A Christian Christmas Carol By Brian Alleyne Summary A version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with a Barbados accent. Characters Reporter Girl Scrooge…
A Christian Christmas Carol
By Brian Alleyne
Summary
A version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with a Barbados accent.
Characters
Reporter
Girl
Scrooge
Worthington
Crachit
Mr Baker
Marley: as human and as ghost.
3 Ghosts – can be played by same actor
Young scrooge
3 school friends- 2 boys 1 girl
Marie (little girl)
Rocket
Adult Marie (2 appearances, 1 as young woman, 1 as older one)
Ms Crachit
Tim Crachit
Ms Worthington and 2 children (children don’t talk; can be same actors as Scrooge’s friends)
Gang of thieves (any number, only 2 talk)
Script
Scene 1
(Scrooge, Reporter, little girl, Worthington and makeup artist are on forefront of stage all the while the makeup artist is touching up Scrooge’s face)
Reporter: Ok, Mr Scrooge we’re going on in 2 minutes, so are you ready?
Scrooge: Yes. I am.
Reporter: (to little girl)Now, Suzy, I want you to wait over there (points off camera)I and when Mr Scrooge, waves his hand I want you to come on, give us a big smile and say, “Wow, Mr Scrooge this is the best Christmas ever,” ok?
Girl: Ok, Mr Kent.(walks off with make up artist)
Worthington: And were on in 5, 4, 3, 2,..
Reporter: Merry Christmas, Barbados ! I’m Parker Kent and welcome to “Christmas at Marley’s” where we are showcasing one of our local businesses - Marley’s Department Store and what it’s doing for the holiday season. And look… (points to Scrooge) Here we have the store manager, Mr Edward Scrooge.
Scrooge: (walks on) Seasons Greetings everyone, and welcome to Marley’s, where we sell everything you can possibly want for any occasion. If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.
Reporter: Isn’t that great. Today, Mr Scrooge is going to unveil his Christmas display for the first time; but before you do that I have a question. Why is the store named Marley’s?
Scrooge: Well, Parker. The founder of the store was the late great Mr Jacob Marley, a man who was an inspiration to me as a youngster. When he died, years ago, he left the business to me. So in honour of him I decided to never change the name. (Scrooges cell rings) Hello, I’m sorry I have to take this call, continue without me. (walks off talking)
Reporter: Ok, we’ve been keeping the audience in suspense long enough. So, without much further ado, we present. Scrooge’s Christmas Wonderland. (curtains open a choir sings a religious Christmas song)
Scrooge:(after choir finishes, he walks back on sees choir).Wait Wait. CUT!! CUT!!!.
Reporter: What’s the problem, Mr Scrooge. (everyone runs on except little girl)
Scrooge: (furious). What is this? This is not what I wanted.!!! All of you get out my store. (choir walks off)
Reporter: But what about the show.
Scrooge: Show? What, show? For right now. You’re fired. (points to make-up artist) You’re fired. (both upset and walk off)
Girl: (runs on) “Wow, Mr Scrooge this is the best Christmas ever,
Scrooge: (shouts) And, you’re fired too!!! (little girl runs off crying)
Worthington: Uncle, calm down, remember your pressure.
Scrooge: Calm, down! You know what a waste of money that is? Who is responsible for that??
Worthington: (thinks fast )Ummmm I think it was Crachit.
Scrooge: Why am I not surprised. CRACHIT!!!!
Crachit: (runs on) Yes, Mr Scrooge!!
Scrooge: (takes him to door) Look out there! What is that!!! (points to display)
Crachit: A Christmas display, like you told me sir.
Scrooge:(frustrated) When I say Christmas display, I don’t mean angels and wise men. I can’t make money from them.
Crachit: I don’t understand sir.
Scrooge: (frustrates sigh) Crachit ,Why is Christmas important ?
Crachit: Because it’s the celebration of the birth of God’s Son Jesus and….
Scrooge: No, you idiot. I mean the real reason. Warren tell him the real importance of Christmas.
Worthington: Well Unc, Christmas is important because it’s the most lucrative time of year, when people spend scores of money buying gifts. And as a result, every year we stand to make a 150 % profit from it.
Scrooge: Exactly. (to Crachit) Now do you understand?
Crachit: But…
Scrooge: So when I say Christmas display, I mean, things like Santa Claus, reindeer, and snowmen, things that’ll make people want to buy stuff for their bratty snot nosed kids. Understand?
Crachit:YYY yessir.
Scrooge: You’ve just cost me a whole lot of money. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t fire you right now.
Crachit: (thinks) Well sir, the Bible does say to turn the other cheek and….
Scrooge: How many times have I told you, I don’t want to hear any of that church talk in here.
Worthington: Today, 23,456 Uncle Scrooge.
Scrooge: When Mr Marley managed this store, he only followed one principle, and now that he’s gone I manage with the same principle. What that principle, Crachit?
Crachit:(sighs) Do it, only if it makes money, sir.
Scrooge: Precisely, and now since you cost me so much money, you’re fired.
Crachit: (shocked) Fired?? PPPlease, sir, I didn’t know. Mr Scrooge I’m sorry. Think about my wife and children.
Scrooge: You should`ve thought about my profits. Now get out before I call security. (Crachit turns to walk away)
Worthington: (steps in) Wait a minute, Crachit. Uncle, Let’s talk in private, .(both go one side) Think about it, Bob has worked for you for what, 10 years and he’s never asked for much. He’s hardly taken a sick day, and never asked for a raise.
Scrooge: True.
Worthington: If you were to fire him, you’d have to find a replacement, and you know how workers are these days. You won’t find anyone who will work as hard as he will for so cheaply, especially at this time of year.
Scrooge: Hmmm, You’re right.
Worthington: So I think it’s in the best interest of the business to keep him.
Scrooge: Great idea, Warren. That’s what I like about you, nephew. You got a keen eye for business. (to Crachit) I’ve decided to keep you .
Crachit: (sighs) Thank you, sir.
Scrooge: But don’t think I’ll just let you off. From now until January you will work both shifts without any extra pay. Every day of the month.
Crachit: But sir, I can’t work every day .I’ve got other things to do, like going to visit family and…..
Scrooge: Well you`ll have plenty of time to visit your degenerate family. IF YOURE UNEMPLOYED. And that can be easily arranged. Would you prefer that??
Crachit: No sir.
Scrooge: I didn’t think so. Now go clean that up!!!
Crachit: (sighs) Yes sir. But before I go sir, I’d like to invite you to my church for our Christmas service tomorrow and…
Scrooge: (annoyed) Crachit. You’ve invited me to your church before and I’ve never went. What makes you think that I’ll go now? Just because it’s Christmas?
Crachit: Well, I uh…
Scrooge: How many time have I said I don’t need any of your Christian stuff
Worthington: 34,567, Uncle Scrooge.
Crachit: (glares at Worthington) Ok sir, sorry. But please take the time to read this tract then. It might be very helpful. (gives him tract)
Scrooge:(snatches it and put it in pocket) Now get to work If anyone wants me, I’ll be in the back checking the books.(mutters) Can’t understand workers nowadays, no sense of appreciation (walks off, curtains close)
Scene 2
(Crachit and Worthington are walking through a car park)
Crachit: What a night, I’m exhausted.
Worthington: Well get used to it, you’ve lots of overtime, now.
Crachit: Don’t remind me. By the way, thanks for saving me back there.
Worthington: No problem, you’re too useful to fire, especially at this time of year. Besides… (a man interrupts)
Man: Pardon me sir, can you spare some change I need …..
Worthington: (angrily) Get away from me, ya bum!! If you want money, go get a job.
Crachit: Wait a minute, Warren. Hey, I know you. You’re Buddy Baker. Don’t you own that business over in Britons, ummm “Unique Solutions”. That was pretty successful. What happened
Man: (sighs and pauses) Last month, there was a fire and the store burned down flat. I lost everything.
Crachit: Oh my,
Man: And today, when I went to get some groceries, someone robbed me. They took my wallet, and even my car. Now I don’t even have bus fare and I don’t know how I’ll face my wife and kids with no food.
Worthington: (scoffs) Awww, you’re breaking my heart pal. But that’s life, Go look in the phone book under “people who care” and you’ll see I’m not one of them.
Crachit: (annoyed) Warren, please, Here pal, here’s $50, go get your kids some food.(gives him money)
Man: Thanks, sir, I’ll never forget you.(runs off)
Worthington: (stares) Why did you do that? You’re barely making ends meet and you give a stranger some of your money!!!
Crachit: I’m supposed to, the Bible says to love your neighbour as yourself.
Worthington: Don’t come to me with that religious crap. I don’t need to hear any of it.
Crachit: (angrily) It’s not religious crap. It’s…
Worthington: Look, Bob there’s something you gotta learn. Following those Bible laws doesn’t get you anywhere in life. That’s why I’m a assistant manager driving a 2006 Escalade and you’re a clerk driving a 1984 Datsun.
Crachit: (annoyed) I see…
Worthington: Take my advice, stop bothering about obeying what the Bible says and focus on what really counts, making money, and you’ll be a lot better off. It worked for my uncle, it’s working for me, so I don’t see why it shouldn’t work for you.
Crachit: Thanks a lot, Warren, I’ll think about it. I’ll see you later .I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas
Worthington: Oh, we will trust me. After all the stuff I bought for my wife and my kids it’ll be great. Bye (both walk in separate directions)
Scene 3
(On stage, Scrooge is at a desk looking over papers)
Voice: SCROOOOGE!!! (Scrooge looks up and around, then goes back to work)
Voice: SCROOOOGE!!!
Scrooge: (a little scared) Anyone there?? Crachit? Warren?
Voice: SCROOOOGE!!!
Scrooge: (gets up angrily) When I catch whoever’s doing this they’re fired. (looks through window. As he does it a ghostly figure enters behind him)
Voice: SCROOOOGE!!! (Scrooge turns sees the figure and screams, and falls back)
Scrooge: HELP, SECURITY, POLICE, SUPERMAN, ANYONE..
Marley: What’s the matter Scrooge, don’t you recognise your old boss.
Scrooge: Wait a minute, that voice, M-M-Marley, Is that you?
Marley: Yes Edward. It is I.
Scrooge: B-but. It can’t be… You’re dead.
Marley: Dead in the flesh, Edward, but my spirit has returned.
Scrooge: Returned? But why?
Marley: To give you a warning.
Scrooge:(still scared) A warning? About what?
Marley: Your life Scrooge, Your heart has become filled with only a love for money. You must change your ways before it is too late.
Scrooge: (regains composure) Change my ways? Nonsense, it was you who taught me how important money was in the first place. Besides you never changed your ways.
Marley: (sighs) Oh and how I wish I had now, Edward. I dedicated my life to making riches, and now look at me. I died with all the money I could ever want. Is it any use to me now?
Scrooge: Um well….
Marley: I would give every cent I had for just one chance to repent and escape this state I have found myself in. So I am asking you, no pleading with you as an old friend, please you must repent, now.
Scrooge: But I… No, I have come too far.(angrily) Do you expect me to abandon all I have worked for? Never!!!!
Marley: (sighs) I feared that this would occur. Scrooge, This night you will be visited by 3 spirits.. The first one will arrive at midnight. Please, I beg of you, heed their words and heed them weeeelllllllll. (disappears or goes out)
Scene 4
(Scrooge is pacing up and down)
Scrooge: Just my mind playing tricks on me. Ghosts don’t exist. A hallucination, yeah, that’s what all it was. That didn’t really happen. Maybe the job is getting to me. (looks at watch) It’s a minute to 12 now. I’m going to sit here and wait and this ghost will not come. (sits) I’m not afraid. (takes cup in hand but his hand shakes it) (looks again) See midnight, no ghost!!! Perhaps I need a vacation. The last one I took one was when again???? (thinks) 1988, I think. (as he talks a ghost walks in behind him) Maybe I’ll go to…. (turns sees it and jumps) Who are you !!!
Ghost 1: I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Scrooge: Really? You don’t look like a ghost!!
Ghost 1: And what do ghosts look like?
Scrooge: I don’t know. Scary I guess??
Ghost 1: Would you have preferred me come in a form so terrifying that you wet your pants. Because I could change and…
Scrooge: No No No, please, Just tell me spirit, why are you here?
Ghost 1: I have come to show you the error of your ways that you may repent and change. Tell me Scrooge, why is Christmas important?
Scrooge: Well, that’s easy. It’s the most profitable …
Ghost 1: Not that one. I mean why do we celebrate it?
Scrooge: (unconcerned) Oh that. Some guy named Jesus and some story about a manger and angels. Nothing really important.
Ghost 1: (angry) Nothing important!!! Let me ask you something. If you were a king, would you send one of your sons to live among paupers.
Scrooge: of course not.
Ghost 1: Then can you imagine God, the King of Kings, sending His only Son to earth to live among you lowly mortals. He didn’t have to but He did.
Scrooge: Well I ..
Ghost 1: And when this Son came to earth He didn’t have a triumphant entry in a palace. He didn’t even have a cradle. He spent his first hours in a manger!! A manger!!! One used to feed animals, and who were His first visitors? Not priests or royalty but shepherds, lowly shepherds.
Scrooge: Well, that’s nice but….
Ghost 1: To add to this, as He grew, He didn’t have the life of luxury He deserved. He was born to a poor carpenter and his wife. He didn’t socialise with kings and queens but fishermen, beggars and tax collectors, and when He died He didn’t have a dignified hero’s death. He died in agony on a cross like a common criminal for all of our sins. He didn’t stay dead, but it still happened And that Man and what He did, Mr Edward Scrooge, is the true meaning of Christmas!!!
Scrooge: (regains composure) Well, um… it used to be that for some people, but not to me.
Ghost 1: Yes, sad but true. Somewhere along the line we got sidetracked. Someone decided that the C in Christmas should stand for cash, and now that’s all it’s about to some people. Instead of hearing Glory to God in the highest, all we hear now is “buy, buy, spend, spend”.
Scrooge: Of course .What better time to make money.
Ghost 1: Do you think that money is all a man needs in his life?
Scrooge: Of course, with it you can get what truly matters. It can get you everything - power, fame, respect…..
Ghost 1: But loving it is the root of all evil.
Scrooge: (groans) Oh great. Another Bible thumper. Look, I hear that Scripture stuff from my employee Crachit all the time. I don’t listen to him and I won’t listen to you.
Ghost 1: Greed has really taken a hold of your heart. But it wasn’t always this way was it?
Scrooge: What, do you mean.
Ghost 1: There was a time when money was not the most important thing to you.
Scrooge: I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Ghost 1: Come, Scrooge, take my hand and I shall take you to another time and place when things weren’t as they were now. (holds out hand)
Scrooge: (a bit apprehensive) Well, I’m not sure if I…
Ghost 1: GIMME YOUR HAND !!!! (Scrooge obeys, both go off)
Scene 5
(Scrooge and ghost walk in on bottom of stage)
Scrooge: Where have you taken me, spirit?
Ghost 1: It’s not a matter of where but when. Look around, doesn’t it look familiar?
Scrooge:( looks) I know this place. It’s Simmons Land where I grew up. And it looks the same.
Ghost 1: Yes, I have taken you back to that time, to a turning point in your life. (a group of children walk on 3 boys I girl) Do you recognise these children?
Scrooge: Yes, it’s Charles, and Susanne. We all went to school together. (shouts) Charles!! It’s me Edward.
Ghost 1: They cannot hear or see you, They are merely shadows of the past.
Scrooge: Really !!! (looks at boy at back) And that’s me over there.
Charles: I just can’t wait till I see what I get for Christmas guys.
Suzanne: Yeah me, too. What do you think you’re gonna get.
Charles: I want a Flash Gordon Space helmet and a Lone Ranger cowboy set, Just like the ones I heard on the radio.
Suzanne: (annoyed) What boys want is so much foolishness. I want one of those new dollies that come out. What do you call them. O yeah, Barbies. (all the while young Scrooge is silent)
Charles: How about you Eddie?
Y. Scrooge: (uneasy) Well I….
Suzanne: Why are you asking he for. He family ain’t got no money.
Y. Scrooge: (angry) That’s not true!!!
Suzanne: (teasing) Yes it is. Last night I hear my mummy tell Ms Johnson, that your father run off and now you and you family on welfare. So y’all can’t afford no gifts for Christmas.
Charles: Oh, for truth (laughs) Well then, I can understand why he does do so bad in class now. (pauses) Cause he can’t afford to pay attention. (both Suzanne and Charles laugh)
Suzanne: See you later, welfare boy.
Charles: Yeah, come over by me later and I might give you some of my old toys to play with. (both walk off laughing, Scrooge sits down angrily)
Ghost 1: That was a tough time for you, wasn’t it?
Scrooge: (sadly) Yes, my mother had to work two jobs and still we couldn’t make ends meet. But the worst part was that back then people treated us like dirt just because we didn’t have money. It was horrible, it was…….
Ghost 1: Just like how you treat Crachit? (Scrooge stays silent) So you made a promise to yourself, didn’t you?
Scrooge: Yes.(angrily) I pledged that when I grew up, I would always have money and lots of it so that no one would ever treat me like that again. No matter what it took.
Ghost 1: But not everyone treated you like that, did they?
Scrooge: Well, no. (girl walks on to young Scrooge)
Marie: (looks at him) Eddie, what happened, are you crying?
Y. Scrooge: (jumps up) No, Marie, Ummm… Something was in my eye. So I was just trying to get it out.
Marie: (thinks) Ok, well, I heard about what happened to your family, so I decided to get you this. (gives him gift)
Y. Scrooge: (shocked) Really, wow…( regains composure) I mean thanks, thanks a lot.
Marie: (laughs) You’re welcome. Have a Merry Christmas (walks off).
Y. Scrooge: Thank you. The same to you. Bye. (waits a couple seconds, then skips off)
Ghost 1: She really was a nice girl.
Scrooge: Yes, I still have that gift even now.
Ghost 1: But in the end you even lost her because of your love of money. Come let me show you.
Scrooge: No, please, not that. Anything but that. I refuse to go. (folds hands)
Ghost 1: Would you prefer to stay here in 1959. I could strand you here if you wanted.
Scrooge (sighs) lets go.
Scene 4
( office)
Scrooge: Where… I mean when are we now, spirit?
Spirit: Welcome to the swinging 70’s, Edward.
Scrooge: (looks around) Hey, we’re back at the store when Marley was still alive.(man walks in and sits to read papers) And that’s me, I must be about 24 or 25.
70’s Scrooge: (sifting through papers) Let’s see, the 24 crates of Christmas lights have been delivered today. (basic business talk)
(Clueless looking man walks in)
Scrooge: Hey, that’s Rocket, my old workmate from back then.
Spirit: Why did you call him Rocket?
Scrooge: Cause his mind was just always lost in space.
Rocket: (spaced out) Hey man, Eddie. It’s closing time and me and the boys are going over to Studio 10 and boogie in the New Year. You in ?
70’s Scrooge: (not looking up) It’s Christmas Eve, Rocket. New Years isn’t for a week.
Rocket: Oh, right man. Groovy. Christmas. That’s when the big hamster come around and give eggs to the kids, right.
70’s Scrooge: That’s Easter and it’s a rabbit.
Rocket: So what happens on Christmas?
70’s Scrooge: Christmas is when we get huge amount of paying customers and we have a whole lot of work to do. Remember?
Rocket: Oh, riiiiight, So, anyways, you coming or not?
70’s Scrooge: Not. I’m working on these orders for January right now..
Rocket: But we don’t have to bother with them till next week, man.
70’s Scrooge: I know, but if I finish it now, I can start on February’s orders next week. The faster we get these out, the more profits we can make. Remember, time is money.
Rocket: Yeah man, Hard work. I can dig that. Well, see ya later then.(stops) Oh by the way, Marie is out here to see you. What do you want me to do?
70’s Scrooge: (jumps up) Send her in. (Rocket walks out, Scrooge gets to work tidying up himself)
Scrooge: I never understood why Marley, kept him on so long, He was lazy, unfocused and completely unreliable. I was glad when he got fired. I wondered what ever happened to him.
Spirit: I think he moved to the U.S and became a politician.
(Marie walks in with Bible in hand) Hi, Eddie,
70’s Scrooge: Oh, hi Marie, You look groovy girl, how are you today.
Marie: I’m fine but I’m worried about you. I’ve been trying to call you for the past week but you have hardly been home, are you ok?
70’s Scrooge: Me, oh I’m fine, I’ve just been at work this whole week just getting these orders out.
Marie: That’s what I want to talk to you about Eddie. You’ve been spending too much time at work. You don’t have any time, for your friends, your family, you’ve even stopped going to church.
70’s Scrooge:(sits back down and goes to work) Yes, I know, but you know the reason. One day I want to be as rich and successful as Mr Marley, and in order to do that certain things must be sacrificed.
Marie: Even God?
70’s Scrooge:(sighs) Not this again. I told you already, I’m not ready to get saved, I’m too busy.
Marie: (slightly annoyed ) Busy? Too busy to worry about your salvation?
70’s Scrooge: Look, Marie. We’ve been through this before. If I get saved now, I will have to be concerned about serving God and things like that. I can’t afford to do that now if I want to achieve my dream.
Marie: But. Edward, Remember Matt 6: 33: seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Getting saved doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your dream. Put God first and with Him all things are possible and...
70’s Scrooge: (angrily) Look Marie, When I achieve my dream, its going to be my effort alone that’ll get me there. I don’t need God to get where I want in life. In fact, I don’t need anyone.
Marie: Including me?
70’s Scrooge: Well, umm, of course not, I mean, you’ll still have a place in my life.
Marie: No, I won’t. If there’s no room for God in your heart, then there’ll be no room for me.
70’s Scrooge: (gets up) But, but, but…
Marie: Good bye, Mr Scrooge. I hope you achieve your dream someday. If you don’t, then maybe you’ll come to your senses.(walks out)
70’s Scrooge: Marie, Wait ! come back. (sits down in shock)
Ghost 1: You really cared for her didn’t you?
Scrooge:(sighs) Yes, I did.
Ghost 1: But you got over her eventually. And you had some help.(Marley walks in)
Marley: Ah Edward, working late again, I see.
70’s Scrooge: (jumps up) Yes sir, Mr Marley. I’m almost finished next month’s orders.
Marley: (looks over them) Very good, Edward. You’re a fine young man, so hardworking and industrious. Just like me at your age. Keep at it and maybe you’ll be just as successful as me.
70’s Scrooge: Thank you sir. I plan to
Marley: (laughs) But you see Edward. In order to achieve it, you must work, work, work and let nothing stand in your way. It must become the first and only thing you seek in life.
70’s Scrooge: (more confident)Yes, sir.
Marley: I had to put aside everything, friends, family, everything, but now I can look back and say it was all worth it. So Edward, I’m going to give you some words which I have used as a guide to success..
70’s Scrooge: Really? What are they sir?
Marley: “Only do it if it makes money.” Remember them, Edward. Goodnight. (walks out)
70’s Scrooge: (thinks and then gets back to work) Only do it if it makes money.
Ghost 1: Well Mr Scrooge, tell me, was all that money you have worth that sacrifice?
Scrooge: Well (thinks) ….. yes, of course it was. I chose a life of making money over a woman who’d probably spend all of it. Besides, I’m rich,(laughs) I can get all the women I want.
Ghost 1: I see. Did you ever get married??
Scrooge: Um well, no, but…
Ghost 1: (sighs) Well it seems that you haven’t learned anything, Mr Scrooge. Perhaps, my brothers will have more success. I shall return you to your correct time. Expect the 2nd ghost at 1. (both walk out)
Scene 5
(Scrooge is back in his office pacing)
Scrooge: I can’t believe that just happened? What am I gonna do (thinks). I know, I’ll call the police. (picks up phone) Hello, police, This is an emergency. Yes, I’m being harassed. (pauses) By who???. Ghosts, 1 just left and 2 more have to come. What???. (angry) What’s so funny? No I haven’t been drinking. I want someone over here now!!! Hello ? Hello?(all this while Ghost 2 walks in)
Scrooge: I can’t believe my tax dollars paying their salaries and….(jumps)
Ghost 2: I am the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Scrooge: (annoyed) Oh great,. Let’s cut to the chase. What do you have to say?
Ghost 2: I understand that you believe that all a man needs in life to be fulfilled is money.
Scrooge: Yes, of course.
Ghost 2: Come with me. and I shall show you the error of your ways.
Scrooge: Wait, Where are we going?
Ghost 2: To see some friends of yours.
(Scene- The Crachit home, should look not necessarily poor but a lack of money is evident, wife preparing food and singing a Christmas song)
Scrooge: Hey, that’s Crachit’s wife, we’re at his home aren’t we. (looks around) This place is a dump! Can’t they buy better furniture??
Ghost 2: Maybe they could afford to if you paid him better.
Scrooge: (looks around again) Actually, now I think about it. In here’s not so bad actually.
Ghost 2: I didn’t think so. Now watch closely.
Crachit: (walks in) Honey, I’m home.
Mrs Crachit: Hi, dear, How was your day? (embraces him)
Crachit: (sighs and sits) Another tough, day. Mr Scrooge made me pull down that display that I worked so hard to make. And now, he wants me to work overtime from now till January.
Mrs Crachit: (angry) That miserable old goat. Doesn’t he know you have other things to do? I wish he was here now so I could tell him a couple words. I can’t believe…
Crachit: Now dear, Don’t bother about him. Remember what the Bible says, “Turn the other cheek.” Besides I should be thankful I still have a job. Today I met a man who lost everything.
Mrs Crachit: (sighs) You’re right. We’ll just have to pray that one day God changes his heart.
Crachit: Exactly, (looks around) So where are the kids?
Mrs Crachit: Asleep .We’ve been busy all day helping the church prepare for the programme. But, you must be hungry. Let’s go to the kitchen. I made your favourite. Shepherd’s Pie.
Crachit: Oh great.
Mrs Crachit: But I didn’t have minced meant so I used Sardines instead.
Crachit:(uncertain) Ummmmm, ok.thanks dear. You know, dear, coming home makes all the stress of today worth it. I thank God every day for you and the children.
Mrs Crachit: We thank him for you too, dear.( both walk off)
Ghost 2: Well, Scrooge have you noticed anything?
Scrooge: I don’t understand. These people are dirt poor and yet they are still happy. What’s wrong with them.
Ghost 2: They have the love of God in their hearts. They love him and each other and that love creates a joy which cannot be taken away by anything.
Scrooge: Nonsense, they’re probably just faking it.
Ghost 2: Really, well let’s see how someone who actually has wealth lives. (both walk off)
Part 2
(the Worthington house. House looks better furnished than Crachit’s, Mrs Worthington is on the phone talking. Mr Worthington walks in, has packages)
Scrooge: Honey, I’m home (Mrs Worthington ignores him, he walks up to her) I said, I’m home.
Mrs Worthington: (looks around) That’s very nice, dear, (goes back talking)
Mr Worthington: (shakes his head) Kids, daddy’s home.( long pause, no kids) I’ve got presents.(kids run out quickly, snatch gift, go back in room)
Mrs Worthington: (comes off of phone, goes to do something, but does not directly look at him) Yes dear, so how was your day?
Mr Worthington: Well it was really-
Mrs Worthington: (cuts him off) That’s good, Warren.
Mr Worthington: (looks annoyed) You would not believe what Crachit did today. We were coming home and this loser came up to us with some sob story about losing everything in a fire, and Crachit gave the guy 50 dollars.
Mrs Worthington: (shocked) Really. It’s no wonder he and his family are so broke. If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s people wasting money. Oh, by the way dear. I took 500 dollars from your wallet yesterday to go to the salon.
Mr Worthington: 500 dollars? For a hairstyle?
Mrs Worthington: (angry) Just a hairstyle!!! Just a hairstyle!!! You don’t call an Enrique Arman Original just a hair style. It’s a work of art and worth every penny. When my sister comes for lunch tomorrow I’ve got to show her that that I can strut my stuff too.
Mr Worthington (shakes head)- Very well, what’s for dinner ?
Mrs Worthington: I don’t know. Go defrost something.
Mr Worthington: (angry) What!!!! Didn’t you cook???
Mrs Worthington: (looks shocked) What kind of insensitive beast are you? You know very well that I had a manicure this morning. How can you expect me to cook with my new nails.
Mr Worthington: But I’m starved. I haven’t eaten since lunch.
Mrs Worthington: (starts crying) That is so like you. You’re always putting your needs before mine. You didn’t even notice my new $500 hairstyle. Sometimes apart from the money I don’t know why I married you. (runs off crying, Mr Worthington runs off behind her apologising)
Ghost 2: So Scrooge, have you learned anything from this?
Scrooge: Yeah, I can see now why my nephew spends so much time at work. That woman’s a freak.
Ghost 2: (considers) Well yeah, but apart from that.
Scrooge: Well, umm…..
Ghost 2: Haven’t you realised that despite all of their riches the Worthington’s don’t have the love of God in their lives, or any where else for that matter. Without that they’ll never be truly happy or fulfilled, and that’s something no amount of money can buy.
Scrooge:(thinks) Well maybe, but ….. if you expect me to change my mind because of that you’re dead wrong. I’ve worked so hard for what I have and for so long. When the expansion is finished my store will be one of the best in the region and people will talk about it for decades to come. Whenever they say the name Scrooge, they’ll think of one of the greatest businessmen this island has ever seen
Ghost 2: I see. I sense a change in your heart but I think you’re still not totally convinced. Perhaps it will be my 3rd brother will be the one who’s successful. I shall return you to your office now. Expect the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come at 2.
Scrooge: (both walking off) Why do you guys always have to come at the hour exact?
Ghost 2: Union rules. Part of our contract.
Scene 6
(Office, Scrooge is pacing up and down)
Scrooge: I’m getting sick and tired of these ghosts and their sermons. All the time, “Repent” and “Change your Ways”. Sheesh, I thought Crachit was bad. When them gine realise that nothing them say gine change me. Look is 1:59 now, the next ghost should be due in(looks at watch) 5.4.. 3..2..1 (Ghost 3 walks in)
Ghost 3: I am the Ghost of…….
Scrooge: Yeah , Yeah Christmas Future. You’ve come to show me something to change my heart. Bla bla, bla (grabs Ghost) Let go and get this over with.(drags Ghost off)
(Scene is outside an abandoned building, garbage could be strewn around)
Scrooge:(walks around looking) Where are we, Spirit. This place looks even worse than Crachit’s house.
Ghost 3: Take a good look Scrooge .Doesn’t it look familiar???
Scrooge: (looks some more) Wait a minute!! No it can’t be!!! (looks around some more) This is my business. But what happened to it???
Ghost 3: Just wait and all will be revealed.
(A man comes on, looks around and signals to some others offstage. They run on and start raiding the store. While the others are raiding, the leader and another guy are talking)
Scrooge: (runs to them) Hey, you put them down.
Ghost 3: Newsflash, Scroogie. Remember, they can’t see or hear you. (Scrooge stops)
Crook 1: Yo man, Bru, the picking’s real good, we got bare stuff in here. We gine get some good money for this merchandise.
Crook 1: How you mean, (shouts to back) Put aside one of the DVD players for me, hear.
Crook 1: So who this place belong to tho??
Crook 1: Some old man, you know the type, no friends, don’t like nobody only care about money. I think he did name Scrooge.
Crook 1: (laughs) Oh yeah. I hear about he. He did managing this place this place long.
Crook 1: So anyway, the man dead last year and he left he place to his stupid rich-boy, nephew and he run the place to the ground in 3 months flat.(shouts) You don’t drop that TV, hear.
Crook 1: (laughs) So you mean that the old man work so hard for years and the place get shut down so quick,
Crook 1: Yup, and now they still got a whole lot of stuff left in here so you know we ain’t gine let this business opportunity pass by.
Crook 1: I hear that. (shouts) If y’al, see any good microwaves in there get one for my mother.
Crook 1: Any way I think that some new man take over the place and..(ringing sound ) Oh shoot, I think the alarm get trip. Pack up, before the police get here. (Men run off but drop 1 item. Security guard comes out, sees it on, ground takes it up and runs.)
Scrooge: (angry) I, I I can’t believe it, you mean that stupid boy will mess up my hard work. Wait till I see him, I gine kill him.
Ghost 3: I don’t think you’ll have to wait for too long. (Bum comes on, lies on the ground and covers himself with a newspaper to sleep, face obscured all the time. Crachit comes on shortly afterwards, doesn’t see the person and nearly trips over him)
Man: Hey watch it!!
Crachit: Sorry about that sir, I didn’t see…. Wait a minute. I know that voice ( looks closer) Warren , is that you.
Worthington: Huh, what? Ummm no, no. Wrong person.
Crachit: Yes, it is you, what are you doing lying here?
Worthington: Ummmm, well I dropped something and I was just looking on the ground for it.
Crachit: (disbelievingly) Oh really, so what happened to you clothes. Why are you wearing those rags?
Worthington: Ummmmm, well I….(breaks down) Ok Ok. You got me, I’m ruined, I’m a tramp.
Crachit: What!! How? You had a whole heap of money in the bank left after the business shut down.
Worthington: Had!! I had to use most of it to pay off my lawyers. When my wife heard the business was bankrupt, she left me and took the rest of the money, the house, the kids AND the cars. Both of them!!! Now I’m flat broke and I have no place to stay. (starts crying hysterically)
Crachit: (uneasily comforting him) Um there, there, Warren. It’ll all be ok. You can come stay at my home till you get back on your feet. We got a spare room in the back.
Worthington: (sniffs) Are you sure you can afford to. You lost your job too and you had less money than me!!
Crachit: Yes. I know, but my wife has been doing a little seamstressing and I’ve been doing odd jobs so we’ve been holding out for now. But I’m not worried, I know God will provide for me some day.
Voice: (from offstage) Sooner than you think, actually.
(Man who Crachit previously helped walks on, in business suit)
Man: Hi there, remember me?
Crachit: Yeah,umm you’re Mr Baker. Wow you look great.
Baker: Thank you. Please call me Buddy. I never forgot what you did for me, that day. You inspired me to pull myself together, and now I’m a success.
Crachit: That’s great, isn’t it Warren?
Worthington:(jealously) Yeah. So what are you doing here anyway?
Baker: (looks at Warren nastily) And I see you haven’t been doing so well yourself. Anyway (to Crachit) I’ve going to build and run a new business centre here on this spot so I was just inspecting the site when I saw you. Today is your lucky day.
Crachit: Really? How?
Baker: When the centre opens, I’ll need someone to manage it, and I can’t think of a better person than you. Your kind heart and Christian morals will make you perfect for the job. Are you up for it? Great pay, lot of benefits.
Crachit: (shocked) YYYYYes, yes sir, by all means!!! (shakes his hand vigorously)
Baker: Good. Here’s my card. Come and see me in the morning at 9 sharp.
Worthington: Wait, how about me, don’t you have anything that I can do. (smiles) I have experience in business management, you know.
Baker: (takes long look at him and breaks down laughing) Oh, that’s really funny. After the way you treated me, you want me to help you. Here’s a suggestion: you should take up stand-up comedy. You’d be a hit.
Crachit: (steps in) Please Buddy, don’t you have anything available for him? Do it for me??
Baker: Well, there is a post of janitor still available, but I’m not sure if he’ll be qualified for the job.
Worthington: I…. umm…
Crachit: He’ll take it. We’ll be at your office tomorrow at 9 sharp. Thank you, Buddy.
Worthington: (grudgingly)Yeah, thanks, Buddy.
Baker: (sternly) That’s Mr Baker to you. By the way guys, get a long last look at the store. Tomorrow we start tearing it down.
Crachit: (surprised) The whole store?
Baker: Yup, top to bottom. I have to go, though. See you tomorrow (walks off Scrooge in back is shocked)
Crachit: Wow, did you hear that? Boy, if Mr Scrooge were alive today he’d have a heart attack when he heard that the store was to be demolished.
Worthington: Yeah. I can’t believe it myself.
Crachit: Well, let’s go home and get you cleaned up (both walk off)
Scrooge: (goes to bottom centre of stage. Ghost exits) I can’t believe it. You mean to tell me that all my hard work for all these years, my company, my building all will go to waste. My life has been all in vain??. Spirit , what should I do??? Spirit… (looks around kneels down) I am lost, I don’t even know if my life is worth living now.
(pauses for a few seconds pats pocket )What’s this? (takes out tract) It’s the tract Crachit gave me. (starts to read) “Lay not up your treasures in………….., really that what I wanted to hear. (reads more) John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. But how do I get this everlasting life?? (reads on) 1st John 1; 9. (reads more) Romans 10:10. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Ok, I can do this.
(prays) O Lord, I’ve wasted my life, I see that now. I’ve made my hunger for money make me neglect everything else, including you. Marie was right all along. I should’ve listened to her. But now I’m sure of it I want to be saved please for give me of all of my sins and come into my heart and give me this gift of salvation that your son died to give me.
(looks around) Hey, I’m back in my office. Everything’s back to normal. But wait. I feel so different, as if a mountain just came off of my chest. I can see now why Crachit always has that joy. (thinks) But I know a way to make him even happier. But first things first. (picks up phone) Warren, this is your uncle. (pauses)Yes, I know it’s 3 a.m. Listen, when I die, if I find out that you ruin my business, I’m going to come back and haunt you!(pauses) What!! No I haven’t been drinking. You hear me!!! If you mess it up it gine be you and my, or my ghost I should say. Oh yeah, and (sweetly) Merry Christmas. Now to deal with Crachit. (runs off)
Finale
(Crachit’s house, Crachit family seated around a table)
Crachit: (praying) ..And thank you Lord for this dinner. Amen. (wife lifts a food cover to show a very small chicken)
Tim: Daddy, why do we have a pigeon to eat. Couldn’t get a turkey for Christmas?
Crachit: Well Tim, because we ummm…
Mrs Crachit: Because Daddy’s old stingy grouch of a boss won’t pay him enough to get a bigger turkey. Now shut up and eat.
Crachit: Now dear,
Mrs Crachit: Don’t now dear me, Robert. Its true, Scrooge and his nephew got so much money and they can’t even give you, their oldest employee, a raise in 10 years. I wish I could see him right now I would …..(door knocks)
Crachit: Tim, why, don’t you get the door, while mommy goes to the kitchen to cool off.(mother goes to kitchen, boy goes to the door and opens it)
Tim: Daddy, it’s the stingy old grouch.
Crachit: (jumps up) Um, Mr Scrooge, what a surprise. Don’t pay him any mind, he like to kid around, right son?
Tim: But mummy say…
Crachit: Son, don’t you want to go to your room and play with your new toys?
Son: But daddy, I was just getting ready to eat lunch and………
Crachit: (angrily) Boy, go long to your room (boy runs) So what brings you here to my house on Christmas day, sir, did I forget to do something?
Scrooge: No Bob, it’s me who forgot to do something. I forgot how much a hard worker you have been for all these years.. So I’ll make up for it in full. Starting next week you being promoted to supervisor. Better pay and benefits and less hours and forget what I told you yesterday about the extra work.
Crachit: (excitedly) Yes, sir.
Scrooge: And I’m asking you, can you ever, forgive me for mistreating you for all this time, please?
Crachit: Of course, sir, it’s the Christian thing to do. So sir, would you like to stay for dinner?
Scrooge: Thank you. By the way, (looks on table) that little sparrow is not going to feed your family. I got a proper turkey in my car and some other food stuff. Let’s fire up the oven and cook it shall we?
Crachit: (excitedly) Yes sir!!! Oh dear, we got a visitor, it’s my boss.
Mrs Crachit: (comes out angrily) You!! Oh great. I really got something to tell you……
Crachit: He just promoted me to supervisor.
Mrs Crachit: (changes tone) Thank you, thank you, thank, you. Are you staying for dinner?
Scrooge: Actually yes, I’ve brought some stuff to add to the pot, too.
Mrs Crachit: Oh good, well we’ll have to seat him next to my aunt, when she get here. (knock heard) that must be her now. She just came back from Guyana as a missionary, you know.(opens door, an older Marie walks in)
Scrooge: Marie?
Marie: Edward? What a surprise!!
Scrooge: Yes, it is.
Crachit: Um dear, let’s go get the stuff from his car.
Ms Crachit: Why? I want to see this. (he nudges her and both leave)
Marie: Wow, you haven’t changed one bit.
Scrooge: Actually, I have. I finally got saved.
Marie (happily) Really?
Scrooge: Yes. Early this morning, actually.
Marie: Oh Edward, I’m so happy to hear that. I have prayed for this for so long.
Scrooge: Really. That explains a lot.
Marie: How?
Scrooge: A looooong , amazing story. I’ll explain it over lunch.
Marie: I can’t wait to hear. Let’s help the others with the stuff in the car.(both walk off)
Tim: (After long pause) Um, daddy, can I come out now??
THE END
© Brian Alleyne, all rights reserved. This script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
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