but I'll keep my Christmas humourto the last, so… a Merry Christmas, uncle!Humbug!And a Happy New Year!Clear off!(Scrooge throws something at Fred, who laughingly ducks, then goes into Cratchit's'tank')FRED:CRATCHIT:FRED:CRATCHIT:FRED:CRATCHIT:FRED:The season's greetings, Bob Cratchit.Thank you, Mr Fred. A Merry Christmas to you and your good wife.And to you and yours, Bob. How is poor Tiny Tim? Any better?No better, Mr Fred, but by the Lord's mercy, none the worse.If there's anything my wife and I can do...You're very kind, sir, but I'm afraid only a deal of money...A commodity we're both short of, eh, Bob? (Exits)© Musicline Publications Ltd.

Ebenezer Junior – Script 17TRACK 2:CHARITY(Music starts. Enter two Charity Collectors (can be either sex - or one of each). Theyhave a tin with coins in that can be rattled in time to the Samba music. A crowdcollects.)COLLECTORS: CHARITY, CHA-CHA-RITY,WE'RE COLLECTING FOR CHARITY.CROWD: CHARITY, CHA-CHA-RITY,THEY'RE COLLECTING FOR CHARITY.COLLECTORS: CHRISTMAS IS COMING,THE GEESE ARE FAR FROM THIN.PLEASE PUT A PENNY,PUT A PENNY IN THE TIN.ANY CONTRIBUTION ACCEPTED GRATEFULLY.YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE,TO GIVE A FEW PENCETO CHARITY!CROWD:CHARITY, CHA-CHA-RITY,WE'RE ALL GIVING TO CHARITY.CHARITY, CHA-CHA-RITY,WE'RE ALL GIVING TO CHARITY.LET YOUR CASH MAKE A BIG SPLASH,THEN YOU'LL ALL AGREE,YOU’LL FEEL GOOD,WHEN YOU'RE GIVINGTO CHARITY!(Dance (Conga or Salsa). Collectors then sing their verse (reinforced, if necessary,by the choir) at the same time as the Crowd sing their verse.COLLECTORS:CHRISTMAS IS COMING,THE GEESE ARE FAR FROM THIN.PLEASE PUT A PENNY,PUT A PENNY IN THE TIN.ANY CONTRIBUTION ACCEPTEDGRATEFULLY.YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE,TO GIVE A FEW PENCETO CHARITY!CROWD:CHARITY, CHA-CHA-RITY,WE'RE ALL GIVING TO CHARITY.CHARITY, CHA-CHA-RITY,WE'RE ALL GIVING TO CHARITY.LET YOUR CASH MAKE A BIG SPLASH,THEN YOU'LL ALL AGREE,YOU’LL FEEL GOOD,WHEN YOU'RE GIVINGTO CHARITY!© Musicline Publications Ltd.

18 Ebenezer Junior – ScriptCOLLECTORS: WE'RE COLLECTING FOR...CROWD: WE ARE GIVING TO...COLLECTORS: WE'RE COLLECTING FOR...CROWD: WE ARE GIVING TO...COLLECTORS: WE'RE COLLECTING FOR...CROWD: WE ARE GIVING TO...ALL:CHARITY!(The crowd leave. The collectors look at the 'Scrooge & Marley' sign above Scrooge'soffice.)COLLECTOR 1: This looks a good place.(They knock on Scrooge's outer door. He opens it and the collectors enter.)COLLECTOR 1: Scrooge and Marley's, I believe? Have I the pleasure of addressing MrScrooge or Mr Marley?SCROOGE:Mr Marley died seven years ago this very night.(The Collectors offer expressions of sympathy, the Man (Men) take(s) off his (their)hat(s).)COLLECTOR 2: We have no doubt his liberality is well represented by his survivingpartner.SCROOGE:Liberality?COLLECTOR 2: We are collecting for the poor and destitute who suffer greatly at thepresent time.SCROOGE:Are there no prisons?(The Collectors glance at each other, amazed.)COLLECTOR 1: Plenty of prisons.SCROOGE:And the workhouses? Are they still in operation?COLLECTOR 2: They are still. I wish I could say they were not.SCROOGE:I'm very glad to hear it.COLLECTOR 1: Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer, a few ofus are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drinkand means of warmth.COLLECTOR 2: What shall we put you down for?SCROOGE:Nothing!COLLECTOR 1: You wish to remain anonymous?© Musicline Publications Ltd.