Sun City Theater Company to perform “Scrooge: The Musical” this November
Bursting with song and special effects, the Theatre Company of Sun City takes the stage in November with “Scrooge: The Musical,” bringing along a new caliber of talent that sets it apart from the company’s previous plays.
Scrooge is a musical twist on the traditional play “A Christmas Carol.” According to Marla Mallett, one of the show’s producers, “Scrooge” is a lesser known script, although it was written in the 1950s.
Joe Beard portrays Scrooge in “Scrooge, The Musical” (Chris La Pelusa/Sun Day Photo)
“When they first picked “Scrooge,” I said to myself ‘Oh lord, I’ve never heard one song from that show,’” Joe Beard, who plays the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge, said.
But despite its lack of fame, Mallet said “Scrooge” is a hidden gem. She explained how the show poses unique challenges, from singing to set design.
“We’ve never done anything like this before. The opening number is extremely complex, and it has many parts and harmonies and counterpoint singing. It’s very difficult,” she said.
Beard also attested to the show’s difficulties, particularly around playing the lead role.
“The volume of songs and dialogue are the biggest challenge. There are 23 scenes in two acts, and I am in 21 of them. I’m hardly off the stage at all, so that’s a physical challenge,” he said.
Another challenge for Beard was the acting requirement, as he must transition from “being a Scroogey old miser” to becoming someone who is grandfatherly and full of life.
“There really are four or five different characters in Scrooge, and I’m playing all of them,” he said.
Dave Strang (front), who portrays the Ghost of Christmas Present, rehearses a scene with Scrooge, played by Joe Beard. (Chris La Pelusa/Sun Day Photo)
In addition to tackling performance feats, the company also took on a bevy of set-building wonders, from incorporating three large turntable revolves for scene changes (the curtain never closes), to executing several special effects.
Because of these complicated additions, Beard said that Scrooge might be “the most enjoyable to watch, possibly of any of the plays we’ve produced.”
But apart from the sets and music, Mallett said it’s the cast that makes “Scrooge” remarkable. Six of the 30 performers are grade school children.
“We’ve used children in our shows before,” Mallet said. “And they are always the stars of the show.”
“Scrooge: The Musical”
When: Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m., Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. On sale in the Fountain View atrium
More info: Visit sccah.com or call 847-515-1583
