Christmas cheer comes with ‘Scrooge’
Messages that urge us to give are everywhere – candy in October, thanks in November and gifts in December.
A group of people have banded together to go a step further, giving of themselves, their time and their talents with a local production of “Scrooge the Musical.”
Since mid-September, more than 75 cast and crewmembers have been rehearsing their roles for the production. Less than half of the participants have any kind of theater experience. They include students, doctors, teachers, and even Liberty Lake Councilman Dave Crump, who plays the role of the Ghost of Christmas Future.
His wife, Shelly Crump, is directing the show. “Working with first time performers presents a few challenges, but I look forward to helping them prepare for the exhilarating experience that awaits them opening night,” she said, “The enthusiasm and dedication of the cast and crew makes for a magical production. Fifty people will have put in about 200 hours each by the time we perform and our audience will not be disappointed.”
The hard work has included learning lines, songs and dance steps as well as blocking, creating backdrops, gathering props and costumes, and extending the stage by 16 feet to accommodate the cast. The gymnasium at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been transformed and is prepared to seat 450 audience members for the show, which is free to the public.
“The audience comes for a reason, and you need to give them a good show,” said Ethan Guinn, 10, who plays the role of the Turkey Boy.
Brett Ulrich, a local optometrist, stars as Scrooge’s employee Bob Cratchit. Ulrich has never been on a stage but he is giving it his all. Someone had suggested that he audition. “I’m doing this just to do it,” he said, “People believe in me.” He also enjoys sharing the stage with his daughter, Chelsey, who plays the part of Helen. Ulrich also likes how his role plays up the idea that life is good regardless of circumstances.
There are more than 20 musical numbers accompanied by keyboards, the French horn and the trumpet. Dan Miller from EVCO Sound and Electronics Inc. is helping with sound. “It’s my church, and it’s what I do,” he said, “It’s nice to be able to apply your skills.”
Whether they are applying skills they already have or learning new ones, those involved are prepared to entertain. “The world is so full of sad things going on,” said Megan Guinn, an eggnog vendor. “It’s nice to go to play practice and sing and dance and laugh, taking time out of our busy lives to do something like this is just really stopping to smell the roses of life. Hopefully, it will touch someone’s heart in the right spot and bring Christmas cheer to all that attend.”