A Christmas Carol

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens - Adapted by C.C. Ford

ACT I

SCENE 1

SCROOGE'S COUNTING HOUSE

Music: (Track ) Overture - Deck the Halls

Lights: Overhead spots up enough to see stage. Brighter as cast enters.

Chorus enters on their cues from different directions, greeting one another. They carry packages
and various Christmas shopping bags. All come to stage and greet until change of musical tone.
Bob Cratchit goes directly to his desk. He begins to work, often trying to warm his hands by a
candle he lights on his desk. Scrooge enters down the center isle. All grow quiet as they see
him.

Lights: Overhead spots off when Scrooge reaches 1st rows of seats. Red lights on.

He stops when center stage and glares at audience, then turns, passes through the crowd and
goes to his desk.

Music: Fast fade Overture - Desk the Halls

Music: (Track ) Bell Carol/ What Child is This?

Lights: Add green lights to red when music begins.

The Chorus freezes when the chimes begin to play.

Narrator
Marley was dead to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The record of his burial
was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the sole mourner...Ebenezer Scrooge.
Old Marley was dead as a door nail. Scrooge and he were partners in their business for I don't
know how many years. Scrooge never painted out Old Marley's name on the sign outside the
counting house. He was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! A squeezing, grasping,
scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner.

(Pause)

-1–
Act I, scene 1
 He was hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out fire; secret and self-
contained, and solitary as an oyster.

(Pause)

The cold within him froze his old features, and nipped at his pointed nose.

(Pause)

Shriveled his cheek and stiffened his walk.

(Pause)

Made his eyes red and his thin lips blue.

(Pause)

He spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice, and he didn't thaw one bit at Christmas.

Lights: Over heads up slowly on build up to chorus of “What Child it This?”…

Lights (cont.)…as in just before“This, this is Christ the King...”

Song is sung to completion. Chorus exits as final bells of song die away.

Lights: Full on.

Scrooge
Bah! Humbug!

Fred enters stage right with a Christmas wreath.

Fred
Merry Christmas, Uncle Scrooge! God save you!

Scrooge
Humbug!

Fred
Christmas a humbug? You don't mean that.

Scrooge
I do mean it. Merry Christmas. Humph.
What reason do you have to be merry? You're poor enough.

-2–
Act I, scene 1
 Fred
What reason do you have to be miserable? You're rich enough.

Scrooge
Bah!

Fred
Don't be cross, uncle.

Scrooge
What else can I be when I live in such a world of fools at this "Merry Christmas"? What's
Christmas except a time for paying bills without money, and a time for finding yourself a year
older, but not an hour richer? If I had my way every idiot who goes about with "Merry
Christmas" on his lips would be boiled in his own pudding
and buried with a stake of holly through his heart!

Fred
Uncle!

Scrooge
(Mimicking) Nephew! Keep Christmas in your way and let me keep it in mine.

Fred
But you don't keep it at all.

Scrooge
Let me leave it alone, then. What good has Christmas ever done you?

Fred
Christmas is when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. If He hadn't been born, He wouldn't
have given His life and there would be no hope for me or anyone. Christmas was the beginning
of the possibility of eternity, and the truest gift of Christmas is that every man, woman and child
has the chance to accept Christ and be saved from spending eternity away from God, not to
mention having His guidance here on earth. Christmas is a miracle, and I say God bless it!

Cratchit applauds. Scrooge throws him a disapproving look, so Cratchit acts as though he is
only warming his hands.

Fred
Bob! Good to see you!

Fred greets Cratchit. Two charitable workers enter. One carries a clipboard and pen. The other
carries a box.
Narrator
Now, on Christmas Eve it was the tradition of local charitable volunteers to go round to local
businesses collecting donations for the poor and homeless.

-3–
Act I, scene 1
 Worker 1
(Extending a hand, expecting a handshake)
Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley?

Scrooge
(Ignoring the hand) Mr. Marley has been dead seven years today.

Worker 2
We are collecting for the poor who suffer greatly at this time of year. Many are in need of
common necessities: hundreds have no comfort of cheer this Christmas.

Scrooge
Are there no prisons?

Worker 1
(With confusion) Plenty of prisons.

Scrooge
And are there shelters?

Worker 2
Unfortunately there are many.

Scrooge
Oh! I was afraid from what you said that something had happened to them.
I am very glad to hear that's not the case.

Worker 1
We want to share the love of Christ and Christian charity with those in need.
Christmas is a time when the lack of joy is felt even more than during the rest of the year.
What may I put you down for?

Scrooge
Nothing.

Worker 2
You wish to remain anonymous?

Scrooge
I wish to be left alone!

Fred
That is very true.

Scrooge
I cannot afford to make idle people merry.

-4–
Act I, scene 1
 Fred
That is very not true.

Scrooge
(To Fred) Don't you have somewhere else to be?

Fred
Sadly I do. (Crossing to the charitable workers) So here is my donation. (Back to Scrooge) and
I leave you to make yours. (Crossing back to stage left to exit, but stops with a thought.) Oh,
come have dinner with Emma and me tomorrow.

Scrooge
Why did you get married, Fred?

Fred
Because I fell in love.

Scrooge
Love. That's the only thing in the world more ridiculous than a
Merry Christmas!

Fred
It's no use, uncle. I will continue to wish you a Merry Christmas in spite of your gloom and
humbugs. (Fred hangs his wreath.) Merry Christmas Bob!

Bob Cratchit
Merry Christmas Fred!

Scrooge
Humbug!

Fred exit stage left. Scrooge returns to his work, but the charitable workers are not going away.
Still working, eyes on his desk, he address them.

I help support the prisons and the shelters - they cost enough - and
those who are badly off must go there.

Worker 1
Many can't go there, and many would rather die.

Scrooge
(Getting up and getting angry) If they would rather die they had better
do it, and decrease the surplus population! Now good day!

The charitable workers give up and exit quickly. Scrooge goes back to work.

-5–
Act I, scene 1
Pause.

A chorus of Carolers enter singing “Joy to the world” a capella. When they finish, the caroling
child breaks off from them and moves to stage left to sing "Ding, Dong Merrily On High" outside
Scrooge's office. Scrooge, much annoyed, finally goes to address the child.

Scrooge
What do you want?

Caroling Child
Nickel for the song, sir?

Scrooge
A nickel?!?

Scrooge grabs the wreath and throws it at the child. The child exits running. Cratchit begins to
gather up papers and blow out his candle. He then stands at Scrooge's desk.

Scrooge
You'll want off all day tomorrow, I suppose?

Bob Cratchit
If quite convenient, sir.

Scrooge
It's not convenient.

Bob Cratchit
It's only once a year, sir.

Scrooge
A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth of December! But I suppose you
must have the whole day. But be here even earlier the next morning!

Bob Cratchit
I will, sir. Thank you! (Cratchit goes quickly, saying over his shoulder...) Merry Christmas!

Scrooge
Bah! Humbug!

Lights: Off.
End Scene
Music: (Track )“ ” for scene change
Lights: Minimum for scene change

-6–
Act I, scene 1
 SCENE 2

SCROOGE'S BED CHAMBER

Lights: Blue.

As the Narrator reads, Scrooge walks to his chair and sits down beside a table with an unlit
candle.

Narrator
That evening, Scrooge took his usual depressing dinner in his usual depressing tavern and then
went home to bed. He lived in rooms that had once belonged to his deceased partner. Scrooge
lit no lamps and sat with the light of only one candle. Darkness was cheap, and Scrooge liked it.

Scrooge attempts to light the candle while…

Sound: bell tolls 12 times.

Success is slow in coming, and much low grumbling is the result. Finally the candle lights, and
Scrooge settles back in his chair, seeming to go to sleep with his chin on his chest. A bit of
snoring is heard.

Music (Tracks - ): Jacob Marley – Part One

Jacob Marley – Part Two

Lights: Add green to blue

Marley enters down the stairs extreme stage left. His chains clank heavily.

Marley
Ebenezer Scrooge.

Scrooge
What do you want of me?

Marley
Much!

Scrooge
Am I dreaming?

-7–
Act I, scene 1
 Marley
Perhaps.

Scrooge
Who are you?

Marley
Ask me who I was.

Scrooge
Who were you then?

Marley
Jacob Marley, your late business partner.

Scrooge
Bah!

Marley
You don’t believe me?

Scrooge
I don’t. Maybe something I ate is giving me bad dreams. You may be some undigested beef, or
a crumb of cheese. There’s more of gravy than grave about you “Jacob”.

Marley
Ebenezer, your sense of humor isn’t the only thing about you that needs improvement. I have
come to warn you. Your life is in danger…grave danger.

Scrooge
Why do you trouble my sleep, Jacob?

Marley
You see me wearing these chains I forged in my life by my actions. Link by link, yard by yard, I
made them with my greed and apathy. Seven years ago, at my death, I was condemned to put
them on and now I must wear these chains for all eternity! You too, my friend, are making a
chain with your despicable actions in this life, and it is longer and heaver than this.

Scrooge
Marley, tell me more. Speak comfort to me, Jacob.

Marley
I have none to give.

-8–
Act I, scene 1
 Scrooge
How did you forge these chains? You were always a good man of business?

Lights: add red

Marley
(Shout) Business? Can’t you see what the cost of our notion of business has been to me? It’s cost
me my soul for all eternity! While I was alive, my business should have been Jesus Christ:
compassion, mercy, love! People should have been my business. Listen closely Ebenezer, for I
speak the truth. The place where I now must dwell is ruled by the forces of darkness, and they
are masters of deception. They spread the lie that all a person must be is decent and good to
inherit the kingdom of heaven, escaping an eternity of the fires and torments of hell. It’s a lie
and I bought it! I am here tonight to tell you that you have a chance of escaping my fate; a
chance of escaping my torment, Ebenezer.

Scrooge
You were always a good friend to me.

Marley
Tonight you will be visited by three spirits.

Scrooge
Is that the chance I have?

Marley
It is?

Scrooge
I think I’d rather not.

Marley
Expect the first when the bell tolls one.

Scrooge
Can’t I take them all at once and get it over with?

Marley
No! When the bell tolls one the first will appear. Listen to them. Your future depends on it.
Farewell, Ebenezer.

Marley exits up the stairs extreme stage left. Scrooge sits back in his chair. When Marley has
completely disappeared, Scrooge says…

Scrooge
Humbug!
Lights: off
End Scene

-9–
Act I, scene 1
 SCENE 3

SCROOGE'S BED CHAMBER/ SCHOOL ROOM

Sound: Bell tolls one.

Music: (track ) The Spirit of Christmas Past – Evenstar

The Spirit of Christmas Past enters down the stairs extreme stage left.

Lights: Spotlight dimly up on Spirit, growing brighter as she nears stage.

Lights: Add Yellow when she reaches main stage.

Scrooge
Are you the Spirit whose coming I was told of?

Spirit of Christmas Past

I am.

Scrooge
Who are you?

Spirit of Christmas Past

I am the Spirit of Christmas Past.

Scrooge
Long past?

Spirit of Christmas Past

No, your past.

Scrooge
What business brings you here?

Spirit of Christmas Past

Your welfare.

Scrooge
Dreamless sleep would be more beneficial to my welfare.

Spirit of Christmas Past

Your salvation, then. Rise and walk with me.

- 10 –
Act I, scene 1
 Music (track ): Traveling to the Past – In the Bleak Midwinter

Scrooge takes her hand and the SoCPast leads him to stage left.

Lights: full lights up.

Child Scrooge sits center stage working at his school desk.

Narrator
And so they went back to Ebenezer Scrooge’s childhood. It was Christmas Eve afternoon. The
sights and smells brought back a thousand memories long, long forgotten.

Scrooge
It’s me when I was a boy. This is where I went to school. It seems practically deserted.

Two (or more) schoolboys enter from stage right. They carry coats, hats, bags, etc. They
surround Child Scrooge, crossing behind him if going to his left side.

Schoolboy 1
Why are you still working, Scrooge? It’s Christmas break now! The bell rang ages ago!

Schoolboy 2
He never goes home for Christmas.

Schoolboy 1
Who doesn’t want to go home for Christmas?

Schoolboy 2
Shhh. Let’s go.

Schoolboys exit stage right.

Child Scrooge
Who cares about stupid old Christmas.

Child Scrooge picks up a paper and crosses to stage left with it, going out of sight.

Spirit of Christmas Past

Let us see another Christmas.

Young Scrooge emerges, carrying the same paper, crossing to the desk and sitting down to work.
Young Scrooge gets up and paces the space. When his back is to stage left, Fan enters from
stage left.

Fan
Ebenezer!

- 11 –
Act I, scene 1
 Young Scrooge & Scrooge
Fan!

Young Scrooge and Fan embrace.

Spirit of Christmas Past

These are the shadows of things that have been. They are not aware of us.

Young Scrooge and Fan hold one another’s arms as they continue to speak.

Fan
I have come to bring you home, brother!

Young Scrooge
Home?

Fan
Yes, home for good. Home forever and ever! Father is so much kinder than he used to be, and
home is like heaven! You never have to come back here; and we’ll be together all Christmas
long and have the best time in the world! Come on!

They exit stage left.

Lights: down.
Lights: Spotlight on Scrooge and SoCPast

Spirit of Christmas Past

She had such a giving spirit.

Scrooge
Yes she did…before she died.

Spirit of Christmas Past

She had children, too I think.

Scrooge
One child.

Spirit of Christmas Past

Your nephew.

Scrooge
It was too difficult. Having the child killed her.

- 12 –
Act I, scene 1
 Spirit of Christmas Past
Do you hold his mother’s death against him?

Scrooge
I don’t know.

End scene

(Immediately into next scene)

SCENE 4

FEZZIWIG’S BUSINESS

Bare stage.

Spirit of Christmas Past

Let us see a third Christmas.

Music: (track ) Fezziwig’s Party – Good King Wenseslas

Lights: All up.

Chorus enter from all directions to use center stage and stage right.

Spirit of Christmas Past

Do you know this place?

Scrooge
Yes, I was apprenticed here to old Fezziwig.

Fezziwig enters stage right with Mrs. Fezziwig, greeting their guests. Young Scrooge enters
stage left, looking over a notebook. Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig part. Mr. Fezziwig and Young
Scrooge meet center stage.

There he is! Mr. Fezziwig…alive again. He was as hard and ruthless and a cup of tea.

Fezziwig
No more work tonight. Praise be to God it’s Christmas Eve, Ebenezer! Come everyone, we
have an entertainment this evening.

Dancers for the Party Dance take their places. Chorus move to stage right and to the edges of
center stage.

- 13 –
Act I, scene 1
 Music: (track ) Party Dance – Muppet Christmas Overture
Lights:
Music and dance end. Applause.

Music: (Track ) Introducing Belle – Midnight Clear

Spirit of Christmas Past

Such a small party to make these silly folks so happy.

Scrooge
Small?!?

Spirit of Christmas Past

He has spent little money on it. Yet he receives all this praise?

Fezziwig and Belle come to center stage. Young Scrooge is nearby speaking to another
guest. Belle has an empty glass in her hand.

Fezziwig
Ebenezer, come and meet a friend of my family.

Young Scrooge pardons himself from the guest and joins Fezziwig and Belle.

Belle this is Ebenezer. Ebenezer this is Belle.

Young Scrooge
Pleased to meet you, Belle.

Belle
Pleased to meet you.

Fezziwig
I’ll leave you to it, then.

Fezziwig goes to speak to other guests. Young Scrooge and Belle’s attraction makes
them uneasy with each other.

Young Scrooge
Would you like a glass of punch?

Belle
No thank you. I’ve just finished one.

Awkward pause.

- 14 –
Act I, scene 1
 Young Scrooge
Um...It’s ah…It’s very warm in here. It’s the large number of guests I suppose.

Belle
Yes.

Awkward pause.

Young Scrooge
Would you like to go outside? I mean just for a moment to get some air. I…I know it’s
snowing and all, but it would be cooler out there.

Belle
I’d like that.

He offers her his arm. She takes it and they exit stage left. Chorus exit stage right,
saying goodbye to the Fezziwigs. Scrooge never takes his eyes from Young Scrooge and
Belle. Fezziwigs exit behind their last guests.

Spirit of Christmas Past

Do you remember this party? Meeting this girl?

Scrooge
Remember? Yes, I remember . She was beautiful and I adored her.

Spirit of Christmas Past

There came a time when you adored something else more than you adored her, and you
could not hide it. She saw your love for her be replaced by your need for furthering
yourself in the world.

Scrooge
Please do not.

Spirit of Christmas Past

You must see.

End Scene

Lights: down for scene change

Music: (track ) Celtic instrumental

- 15 –
Act I, scene 1
 SCENE 5

A PARK

Music: (continue track ) Celtic instrumental

Lights: full up

Belle enters stage left and sits on a bench in the park. She waits. Young Scrooge enters after
several moments.

Young Scrooge
Belle, darling. Every stop I made to today took longer than expected. I hope you haven’t been
waiting long.

Belle
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.

Young Scrooge
I’m sorry. I was sure I was only fifteen minutes late.

Belle
That’s not what I mean.

Young Scrooge
Then what do you mean.

Belle
You said we could not get married until we had a place to live, and I agreed, but you’ve had your
townhouse for three years now.

Young Scrooge
I know but we also need something to live on.

Belle
I realize that, and you said that when you made partner it would be enough.

Young Scrooge
Making partner in the business wasn’t as much of a pay raise as I had hoped. And then when I
looked at the world we live in I realized that we need a bit of savings to our name to provide for
anything unexpected. I thought we agreed.

- 16 –
Act I, scene 1
 Belle
We did agree, but you have saved enough to buy a second home for us if we wanted it. How
much is enough, Ebenezer?

Young Scrooge
Belle…I…it’s a cut throat world and I must be able to provide for you in the way you deserve.

Belle
But all I really needed was you. I know a person needs a roof, food to eat, and clothes to wear,
but the clothes don’t have to be spectacular, and the food doesn’t have to be gourmet. You are so
concerned that the things you buy be the best there is. A label or an address seems far more
important to you …than me.

Music: (Track ) When Love is Gone

I don’t care about those kinds of things…I wanted us to be together. Even if we were poor we
could have been happy just the two of us on whatever path God set in front of us.

Young Scrooge
Could have been?

Belle
I just don’t think that you will ever believe you have enough.

(Sings)
When Love is Gone
Words and Music by Paul Williams
Copyright 1992 Jim Henson Productions, Inc.

There was a time when I was sure that you and I were truly one
That our future was forever and would never come undone
And we came so close to being close, and though you cared for me
There's distance in your eyes tonight so we're not meant to be

The love is gone

The love is gone
The sweetest dream that you have ever known
The love is gone
The love is gone
I wish you well but I must leave you now alone

There comes a moment in your life, like a window, and you see
Your future there before you and how perfect life can be
But adventure calls with unknown voices pulling you away
Be careful or you may regret the choice you make someday

- 17 –
Act I, scene 1
 When love is gone
When love is gone
The sweetest dream that we have ever know
When love is gone
When love is gone
I wish you well but I must leave you now alone

Scrooge moves toward Belle to join her singing. Belle cannot see or hear him.

Belle & Scrooge

It was almost love. It was almost always
It was like a fairy tale we'd live out, you and I
And yes, some dreams come true, and yes, some dreams fall through

Belle
And yes, the time has come for us to say good-bye
Yes, some dreams come true, and yes, some dreams fall through
And yes, the time has come for us to say good-bye
(End of Song)

Belle
I’m sorry Ebenezer.

Young Scrooge
Me too.

Belle kisses his cheek and exits stage right. Young Scrooge remains on the bench for several
seconds, then gets up and exits stage left.

Scrooge
Spirit, show me no more! Take me home. Why do you delight in torturing me?

Spirit of Christmas Past

One shadow more.

Scrooge
No more. I don’t want to see it. Please, I can’t look at any more.

SoCPast shakes her head and gestures to stage right. Belle and her children enter carrying
Christmas packages. The children sing.

Music: (track ) Here We come a Caroling

Fade after 1st verse

Mr. Martin enter stage left.

- 18 –
Act I, scene 1
 Mr. Martin
Belle! Children! (or “girls”)

Children
Father!

The children run to embrace him. After a hug, he takes some of Belle’s packages to carry.

Mr. Martin
I saw an old friend of yours this afternoon.

Belle
Who?

Mr. Martin
Ebenezer Scrooge.

Belle
Really?

Mr. Martin
Really. I passed his office and saw him. I hear his business partner is dying, and there he sat all
alone. I ran into his nephew Fred sometimes, and he says Scrooge hasn’t even been to visit
Marley, and he of course he never visits Fred either. He seems to have chosen to be completely
alone.

Belle
I feel so sorry for him sometimes. I know it’s strange to still be concerned for him after all this
time. I even pray for him when I think about him.

Mr. Martin
It’s not strange. It’s just you.

Martin Family exit stage left. Scrooge and SocPast move toward center stage during next
dialog.

Scrooge
Oh, Spirit. What did I do? Belle still cares about me after so long. She was too good for me.
And the children…Belle’s children. You are an unkind spirit to show me these things. Do you
want to hurt me? Is that your goal in coming to me? Why? What have I ever done to you?

Spirit of Christmas Past

I did not create these shadows of memory. You did. I am simply a guide; an illuminator of your
past in an attempt to guide your future. The others will come soon to show you other things.
Listen to them, Ebenezer, and they will help you find the path of mercy if you let them.

- 19 –
Act I, scene 1
 Scrooge
I cannot see more! I will me driven into a pit of despair and never find my way out again.

Spirit of Christmas Past

You can choose to stay away from that pit. You can choose to be other than you are now.
You can choose.

Scrooge
Let me go home.

SoCPast gestures toward his bed. Scrooge, seeming a broken man, goes back to his bed.

End Scene

Lights: lights down

End Act I

ACT II
SCENE 1

SCROOGE'S HOUSE/ CRATCHIT’S HOUSE/ FRED'S HOUSE

Sound: two bell tolls

Scrooge is in bed. Finally bright cheerful light shines in room. The SoCPresent sits at a table
covered in food (dishes, platters, bowls, etc.) eating and drinking merrily.

Lights: Spotlight on SoCPresent

Lights: yellow and green light up.

Music: (track ) Spirit of Christmas Present – I Saw Three Ships

Spirit of Christmas Present

Ebenezer Scrooge. Come forth.

Scrooge obeys.

Come in and know me better, man!

Scrooge entered timidly, and hung his head before this cheerful spirit.

- 20 –
Act I, scene 1
I am the Spirit of Christmas Present. Come in and know me better, man!

Scrooge
You said that already.

Spirit of Christmas Present

I did?

Scrooge
You're a little absent minded, Spirit.

Spirit of Christmas Present

No. I'm a large absent-minded spirit! I only know what is happening here and now…in the
present. You have never seen anyone like me before?

Scrooge
No.

Spirit of Christmas Present

Two-thousand of my brothers have come and gone before me, one for every year after the birth
of Christ and the first Christmas.

Scrooge
Since I am apparently unable to stem the tide of visitors this night, lead on. If you have more to
teach me, let me learn it.

Spirit of Christmas Present

Follow me then.

Scrooge obeys and they walk to where Mrs. Cratchit and her children are preparing dinner.

Music: Fade out track .

Music: (track ) Meet the Cratchits – The First Noel

Lights: full up.

Narrator
Perhaps it was the Spirit's pleasure in good or else it was his own kind, generous, hearty nature
and his sympathy with all poor men, that led him straight to the home of Scrooge's clerk, Bob
Cratchit. At the threshold of the door the Spirit paused. Inside was Mrs. Cratchit, dressed simply
in clothes she had made, assisted by Belinda, the second of her daughters, while Peter rolled up
the sleeves of a very large shirt which actually belonged to his father and was loaned to his son in
honor of the day. The smallest Cratchits but one, Rebecca and John, then joined them around
table, praising the Lord for the unusual bounty of the Christmas Feast.

Music: fade out

- 21 –
Act I, scene 1
Rebecca
Martha!

Martha
I'm sorry I'm late. We had a lot of work today! Everyone seems to leave their shopping until
Christmas Eve!

Mrs. Cratchit
I’m just glad you got here before dinner. Come sit before you fall down. I wonder what's keeping
your father. And, Tiny Tim! Are the streets very crowded and busy today?

Martha
Very busy!

Rebecca
Momma, will you read while we wait?

Mrs. Cratchit
Of course.

All sit down and Mrs. Cratchit opens the bible.

Music: (track ) The Christmas Story – What Child is This?

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of
David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be
taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were
there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her
firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there
was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the
field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel
said unto them. Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all
people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the
Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,
lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds
said one to another. Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to
pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and
Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the
saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those
things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered
them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

- 22 –
Act I, scene 1
 Music: fade track.

Mrs. Cratchit
Now let’s finish getting dinner ready.

All move to help.

Peter
Father and Tim are coming.

Rebecca
Hide, Martha. Hide!

Martha hides. Bob Cratchit enters with Tiny Tim on a crutch.

Bob Cratchit
Hello everyone! Everything looks wonderful! Where’s Martha?

Belinda
She's not coming, father.

Bob Cratchit
Not coming? Not coming for Christmas?

Martha
I'm here Father!

Tim
Martha!

They embrace.

Martha
Tim! You look wonderful!

Tim
I'm glad you're here! (Coughs)

Martha
So am I.

Bob Cratchit
And so am I! It wouldn't have been right with out you.

Bob Cratchit and Martha hug. Small children help Tim remove his coat and get seated.

- 23 –
Act I, scene 1
Mrs. Cratchit
And how did Tim behave at church?

Bob Cratchit
Good as gold if not better. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the
church, because he was crippled, and it might remind them on Christmas Day, who made lame
beggars walk, and blind men see. He really seems to be getting stronger.

Narrator
The Cratchit's now sat down to what was by far the biggest feast on their table all year.

Everyone comes to the table, and join hands.

Music: (track ) Dinner Prayer – O Come all Ye Faithful

Bob Cratchit
Let's give thanks. Dear Father God, we thank you for the feast You have placed on our table.
Thank You for all those we love being here to share in Your blessings. Keep us healthy and close
to You all through Christmas and the coming year. Thank you for sending Your son to us on
Christmas so long ago, and for the gift of our salvation and life forever with you. We pray all
this in the name of Jesus Christ...

Mrs. Cratchit, Martha, Belinda, Peter, Rebecca, John and Tim

...in the name of Jesus Christ

All
Amen!

Bob Cratchit
A Merry Christmas to us all. God bless us!

Tim
God bless us every one!

Music: fade track. (End of 1st chorus)

All pass food and eat.

Scrooge
Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live.

Spirit of Christmas Present

I believe there will be a vacant seat and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these
shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.

- 24 –
Act I, scene 1
Scrooge
Oh, no, kind Spirit! Say he will be spared.

Spirit of Christmas Present

If these shadows remain unaltered by the Future, you will not find him here. But if he will die, he
had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Is that not what you said?

Scrooge hangs his head. Bob Cratchit lifts his glass

Bob Cratchit
Raise your glass to Mr. Scrooge! The Founder of the Feast!

Mrs. Cratchit
The Founder of the Feast? I wish I had him here. I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast upon,
and I bet he'd choke on it!

Bob Cratchit
Caroline, the children; it’s Christmas!

Mrs. Cratchit
Only at Christmas would we drink the health of such a detestable, stingy, unfeeling man.
You know he is, Robert! Nobody knows it better than you do!

Bob Cratchit
The Lord's first command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and
strength. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. Nothing is more important.

Mrs. Cratchit
I'm sorry. Merry Christmas and a happy new year, to Mr. Scrooge! He'll be very merry and very
happy, I have no doubt!

The Cratchits toast and drink.

Lights: Fade Down on Cratchits.

Lights: Spotlight on Scrooge and SoCPresent

Spirit of Christmas Present

Come. We have more to see.

Lights: up on stage right

Lights: Spotlight follow Scrooge and SoCPresent and end up on Fred, Emma, and guests.
Music: (track ) Christmas at Fred’s – O Tannenbaum

- 25 –
Act I, scene 1
SoCPresent and Scrooge go to stage left where Fred, Emma and several other couples (guests)
are gathered pantomime laughing.

Scrooge
What place is this?

Spirit of Christmas Present

Look and listen.

Fred, Emma and guests can be heard now.

Fred
He said that Christmas was a humbug! He really did and he believed it too.

Emma
That's so awful, Fred.

Fred
He's a comical fellow and I know he's not as pleasant as he could be. But, his sins carry their
own punishment, so I can't say anything against him. Even his wealth is of no use to him, and
He doesn't use it for God either. He doesn't do any good with it. He doesn't even make himself
comfortable with it.

Emma
It's so very hard to have patience with him.

Fred
Christ is always patient with us, even when He was being crucified. He asked God to forgive
the people that killed Him because they didn't know what they were doing. We all sin, so we all
killed Him; and if he could forgive us for taking his life, I can have patience with my uncle! The
Lord is the same in the Past, the Present, and the Future so He is still patient with us and loves us
no matter what we do. I couldn't be angry with Scrooge if I tried; not if I want to be like Jesus.
Who suffers because of Scrooge? Only he does. He's decided to dislike us, and he won't come to
dinner with us. What's the consequence? He doesn't even lose much of a dinner!

Emma
I think he loses a very good dinner!

Fred
Sorry dear. A poor joke. I pray one day uncle understands Christmas and all Jesus has done and
still does for us. But even if he doesn't, I'll continue to visit him in good faith, year after year.

Emma
I hope he understands too. But it can't be helped at the moment, so let's sing carols or play
games or something.

- 26 –
Act I, scene 1
 All
Let's play a game. No more songs. (Etc.)

Fred
Alright a game.

Spirit of Christmas Present

Let us move on.

Music: fade track here if it is not finished playing.

Scrooge
Please, Spirit. Let's stay for one game. Just half an hour, Spirit. A few minutes.

Spirit of Christmas Present

Very well.

Fred
We'll play "Yes and No". I've got a good one, too.

Guest 1
Is it an animal?

Fred
Yes

Guest 2
Can you eat it?

Fred
No.

Guest 3
Does it talk?

Fred
Sometimes.

All
Yes or no!!

Fred
Oh, alright... yes!

Emma
Can you put it in a cage?

- 27 –
Act I, scene 1
Fred
No.

Guest 4
Is it disagreeable?

Fred
Yes.

Guest 5
Does it live in London?

Fred
Yes.

Guest 1
I know what it is!

Fred
What is it?

Guest 1
Your Uncle Scrooge!

Fred
Yes!

All laugh and clap, including Scrooge.

Scrooge
It was me!

Lights: all down for set change.

Fred, Emma and guests exit.

Music: (track )
Music: fade when set changed
Lights: up when scene changed

Spirit of Christmas Present

We must go. My time is ended. But first there is something you must see.

A boy and a girl - Ignorance and Want - enter, ragged, scowling, glaring, and yellowed.
Scrooge is appalled at their appearance, but recovers himself to attempt to be polite.

- 28 –
Act I, scene 1
Scrooge
They are very…I mean…(gulp)…Spirit, are they yours?

Spirit of Christmas Present

They are Man's. And they cling to me. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware of them
both and all their wicked ways, but most of all beware of this boy, for on his face is written
Doom. The doom of all mankind. Ignorance runs rampant in this land; a plague destroying all
that your forefathers held so dear and gave their lives for. Who founded this land? Who dictates
its path today? Why are there wars and why does peace elude all mankind? Ask the man on the
street; the woman who works three jobs; the child who slides through his mediocre education.
Few will answer and fewer will tell you correctly. Ignorance! This boy represents the end of a
way of life, the end for you all.

Scrooge
What about the …girl?

Spirit of Christmas Past

She is invisible, or rather that is what people want her to be. To most, Want is ugly,
uncomfortable, and distasteful. Why should they help her today if she will beg again tomorrow?
How does a passer by know that she is truly in need, not simply too lazy to help herself? Few
can spare the time to really see her. It is mostly at Christmas that she is attended to. Every
December the deepest recesses of otherwise untouched pockets are poured out on her. She is fed,
clothed, and blessed and then forgotten for eleven months. She is no plague, she is a cancer
quietly eating away at mankind from the inside out, begging for a cure when none is in sight.

Scrooge
Have they no refuge or help?

Spirit of Christmas Present

Do you mean are there no prisons... no shelters?

Bell tolls. Children and SoCPresent exit.

Lights: all down

Music: (track ) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

End Scene

- 29 –
Act I, scene 1
 SCENE 2

A CITY STREET

Lights: up red.
Music: (track ) Spirit of Christmas Future

Scrooge is left alone while bell tolls. He looks around and sees nothing. He drops head in his
hands. Looking up he sees a solemn Spirit of Christmas Future, draped and hooded, coming,
like a mist along the ground, towards him. The Spirit slowly, gravely, silently approaches. When
it comes to him, Scrooge bends down on his knee.

Scrooge
I am in the presence of the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come?

SoCFuture lifts hand and points onward, then drops hand

You are going to show me things that have not happened, but will happen in the future.
Is that right?

SoCFuture lifts hand and points onward again, then drops his hand.

Spirit of the Future, I fear you more than any spirit I have seen yet. But I know you will do me
good. I want to be a new man, so I will bear your company with a thankful heart. Will you speak
to me?

SoCFuture lifts hand and points onward again, then drops his hand

Lead me! The night is ending fast, and it is precious time to me.

SoCFuture and Scrooge cross stage and businesspeople enter.

Lights: overheads ½ up.

Businessperson 3
No, I don't know much about it, either way. I only know he's dead.

Businessperson 2
When did he die?

Businessperson 1
Last night, I believe.

- 30 –
Act I, scene 1
Businessperson 3
Why, what was the matter with him? I thought he'd never die

Businessperson 1
God only knows.

Businessperson 2
What has he done with his money?

Businessperson 1
I haven't heard. He hasn't left it to me. That's all I know.

All businesspeople laugh

Businessperson 3
It's likely to be a very cheap funeral. I don't know of anybody who will go to it.

Businessperson 2
I don't mind going if a lunch is provided

All businesspeople laugh and exit.

Scrooge
I know some of those people, Spirit. Who were they talking about?

Scrooge and SoCFuture cross to stage_________.

Lights: add yellow

Two scavenger women meet - both carrying bundles.

Woman 1
Have you thought about how much all these things are worth?

Woman 2
Quite a bit, I'm sure. But every person has a right to take care of themselves. He always did!

Woman 1
Very true. Very true.

Woman 2
Then why are you acting so afraid?
No one will ever know we've helped ourselves to a thing or two.

Woman 1
I suppose you're right. Who would even miss these few horrid things?

- 31 –
Act I, scene 1
Woman 2
Not a dead man! (They Laugh) So what do you have?

Woman 1
Some silver and his blankets.

Woman 2
(Feeling the blankets) They're still warm!

Woman 1
Probably the only warmth he gave off in his whole life! (They Laugh)

Woman 2
That sums it up, I guess. He frightened everyone away from him when he was alive, only to
benefit us when he was dead!

Scavenger women laugh.

End Scene

Right into next scene.

SCENE 3

CRATCHIT’S HOME/ THE GRAVEYARD

Scrooges and Spirit cross to stage _________ The Cratchits - except Bob Cratchit - enter
dismally and sit.

Scrooge
Spirit, I see, I see. The case of this unhappy man might be my own.
My life is going that way, now. Merciful Heaven, what is this!

Music: (track ) Scavengers - Rigoletto

Lights: overheads still at ½, add blue and yellow

Bob Cratchit enters, head down

Mrs. Cratchit
Is it good... or bad?
- 32 –
Act I, scene 1
 Bob Cratchit
Bad.

Mrs. Cratchit
Are we ruined?

Bob Cratchit
No. There is still hope.

Mrs. Cratchit
If he relents there is. Nothing is past hope. If that miracle happens.

Bob Cratchit
He is past relenting. He is dead.

(Bob Cratchit exits)

Scrooge
Spirit, please let me see some tenderness connected with someone's death.

Peter
I think Father walks home a little slower these past two evenings since...

Mrs. Cratchit
You remember sometimes…I have seen him walk very fast with Tiny Tim on his shoulder.

Peter
So have I.

Belinda
Me, too.

Mrs. Cratchit
But he was very light to carry, and his father loved him so much.

Music: fade track

Rebecca
Momma

Mrs. Cratchit
Yes, Rebecca.

Rebecca
I feel sad.

- 33 –
Act I, scene 1
Mrs. Cratchit
So do I.

Rebecca
Could you sing to us?

Mrs. Cratchit
Of course.

(Sings)
O Holy Night
Words by Placide Chapeau (1808-1877)
Music by Adolphe-Charles Adam (1803-1856)
English translation by John Sullivan Dwight

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining;

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Mrs. Cratchit is unable to continue alone. There is a pause. Martha continues the song
enabling her mother to finish singings.

Martha
Fall…

Mrs. Cratchit
Fall…

Mrs. Cratchit & Martha

…on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, o night when Christ was born;
O night, divine , O night divine!

Bob Cratchit enters.

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains He shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Bob Cratchit, Mrs. Cratchit, & Martha

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

- 34 –
Act I, scene 1
O night, divine, O night divine!

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night, divine, O night divine!

(Song Ends)

Mrs. Cratchit
Did you go to-day, Robert?

Bob Cratchit
Yes. I wish you could have gone. I picked a spot for Tim on a hill where you can see the ducks
on the river.

Mrs. Cratchit
Tim loved the ducks.

Bob Cratchit
Yes, Tim loved those ducks. I promised him that we would all walk there on Sunday.

(Bob Cratchit begins to break down. He gathers himself he continues.)

Bob Cratchit
I saw, Fred Post today; you know - Mr. Scrooge's nephew. He asked after the family, and I told
him. He really is kind. He said he was very sorry for our loss and asked me to give his
condolences to my kind wife. Then he asked if he could do anything for us. How did he know
that, anyway?

Mrs. Cratchit
Know what?

Bob Cratchit
That I had a kind wife.

Martha
Everybody knows that.

Bob Cratchit
I suppose Mr. Post could help Peter find a position in his firm?

Belinda
And then Peter will find a wife and get married!

- 35 –
Act I, scene 1
Peter & Martha
Belinda!

Bob Cratchit
Well, one of these days; but there's plenty of time for that. But however and whenever we part
from one another, I am sure we will not forget poor Tiny Tim or this first parting from someone
we love. When we remember how patient and gentle he was we will always be patient with
each other. And when we see anyone in need – anyone sick or disabled in anyway – let’s think
of Tim and stop a moment in our life to ask them what we can do to make their lives a little
easier. Christ said that when we feed the hungry we feed Him, and when we give water to
someone thirsty we give water to Him. It’s so simple, but some how a difficult concept to apply
all year around.

Peter
I will remember, Father.

Belinda
Me, too.

Lights: down on Cratchits.

Cratchits exit.

Lights: Spotlight dimly on Scrooge and SoCPresent

Scrooge
Spirit, I know what I must ask you, but I am afraid. Can you tell me what man it was that died
without friend or mourner?

Lights: blue

Music: (track ) At the Grave Yard

Tombstones appear.

The wretched man whose name I do not know? He lies here underneath the ground?

SoCPresent pointes down to one grave. Scrooge advances towards it trembling.

Before I look at that stone please tell me. Are these the shadows of the things that will be, or are
they shadows of things that may be?

SoCPresent pointes down to the grave.

Spirit, men's ways lead to certain ends, if they are unchanged, but if the ways change, the end
will change. Is this true of all I have seen?

- 36 –
Act I, scene 1
SoCPresent pointes down to the grave. Scrooge moves branches and reads his own name.

No… Ebenezer Scrooge! Oh God! Hear me!

Music: fade track fast!

Music: (track ) I Wonder as I Wonder

Scrooge kneels to pray. SoCPresent exits.

Lights: Spotlight starts very faint on Scrooge and very slowly becomes brighter as he prays.

I am not the man I was. I will never again be that man. Why show me this, if I am past all hope?
Please forgive me for my sins and for only thinking of myself. I will honor Christ and Christmas
in my heart, and keep them all the year. Please forgive me for my sins and for only thinking of
myself. I will honor Christ and Christmas in my heart, and keep them all the year. Thank you,
Jesus, for dying to pay for my sins and giving me hope in this dark world. I will walk withYou
each and every day for the rest of my life. I will not shut out the lessons that You teach. Father
God, help me erase the writing on this stone!

The tombstone disappears.

Lights: All off except the spotlight, which continues to brighten.

End Scene

Directly into next scene. Music: Leave track to play into next scene

SCENE 4

SCROOGE'S HOUSE/ CITY STREET

Scrooge
I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future! The Lord is the same in the Past, and in the
Present, and in the Future!

Scrooge pauses, then gathers himself and lifts his head.

Lights Fade up overhead spots.

Scrooge
It’s over. They’re gone. All of it’s gone…but I’m…I’m still here! And so are the bed clothes.
No one has taken them! I am still alive…alive I think for the first time.
- 37 –
Act I, scene 1
The things that would have been are changed! They must be. I know they are!

Music: (track ) Deck the Halls - reprise

Scrooge rises and grabs his clothes, puts them down. He lifts his candle, puts it down.

I don't know what to do! I am as light as a feather. I am as giddy as a school-boy. I feel like a
drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to the whole world! But I
don't know what day of the month it is! I don't know how long I've been dreaming of the
Spirits. I don't know anything.

Scrooge laughs in delight and mindless giddiness.

Music: fade out track

The caroling child enters singing' "Ding, Dong Merrily on High” and walks down in front.
Scrooge rushes to lean over the rail.

Caroling Child
Ding dong merrily on high, the Christmas bells are ringing.
Ding dong verily the sky is full with angels singing…

Scrooge
Hello! What's to-day?

Caroling Child
What?

Scrooge
What's to-day, my dear girl?

Caroling Child
Today, sir? It's Christmas Day.

Scrooge
(To himself) It's Christmas Day! I haven't missed it. God did it all in one night. He can do
anything He likes, (with realization) Of course He can. (with conviction) Of course He can. (To
the child) Hello, my dear girl! Do you know the butchers, on the corner?

Caroling Child
Yes sir.

Scrooge
An intelligent girl! Remarkable! Do you know if they've sold the turkey that was hanging up
there? Not the little turkey; the great big one?

- 38 –
Act I, scene 1
 Caroling Child
The one as big as me?

Scrooge
What a delightful child! Yes that's the one...

Caroling Child
It's hanging there now.

Scrooge
Go and have them bring it here. Come back with the man. And I'll give you a dollar...no five
dollars Come back with him in less than five minutes, and I'll double it!

The child goes off running. Caroling Choir begin to enter the street, including the two
charitable workers. Scrooge quickly goes to stage left and ducks down out of sight to put his
clothes over his pajamas. While Scrooge dresses, Caroling Chorus enters and sings

Music: (track ) It Feels Like Christmas

It Feels Like Christmas
Words and Music by Paul Williams
Copyright 1992 Jim Henson Productions, Inc.

Chorus
It's in the singing of a street corner choir
It's going home and getting warm by the fire
It's true wherever you find love
It feels like Christmas

Solo One
A cup of kindness that we share with another

Solo Two
A sweet reunion with a friend or brother
In all the places you find love
It feels like Christmas

Mrs. Cratchit
It is the season of the heart
A special time of caring
The ways of love made clear

Mrs. Cratchit and Martha

And it is the season of the spirit
The message if we hear it is make it last all year

- 39 –
Act I, scene 1
Caroling Child
It's in the giving of a gift to another
A pair of mittens that were made by your mother

Chorus
It's all the ways that we show love
That feel like Christmas

A part of childhood we'll always remember

It is the summer of the soul in December
Yes, when you do your best for love
It feels like Christmas

It is the season of the heart

A special time of caring
The ways of love made clear

It is the season of the spirit

The message if we hear it
Is make it last all year

It's in the singing of a street corner choir

It's going home and getting warm by the fire
It's true wherever you find love it feels like Christmas
It's true wherever you find love it feels like Christmas, Christmas
It feels like Christmas, Christmas
It feels like Christmas, Christmas
It feels like Christmas

(Song ends)

The Chorus except for the two Charitable Workers, and 4-5 others continuing to shop and
converse. Scrooge meets the Charitable Workers.

Music: (track ) Christmas Morning

Scrooge
How do you do? Merry Christmas to you! I hope you succeeded yesterday.

Worker 1
Mr. Scrooge?

Scrooge
Yes! That is my name, though it may not be a nice one to you after yesterday. I must ask for your
forgiveness. And will you please accept...

- 40 –
Act I, scene 1
Scrooge whispers in Worker2’s ear and then Worker 2 whispers in worker 1’s ear.

Worker 1
Lord bless me! Mr. Scrooge, are you serious?

Scrooge
Yes, and not a penny less. Many back-payments are included in it, I promise you. And will you
do me a favor?

Worker 1
Yes... of course.

Scrooge
Come and see me. Please come and see me whenever you are collecting donations!

Worker 1
We will!

Worker 2
Mr. Scrooge...I’d like to give you something, too.

Scrooge pauses before leaving. Worker 2 gives Scrooge a scarf.

Scrooge
Thank you. Merry Christmas! God bless you and keep you!

Fred enters.

Worker 1
And you Mr. Scrooge!

Fred
Uncle Scrooge?

Scrooge
Nephew!

Scrooge shakes Fred's hand and slaps him on the hack during the entire conversation. Fred is
utterly bewildered

Merry Christmas! I do hope that I am still welcome at dinner today. I really haven't spent
enough time with you or you lovely wife, and I hope to change all of that now and forever, if
that's alright. It is alright, isn't it?

Fred
Y-yes…of course. We'd be delighted!

- 41 –
Act I, scene 1
Scrooge
Good! Good! I'll see you soon then.

Scrooge moves to stage left. Over his shoulder…

Scrooge
God bless you, Fred!

Fred
And you, uncle!
Fred exits in wonder

Scrooge
And now for Bob Cratchit!
Scrooge exits.

End Scene

Lights: down for set change

Music: allow tracks to play out and go right into (track ) A Cratchit Christmas

SCENE 5

CRATCHIT’S HOUSE

Lights: full up

Nearly giggling. Scrooge approaches where the Cratchits sit opening a few Christmas gifs and
having a wonderful time. Scrooge composes himself with great effort and raps at their door.
Bob Cratchit opens the door.

Scrooge
(growling) What do you mean by being home at this time of day?

Bob Cratchit
I am very sorry, sir, but it’s Christmas, and you said I could have the day off.

Scrooge
Do you think I would agree to you having all day off?

Bob Cratchit
No, sir…I’m mean you did sir...
- 42 –
Act I, scene 1
Scrooge
Now, I’ll tell you what, I am not going to stand this any longer. And therefore, (he slaps Bob on
the shoulder, nearly knocking him over) I am about to raise your salary! Merry Christmas, Bob!
A merrier Christmas than I have ever given you before! I’ll raise your salary, and pay the
mortgage on your house.

Mrs. Cratchit faints in her chair.

We will discuss it all this very afternoon. Bob! Tomorrow you will make up the fires at the
counting-house, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another “I”. Bob Cratchit. Where is
Tiny Tim?

Tim
Here sir.

Scrooge
You will see the finest doctors we can get for you. You will never want for anything and you
will get well through the grace of God. By the stripes of Jesus Christ you will be healed.

Tiny Tim and Scrooge embrace. As the Narrator reads, the chorus gathers on stage, some
shaking hand with Scrooge.

Music: (track ) Scrooge the Samaritan – We Wish you a Merry Christmas

Chorus enters during narration

Narrator
Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and more; and 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. Some people laughed to see the change in him, but he let them laugh, and
little heeded them - deciding that laughter was good for the hearts. His own heart laughed, too:
and that was quite enough for him. He had no more intervention in his dreams, but lived on the
Word of God, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christ
well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!

Music: (track ) Finale

Finale - When Love Is Found / It Feels Like Christmas
Words and Music by Paul Williams
Copyright 1992 Jim Henson Productions, Inc

Scrooge & Tim

(singing)
The love we found

Chorus

- 43 –
Act I, scene 1
The love we found
We carry with us so we're never quite alone

The love we found

The love we found
The sweetest dream that we have ever known

The love we found

The love we found
We carry with us so we're never quite alone

It's in the singing of a street corner choir

It's going home and getting warm by the fire
It's true wherever you find love it feels like Christmas

Scrooge
A cup of kindness that we share with another

Fred
A sweet reunion with a friend or brother

Chorus
In all the places you find love it feels like Christmas

Bob Cratchit
It is the season of the heart, a special time of caring, the ways of love made clear

Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Cratchit

And it is the season of the spirit, the message if we hear it is make it last all year.

Chorus
It's in the giving of a gift to another
A pair of mittens that were made by your mother
It's all the ways that we show love that feel like Christmas

A part of childhood we'll always remember

It is the summer of the soul in December
Yes, when you do your best for love it feels like Christmas

It is the season of the heart, a special time of caring, the ways of love made clear
It is the season of the spirit, the message if we hear it is make it last all year

It's in the singing of a street corner choir

It's going home and getting warm by the fire
It's true wherever you find love it feels like Christmas
It's true wherever you find love it feels like Christmas

- 44 –
Act I, scene 1
It feels like Christmas, Christmas
It feels like Christmas, Christmas
It feels like Christmas
Christmas

(End Song)

Bob Cratchit lifts Tiny Tim onto his shoulder.

Tiny Tim
God Bless Us, Every One!

Fin

……………………………….
© Copyright C.C. Ford, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or
copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of
the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in
any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would
appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. She may be
contacted at: ford76@embarqmail.com

- 45 –
Act I, scene 1