CAST of CHARACTERS
(In order of appearance)
Nigel Crenshaw, a Victorian businessman
Henry Braddock, Crenshaw’s clerk
Peter CratchitBob and Charlotte Cratchit’s son, about 20 years old
Ebenezer Scrooge, a Victorian businessman
Andy, a boy, about 12, leader of a gang of street urchins
Spirit, the memory of the past Christmas Eve
Constable Bailey, a Victorian Bobby
Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk
Charlotte Cratchit, Bob’s wife
William Cratchit, their 9-year-old son
Belinda Cratchit, their 11-year-old Daughter
Martha Cratchit, their 18-year-old Daughter
Tim Cratchit. their 5-year-old son
Nell Watson, Peter’s fiancée
Isabel Watson, Nell’s mother
Amelia, Andy’s little sister, about 8
Jen, an urchin
Connor, an urchin
Liz, an urchin
Jake, an urchin
An ensemble of 8-10, who play incidental roles. The urchins should seem to be between 6 and 10 years old.
Note: SPIRIT is a non-gendered, non-age-specific character, whose appearances can be staged in any way that underscores the fact that, until the last scene, the lines represent Scrooge’s memory of last Christmas Eve. He should never look around to see who is speaking – he’s remembering.
(In order of appearance)
Nigel Crenshaw, a Victorian businessman
Henry Braddock, Crenshaw’s clerk
Peter CratchitBob and Charlotte Cratchit’s son, about 20 years old
Ebenezer Scrooge, a Victorian businessman
Andy, a boy, about 12, leader of a gang of street urchins
Spirit, the memory of the past Christmas Eve
Constable Bailey, a Victorian Bobby
Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk
Charlotte Cratchit, Bob’s wife
William Cratchit, their 9-year-old son
Belinda Cratchit, their 11-year-old Daughter
Martha Cratchit, their 18-year-old Daughter
Tim Cratchit. their 5-year-old son
Nell Watson, Peter’s fiancée
Isabel Watson, Nell’s mother
Amelia, Andy’s little sister, about 8
Jen, an urchin
Connor, an urchin
Liz, an urchin
Jake, an urchin
An ensemble of 8-10, who play incidental roles. The urchins should seem to be between 6 and 10 years old.
Note: SPIRIT is a non-gendered, non-age-specific character, whose appearances can be staged in any way that underscores the fact that, until the last scene, the lines represent Scrooge’s memory of last Christmas Eve. He should never look around to see who is speaking – he’s remembering.
ACT I
Scene I
Lights up on a crowded London street scene, Scrooge & Marley’s office exterior is
on one side of the street. A band of street urchins moves in and out of the crowd
jostling people and picking pockets, stealing things out of market baskets, etc.
SONG 1: THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK
WOMAN 1
FIRST HE SENT THE TURKEY OVER,
A STUPENDOUS SIZE IT WAS
WOMAN 2
WENT TO CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS MORNING
SETTING ALL THE TOWN A-BUZZ
WOMAN 3
HE TOLD ME I LOOKED LOVELY AND BROUGHT ROSES TO MY CHEEK
ALL
SURELY, THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A WEEK!
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE WEEK RIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS
IS USUALLY DULL AS BREAD AND CHEESE
ALL THE FEASTING’S DONE, THE PRESENTS OPENED
WEATHER’S IN A FREEZE
ONLY THIS YEAR SOMETHING’S DIFF’RENT
AND EXCITEMENT’S AT A PEAK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
WOMAN 1
My sister lives in the same street as the Fezziwigs, and she says he called there on Boxing Day, with a shocking big bag of gifts and treats.
WOMAN 2
And I saw him just yesterday with my own eyes, strutting down Piccadilly, holding onto the hand of some nipper, walked with a crutch.
WOMAN 3
That would be young Tim Cratchit. Poor little angel, he never complains, but his Mum says he hurts all the time. (Andy, a street urchin, lifts a loaf of bread from her basket and runs off)
WOMAN 4
WELL, MY SISTER’S COUSIN’S NIECE IS SCROOGE’S NEPHEW’S PARLOR MAID
AND SHE TOLD ME THAT HE CAME AND STAYED TO DINNER, THEN HE PLAYED
GAMES LIKE BLIND MAN’S BLUFF AND THEN CHARADES AND HIDE AND SEEK
ALL FOUR WOMEN
SURELY, THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A WEEK!
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE MEAN OLD MISER WE ONCE KNEW
HAS GONE AND CHANGED HIS ATTITUDE
HE’S BEEN CHARMING, HE’S BEEN SOCIABLE
WE THINK HE’S COME UNGLUED
BUT WE HOPE THE CHANGE IS PERMANENT,
YES, FOREVER’S WHAT WE SEEK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
MAN 1
…and when I met him on the street on Christmas Day, he greeted me like a long-lost brother, and then – he apologized!!
MAN 2
You’re never serious!
MAN 1
Apologized for his rudeness on Christmas Eve, and subscribed (whispers an amount in his companion’s ear) to the Christmas Fund. Then he asks me, “what else can he do?” to help our society in its good work.
MAN 2
My word - when he practically threw us out of his office last week!
They move off, still chatting
CRENSHAW
Interesting, Braddock. If our good friend, Ebenezer, has indeed seen the light, perhaps it may make him easier to deal with in the future.
BRADDOCK
But, Mr. Crenshaw, sir, you don’t do any business with Scrooge – he’s your main competition.
CRENSHAW
Precisely. And a softhearted rival is far easier to – deal with…
WOMAN 1
AND HIS TAILOR SAYS HE’S ORDERED BRIGHTER VESTS OF FINE BROCADE
WOMAN 2
BOUGHT NEW CURTAINS FOR HIS ROOM BECAUSE THE OLD ONES WERE QUITE FRAYED
WOMAN 3
CAULKED THE WINDOWS IN HIS OFFICE –
AND HE’S PLUGGED UP EVERY LEAK
ALL
SURELY, THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A WEEK!
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE DOING’S DOWN AT SCROOGE AND MARLEY
REALLY WARM THE SOUL
HE’S BEEN RAISING CRATCHIT’S SALARY AND PILING ON THE COAL
AND THIS BRAND NEW EBENEZER
MAKES THE OLD ONE LOOK QUITE BLEAK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
PETER CRATCHIT and two FRIENDS walk past Crenshaw and Braddock.
FRIEND 1
Peter, is it true that old Scrooge increased your father’s wages?
FRIEND 2
I heard he doubled them!
PETER
Yes. He’s finally paying my Dad what’s he’s worth.
FRIEND 1
That’s certainly a change for him! He used to be the biggest cheapskate in London!
FRIEND 2
Shows that a tiger can change his stripes after all, I guess.
PETER
Not likely! My Dad says he had some crazy dream last week, about no one remembering him after he dies. All these changes everyone’s so excited about are just because he wants to be remembered kindly.
FRIEND 1
Likely to work, don’t you think?
PETER
He dreamed something about our Tim not…being around…anymore, too, but Dad says not to tell Mum that part. Doesn’t matter. He’ll go back to his old ways, mark my words.
They move off.
CRENSHAW
So Scrooge is afraid of being forgotten, like Marley.
BRADDOCK
Marley was a sharp dealer, that’s for sure. There were no tears shed when he passed, not even by Scrooge.
CRENSHAW
But it seems the surviving partner has had a change of heart. And developing an affection for the crippled Cratchit boy. Generosity and fear – a potentially useful combination, Henry.
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE WEEK RIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS
IS USUALLY DULL AS BREAD AND CHEESE
ALL THE FEASTING’S DONE, THE PRESENTS OPENED
WEATHER’S IN A FREEZE
ONLY THIS YEAR SOMETHING’S DIFFERENT
AND EXCITEMENT’S AT A PEAK
SURELY THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
As the song ends, EBENEZER SCROOGE enters. He moves through the crowd,
greeting people as he makes his way toward his office.
SCROOGE
Good morning, good morning! And happy new year to you all!
ANDY sneaks up behind him and tries to pick his pocket.
SCROOGE (cont.)
Here, you young rascal, Stop that! (Scrooge grabs Andy) I’ve got you now!
ANDY
Lemme go! Lemme go!
SCROOGE
Not likely, I assure you. Constable! Ho there, Constable!
ANDY
Oh please, sir, don’t hand me over to the law. They’ll put me in the workhouse! I’ll never prig nothing ever again, please, I promise, hand to me heart!
SCROOGE
Constable!
ANDY
And me little sister Melie’ll starve to death. Oh, sir, you couldn’t be so cruel as that!
SCROOGE
Con-
SPIRIT
“Mankind was my business. Charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were all my business.”
SCROOGE
Eh? What? (Realizes what he’s remembered) Marley’s words! Charity, mercy…I almost forgot already!
A CONSTABLE enters, blowing his whistle.
CONSTABLE
What seems to be the trouble here, Mr. Scrooge. Well, if it isn’t young Andy. Caught you at last have we? Don’t worry, Mr. Scrooge – The Law will take care of this good-for-nobody.
SCROOGE switches his grip from holding onto ANDY’s arm to wrapping his arm
around his shoulders.
SCROOGE
No need, Constable. Just a little misunderstanding between me and my young friend here.
CONSTABLE
Your friend!! He’s no friend of anybody, always excepting the rag-tag bunch of petty thieves he lives with, sir. Let me take him in and make an example of him.
SCROOGE (thinking fast)
No, that wouldn’t be fair at all. We were just discussing an errand…er… and he thought I told him to take the money from my purse here, when I meant for him to get money from the cashbox. Isn’t that right, my boy?
ANDY (also thinking fast)
Right, Gov’nor. That’s just what happened.
SCROOGE
So you see, Constable, there was no criminal act committed here.
CONSTABLE (confused, but agreeable)
All right Mr. Scrooge. I’ll be going along now, (to Andy) but I’ll have me eye on you.
He moves off into the crowd, which disperses gradually over the next several lines.
Some of them have been aware of Scrooge’s actions.
ANDY
Thanks a lot, Gov’nor. I’ll be moving on now. And since you stood up for me to the Bobby, I’ll tell me chums to stay away from your purse.
SCROOGE
Just a moment, my new young friend! Let’s give you something honest to do today. Go down to the pub and order a dinner – no, two dinners. You can bring them to Scrooge and Marley at 1 o’clock sharp. Tell the publican I want two pints of his best ale, shepherd’s pie and baked apples. Have him put it on my account.
ANDY
Sounds bloomin’ delicious, Gov’nor.
SCROOGE
Does it now? And you’re nothing but skin and bones are you? Make it three dinners – ginger beer for you, my boy – and you can join me and my clerk for dinner today. There’ll be sixpence for you as well – fee for services rendered.
ANDY
Wot?
SCROOGE
You do something for me, and I pay you for your services.
ANDY
And just how do I know you’ll be paying me proper?
SCROOGE
A good, businesslike question. You’ve a head on you, boy. What’s your name again?
ANDY
Andy.
SCROOGE
Andrew? Andrew what?
ANDY
Dunno. Got no other name. And it’s Andy. Just Andy.
SCROOGE
All right, Andy, here’s thruppence on account. You’ll get the rest when you deliver the lunches.
ANDY (starting off)
Cheery-by, Gov’nor. I’m off to the pub now.
SCROOGE
Andrew.
ANDY
I told you, it’s Andy, Gov’nor.
SCROOGE
Yes, yes. So sorry. “Andy”.
ANDY
Wot?
SCROOGE
You know, you could just take the thruppence and disappear.
ANDY (all innocence)
Gov’nor! As if I would!
SCROOGE
Why not try it my way this time? Prove you’re trustworthy, and I may use your services often in the future. You could buy good food for your sister with money honestly earned.
ANDY (Suspicious, but clearly intrigued)
Three pies, two ales and a ginger beer, three baked apples – have I got it right then?
SCROOGE
Clever lad! Go on with you, then. We’ll see you at 1 o’clock.
ANDY exits.
SCROOGE
And thank you, Jacob Marley, for reminding me to stick to my good intentions!
BOB CRATCHIT enters
Good morning Bob, my boy! And a fine morning it is to start the New Year.
CRATCHIT ( )
I just hope it’s the coldest day of the year, Mr. Scrooge!
SCROOGE
Doesn’t matter, Bob, doesn’t matter. There’ll be plenty of coal to keep us warm while we work.
CRATCHIT
Yes, sir! And I hope we’ll have plenty of work, too.
SCROOGE
No doubt of that at all. We’re going to start off with a bang, and we’ll be doing business in a new way from now on.
CRATCHIT
The changes you’ve been talking about this past week are truly exciting, sir, and I believe they’ll make the business even more successful.
SCROOGE
I learned my lesson Christmas Eve. There’ll be no more sly dealings from Scrooge and Marley. That’s my New Year’s Resolution.
SONG 2: RESOLUTIONS
THERE’LL BE NO MORE CLEVER DEALING
THERE’LL BE NO MORE GETTING ‘ROUND
CRATCHIT
THERE’LL BE NO MORE CUTTING CORNERS
JUST TO BANK ANOTHER POUND
SCROOGE
ALTHOUGH OUTMANEUV’RING RIVALS IS
A THRILL I STILL RECALL
CRATCHIT
NOW YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THRILL’S THE PRIDE
THAT COMES BEFORE A FALL.
BOTH
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
SCROOGE AND MARLEY WON’T BE DOING BUSINESS LIKE THEY DID BEFORE
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
SCROOGE
I’VE A LOT OF MAKING UP TO DO TO EVEN UP THE SCORE
ONCE I SMILED AND COUNTED PROFITS
AS I PILED UP THE GOLD
WHILE EVICTING DEADBEAT TENANTS
INTO WINTER’S BITTER COLD
CRATCHIT
DID YOU EVER PAUSE TO WONDER IF
YOUR METHODS LACKED FINESSE
SCROOGE
NO, I TOLD MYSELF THEIR LAZINESS
HAD CAUSED ALL THEIR DISTRESS
BOTH
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
NOW I UNDERSTAND THE PART THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS PLAYS
CRATCHIT
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
AND A HELPING HAND CAN MAKE A FRIEND TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAYS
SCROOGE
AND BEFORE MY GHOSTLY FRIENDS GAVE
WARNING WHERE MY DANGER LAY
I WAS PLANNING TO IGNORE ANOTHER
PRECIOUS CHRISTMAS DAY
BUT THEY TOOK ME TO THE PAST AND FUTURE
SHOWED ME WHAT WAS RIGHT
AND MY FROZEN HEART WAS THAWED BEFORE
THE BLESSED MORNING LIGHT
BOTH
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
EVERY DAY WE’LL WAKE AND IN OUR HEARTS IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS MORN
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
EVERY DAY WE’LL GLADLY CELEBRATE THE DAY THE CHILD WAS BORN
SCROOGE
I DON’T KNOW IF I CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE
BLEAK AS IT’S BEEN SHOWN TO BE
BUT I SWEAR I WILL TRY TO CHANGE
THE MAN THAT HAS BEEN ME!
Lights Fade
Scene I
Lights up on a crowded London street scene, Scrooge & Marley’s office exterior is
on one side of the street. A band of street urchins moves in and out of the crowd
jostling people and picking pockets, stealing things out of market baskets, etc.
SONG 1: THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK
WOMAN 1
FIRST HE SENT THE TURKEY OVER,
A STUPENDOUS SIZE IT WAS
WOMAN 2
WENT TO CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS MORNING
SETTING ALL THE TOWN A-BUZZ
WOMAN 3
HE TOLD ME I LOOKED LOVELY AND BROUGHT ROSES TO MY CHEEK
ALL
SURELY, THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A WEEK!
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE WEEK RIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS
IS USUALLY DULL AS BREAD AND CHEESE
ALL THE FEASTING’S DONE, THE PRESENTS OPENED
WEATHER’S IN A FREEZE
ONLY THIS YEAR SOMETHING’S DIFF’RENT
AND EXCITEMENT’S AT A PEAK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
WOMAN 1
My sister lives in the same street as the Fezziwigs, and she says he called there on Boxing Day, with a shocking big bag of gifts and treats.
WOMAN 2
And I saw him just yesterday with my own eyes, strutting down Piccadilly, holding onto the hand of some nipper, walked with a crutch.
WOMAN 3
That would be young Tim Cratchit. Poor little angel, he never complains, but his Mum says he hurts all the time. (Andy, a street urchin, lifts a loaf of bread from her basket and runs off)
WOMAN 4
WELL, MY SISTER’S COUSIN’S NIECE IS SCROOGE’S NEPHEW’S PARLOR MAID
AND SHE TOLD ME THAT HE CAME AND STAYED TO DINNER, THEN HE PLAYED
GAMES LIKE BLIND MAN’S BLUFF AND THEN CHARADES AND HIDE AND SEEK
ALL FOUR WOMEN
SURELY, THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A WEEK!
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE MEAN OLD MISER WE ONCE KNEW
HAS GONE AND CHANGED HIS ATTITUDE
HE’S BEEN CHARMING, HE’S BEEN SOCIABLE
WE THINK HE’S COME UNGLUED
BUT WE HOPE THE CHANGE IS PERMANENT,
YES, FOREVER’S WHAT WE SEEK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
MAN 1
…and when I met him on the street on Christmas Day, he greeted me like a long-lost brother, and then – he apologized!!
MAN 2
You’re never serious!
MAN 1
Apologized for his rudeness on Christmas Eve, and subscribed (whispers an amount in his companion’s ear) to the Christmas Fund. Then he asks me, “what else can he do?” to help our society in its good work.
MAN 2
My word - when he practically threw us out of his office last week!
They move off, still chatting
CRENSHAW
Interesting, Braddock. If our good friend, Ebenezer, has indeed seen the light, perhaps it may make him easier to deal with in the future.
BRADDOCK
But, Mr. Crenshaw, sir, you don’t do any business with Scrooge – he’s your main competition.
CRENSHAW
Precisely. And a softhearted rival is far easier to – deal with…
WOMAN 1
AND HIS TAILOR SAYS HE’S ORDERED BRIGHTER VESTS OF FINE BROCADE
WOMAN 2
BOUGHT NEW CURTAINS FOR HIS ROOM BECAUSE THE OLD ONES WERE QUITE FRAYED
WOMAN 3
CAULKED THE WINDOWS IN HIS OFFICE –
AND HE’S PLUGGED UP EVERY LEAK
ALL
SURELY, THERE WAS NEVER SUCH A WEEK!
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE DOING’S DOWN AT SCROOGE AND MARLEY
REALLY WARM THE SOUL
HE’S BEEN RAISING CRATCHIT’S SALARY AND PILING ON THE COAL
AND THIS BRAND NEW EBENEZER
MAKES THE OLD ONE LOOK QUITE BLEAK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
PETER CRATCHIT and two FRIENDS walk past Crenshaw and Braddock.
FRIEND 1
Peter, is it true that old Scrooge increased your father’s wages?
FRIEND 2
I heard he doubled them!
PETER
Yes. He’s finally paying my Dad what’s he’s worth.
FRIEND 1
That’s certainly a change for him! He used to be the biggest cheapskate in London!
FRIEND 2
Shows that a tiger can change his stripes after all, I guess.
PETER
Not likely! My Dad says he had some crazy dream last week, about no one remembering him after he dies. All these changes everyone’s so excited about are just because he wants to be remembered kindly.
FRIEND 1
Likely to work, don’t you think?
PETER
He dreamed something about our Tim not…being around…anymore, too, but Dad says not to tell Mum that part. Doesn’t matter. He’ll go back to his old ways, mark my words.
They move off.
CRENSHAW
So Scrooge is afraid of being forgotten, like Marley.
BRADDOCK
Marley was a sharp dealer, that’s for sure. There were no tears shed when he passed, not even by Scrooge.
CRENSHAW
But it seems the surviving partner has had a change of heart. And developing an affection for the crippled Cratchit boy. Generosity and fear – a potentially useful combination, Henry.
ENSEMBLE
OH, THE WEEK RIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS
IS USUALLY DULL AS BREAD AND CHEESE
ALL THE FEASTING’S DONE, THE PRESENTS OPENED
WEATHER’S IN A FREEZE
ONLY THIS YEAR SOMETHING’S DIFFERENT
AND EXCITEMENT’S AT A PEAK
SURELY THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK
SURELY, THERE NEVER WAS SUCH A WEEK!
As the song ends, EBENEZER SCROOGE enters. He moves through the crowd,
greeting people as he makes his way toward his office.
SCROOGE
Good morning, good morning! And happy new year to you all!
ANDY sneaks up behind him and tries to pick his pocket.
SCROOGE (cont.)
Here, you young rascal, Stop that! (Scrooge grabs Andy) I’ve got you now!
ANDY
Lemme go! Lemme go!
SCROOGE
Not likely, I assure you. Constable! Ho there, Constable!
ANDY
Oh please, sir, don’t hand me over to the law. They’ll put me in the workhouse! I’ll never prig nothing ever again, please, I promise, hand to me heart!
SCROOGE
Constable!
ANDY
And me little sister Melie’ll starve to death. Oh, sir, you couldn’t be so cruel as that!
SCROOGE
Con-
SPIRIT
“Mankind was my business. Charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were all my business.”
SCROOGE
Eh? What? (Realizes what he’s remembered) Marley’s words! Charity, mercy…I almost forgot already!
A CONSTABLE enters, blowing his whistle.
CONSTABLE
What seems to be the trouble here, Mr. Scrooge. Well, if it isn’t young Andy. Caught you at last have we? Don’t worry, Mr. Scrooge – The Law will take care of this good-for-nobody.
SCROOGE switches his grip from holding onto ANDY’s arm to wrapping his arm
around his shoulders.
SCROOGE
No need, Constable. Just a little misunderstanding between me and my young friend here.
CONSTABLE
Your friend!! He’s no friend of anybody, always excepting the rag-tag bunch of petty thieves he lives with, sir. Let me take him in and make an example of him.
SCROOGE (thinking fast)
No, that wouldn’t be fair at all. We were just discussing an errand…er… and he thought I told him to take the money from my purse here, when I meant for him to get money from the cashbox. Isn’t that right, my boy?
ANDY (also thinking fast)
Right, Gov’nor. That’s just what happened.
SCROOGE
So you see, Constable, there was no criminal act committed here.
CONSTABLE (confused, but agreeable)
All right Mr. Scrooge. I’ll be going along now, (to Andy) but I’ll have me eye on you.
He moves off into the crowd, which disperses gradually over the next several lines.
Some of them have been aware of Scrooge’s actions.
ANDY
Thanks a lot, Gov’nor. I’ll be moving on now. And since you stood up for me to the Bobby, I’ll tell me chums to stay away from your purse.
SCROOGE
Just a moment, my new young friend! Let’s give you something honest to do today. Go down to the pub and order a dinner – no, two dinners. You can bring them to Scrooge and Marley at 1 o’clock sharp. Tell the publican I want two pints of his best ale, shepherd’s pie and baked apples. Have him put it on my account.
ANDY
Sounds bloomin’ delicious, Gov’nor.
SCROOGE
Does it now? And you’re nothing but skin and bones are you? Make it three dinners – ginger beer for you, my boy – and you can join me and my clerk for dinner today. There’ll be sixpence for you as well – fee for services rendered.
ANDY
Wot?
SCROOGE
You do something for me, and I pay you for your services.
ANDY
And just how do I know you’ll be paying me proper?
SCROOGE
A good, businesslike question. You’ve a head on you, boy. What’s your name again?
ANDY
Andy.
SCROOGE
Andrew? Andrew what?
ANDY
Dunno. Got no other name. And it’s Andy. Just Andy.
SCROOGE
All right, Andy, here’s thruppence on account. You’ll get the rest when you deliver the lunches.
ANDY (starting off)
Cheery-by, Gov’nor. I’m off to the pub now.
SCROOGE
Andrew.
ANDY
I told you, it’s Andy, Gov’nor.
SCROOGE
Yes, yes. So sorry. “Andy”.
ANDY
Wot?
SCROOGE
You know, you could just take the thruppence and disappear.
ANDY (all innocence)
Gov’nor! As if I would!
SCROOGE
Why not try it my way this time? Prove you’re trustworthy, and I may use your services often in the future. You could buy good food for your sister with money honestly earned.
ANDY (Suspicious, but clearly intrigued)
Three pies, two ales and a ginger beer, three baked apples – have I got it right then?
SCROOGE
Clever lad! Go on with you, then. We’ll see you at 1 o’clock.
ANDY exits.
SCROOGE
And thank you, Jacob Marley, for reminding me to stick to my good intentions!
BOB CRATCHIT enters
Good morning Bob, my boy! And a fine morning it is to start the New Year.
CRATCHIT ( )
I just hope it’s the coldest day of the year, Mr. Scrooge!
SCROOGE
Doesn’t matter, Bob, doesn’t matter. There’ll be plenty of coal to keep us warm while we work.
CRATCHIT
Yes, sir! And I hope we’ll have plenty of work, too.
SCROOGE
No doubt of that at all. We’re going to start off with a bang, and we’ll be doing business in a new way from now on.
CRATCHIT
The changes you’ve been talking about this past week are truly exciting, sir, and I believe they’ll make the business even more successful.
SCROOGE
I learned my lesson Christmas Eve. There’ll be no more sly dealings from Scrooge and Marley. That’s my New Year’s Resolution.
SONG 2: RESOLUTIONS
THERE’LL BE NO MORE CLEVER DEALING
THERE’LL BE NO MORE GETTING ‘ROUND
CRATCHIT
THERE’LL BE NO MORE CUTTING CORNERS
JUST TO BANK ANOTHER POUND
SCROOGE
ALTHOUGH OUTMANEUV’RING RIVALS IS
A THRILL I STILL RECALL
CRATCHIT
NOW YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THRILL’S THE PRIDE
THAT COMES BEFORE A FALL.
BOTH
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
SCROOGE AND MARLEY WON’T BE DOING BUSINESS LIKE THEY DID BEFORE
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
SCROOGE
I’VE A LOT OF MAKING UP TO DO TO EVEN UP THE SCORE
ONCE I SMILED AND COUNTED PROFITS
AS I PILED UP THE GOLD
WHILE EVICTING DEADBEAT TENANTS
INTO WINTER’S BITTER COLD
CRATCHIT
DID YOU EVER PAUSE TO WONDER IF
YOUR METHODS LACKED FINESSE
SCROOGE
NO, I TOLD MYSELF THEIR LAZINESS
HAD CAUSED ALL THEIR DISTRESS
BOTH
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
NOW I UNDERSTAND THE PART THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS PLAYS
CRATCHIT
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
AND A HELPING HAND CAN MAKE A FRIEND TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAYS
SCROOGE
AND BEFORE MY GHOSTLY FRIENDS GAVE
WARNING WHERE MY DANGER LAY
I WAS PLANNING TO IGNORE ANOTHER
PRECIOUS CHRISTMAS DAY
BUT THEY TOOK ME TO THE PAST AND FUTURE
SHOWED ME WHAT WAS RIGHT
AND MY FROZEN HEART WAS THAWED BEFORE
THE BLESSED MORNING LIGHT
BOTH
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
EVERY DAY WE’LL WAKE AND IN OUR HEARTS IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS MORN
RESOLUTIONS! RESOLUTIONS!
EVERY DAY WE’LL GLADLY CELEBRATE THE DAY THE CHILD WAS BORN
SCROOGE
I DON’T KNOW IF I CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE
BLEAK AS IT’S BEEN SHOWN TO BE
BUT I SWEAR I WILL TRY TO CHANGE
THE MAN THAT HAS BEEN ME!
Lights Fade