The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge is a sequel worthy of Dickens’s approval. Produced by Fairfield Area Community Theatre (FACT), this comedy in two acts is written by Mark Brown and presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
It’s the trial of the century! One year after his miraculous transformation, Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Andrew MacKenzie) is back to his old scroogey ways, suing Jacob Marley (TJ Rankin) and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (Grace Gilbaugh, Nathaniel Adkins, and “ghost language translator” Amber Burroughs) for breaking and entering, kidnapping, slander, pain and suffering, attempted murder, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. The ghosts employ Solomon Rothschild (David Patterson), England’s most charismatic, savvy, and clever barrister. Ever the old penny pincher, Scrooge is representing himself.
One by one, Bob Cratchit (Jason Duprey); Scrooge’s nephew, Fred Fitzpatrick (Reece Rasmussen); Scrooge’s little sister, Fan (Bixie Brower); Scrooge’s former fiancee, Belinda “Belle” Worthington (Celeste Siemsen), Scrooge’s housekeeper, Mrs. Harriet Penelope Dilber (Celeste Siemsen), solicitor and philanthropist Sara Anne Wainwright (Elaine Gosvig); and the ghosts themselves take the witness stand to give their account of the night in question. Judge Stanchfield Pearson (Patrick Bosold) gives his verdict aided by his faithful Bailiff, Mr. Connelly (Joe Phipps).
The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, directed by Diana Flynn and assisted by Mindy Ihrke, “is an exceptionally fun way to kick off the holiday season!” says Flynn. “God bless us every one!”
Tickets for all performances are $20, general seating, and will be on sale at the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Adela’s gift shop, and at the door (cash or check).
Performances will take place at Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 S. Main Street in Fairfield on November 6, 7, 8, and November 13, 14 at 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday, November 15, at 3:00 p.m.