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ELY – What happens after “A Christmas Carol?” A year has passed and Ebenezer Scrooge is now a happy man. But is he, really? Is there something lacking? Old pal Jacob Marley and a trio of brand new ghosts arrive to give Scrooge a new chance at a love he once threw away.
That is the story behind Scrooge In Love, presented by the Northern Lakes Arts Association with support from Vermilion Community College.
Performances will start with a matinee at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m., so families can come and enjoy the show, then head downtown for the Holiday Parade and the tree lighting in Whiteside Park. Performances will continue on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. and then the following Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 -7, at 7 p.m.
“Scrooge in Love continues the treasured story of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on the morning after Ebeneezer Scrooge wakes up from his night with Marley’s Ghost and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future,” said VCC instructor Sara Skelton.
“All of Dickens’ familiar characters return in this romantic and festive sequel to the perennial classic,” she said. “The score, with lyrics by Kellen Blair and music by Larry Grossman (known for SNOOPY!), bubbles with energy and lyricism.”
Under the direction of Mike Rouse and Crystal Poppler, the cast of favorites includes local Potluck kitchenware business owner David Wigdahl in the title role as Ebeneezer Scrooge, with Tom Bennett as Jacob Marley, Jennifer Merhar as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Dani Krostue as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Drew Rouse as the Ghost of Christmas Future.
The Cratchit family includes VCC student Connor Jungers as Bob Cratchit, Maria Paschke as Mrs. Cratchit, and Jack Rintala as Tiny Tim. Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig are played by Paul Keinitz and Andrea Strom.
“A host of other VCC students, Ely Public School students, and community members fills out the cast of characters for a talented group of 26 performers,” Skelton said. “Sprinkled with beloved characters and delightful tunes, Scrooge in Love is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season.”
Tickets are available at Potluck, online at northernlakesarts.org, or at the door. Festival seating. Adult tickets are $15, Northern Lakes Arts Association members are $12 (new and renewed memberships available online or at the door) and students are $8.