A Man Called Scrooge

***A Man Called Scrooge*** premiered on December 24, 2022, marking one of the first full-length shows on the channel. Its complete runtime is 25 minutes and 30 seconds. *Scrooge* is also a musical, complete with 7 songs:

* His Name
* Peace and Quiet
* Young Love
* The Present is a Gift
* My Name *(spoken; a poem)*
* His Name (Reprise)
* Curtain Call *(no vocals)*

The description in the channel's video description is as follows: "Is it possible to break old habits, after more than fifty years, and start fresh?"

## The Story

The show begins by introducing us to The Storyteller. They begin by explaining that Marley has died, and then introduces themself with a smile. Storyteller takes us to the busy streets of London, and with the help of the town, introduces us to the one and only Ebenezer Scrooge *(His Name)*. He then chases everyone off, but Scrooge's nephew and his wife, Fred and Clara Goldman, stay behind. They invite Scrooge over for Christmas dinner, but he declines and leaves.

Scrooge then goes back to his office. While looking through his notebook, he laments all the money he loses during the holiday season, stating "we'd be better off without it" *(Peace and Quiet)*. Storyteller joins him, and explains to the audience what Scrooge is doing. He questions this, to which Storyteller responds "Trust me, I'd rather be anywhere else," and proceeds to introduce us to Bob Cratchit. Scrooge's trusted clerk has come to ask about potentially having the day of Christmas off, and to his surprise, Scrooge agrees, but on the condition that Cratchit is back at work even earlier the next day. Cratchit is shocked, but doesn't argue, and energetically returns home.

Storyteller teases Scrooge about this, before he decides that he just wants to go home. But before he can make himself comfortable, out of his wardrobe flies his late business partner Ol' Marley. Marley delivers a speech, warning Scrooge that if he continues the same way he's been going, he'll be punished in the afterlife for his greed. But Scrooge is reluctant to listen, so Marley decides to leave, giving Scrooge one final warning that there will be 3 spirits to visit him before morning.

The clock strikes 1AM, but there's no spirit like Marley promised. Scrooge doubts the validity of what he saw and heard before, but then, The Past rushes in, apologizing for being late. She explains that she's come to examine the past with Scrooge, but he says he already knows the history of Christmas and refuses to go. But then the Past explains that they'll be learning about Scrooge's past, as a person, rather than the holiday. She takes him by the hand (and Storyteller decides to tag along as well, much to Scrooge's disappointment), and the group find themselves at Scrooge's childhood school. They see Young Scrooge walk past, before he's stopped by his Headmaster who asks if he's going home for Christmas. Young Scrooge explains that he's only going to the shops to get some more inks and quills, to which Headmaster praises him for his diligence. Young Scrooge is visibly distressed, but feeds off of his instructor's praise, and continues to his work. The Past comments on this, and Scrooge realizes he misunderstood his Headmaster all those years ago.

Then, the Past takes him to his first job, where Teen Scrooge was introduced to Belle Whitman. The two had wanted a future together, but Teen Scrooge became too engrossed in his work, leaving Belle feeling dejected *(Young Love)*. She ultimately decides to leave Teen Scrooge, which leaves him cold and bitter. Scrooge comments that he's seen enough of his past, and the Past brings him back home as she introduces the next spirit. "This one can be a bit, as the kids would say, 'extra'."

Scrooge expresses a bit of confusion, but it quickly dissipates as The Present dashes into the room, messing around with Scrooge with a rubber chicken. Scrooge makes a sarcastic comment about Storyteller having been "awfully quiet" and they take the opportunity to mess with him. The Present steps in before Scrooge can say something too hurtful, and shows him all the fun he's missing *(The Present is a Gift)*. Afterwards, The Present requests that Scrooge keep in touch (even though Scrooge isn't sure how he would do that) and bounces away.

As The Future begins to enter, Storyteller stops the show, stating that the next scene will be notably more grim than the rest of the show. They then place Scrooge's tombstone on their chair, and skip away.

The Future does not speak with words, only actions. Scrooge asks if it's here to show him any Christmases yet to come, and The Future nods. First, it takes him to the Cratchits' house, where the family is all mourning the loss of Tiny Tim. Then, The Future takes Scrooge to visit his own grave. Scrooge vows to change, after seeing what his and others' future holds *(My Name)*. The Storyteller returns, making a joke about how Scrooge has been crying, despite wiping away their own tears as well.

But rather than become angry, Scrooge asks Storyteller what day it is. When they tell him it's still Christmas, he gives them a pouch of money (to keep) and asks if they can boy a turkey for dinner. Storyteller salutes and runs off to complete the task, as Scrooge pays the Cratchits a visit.

The door is answered by a terrified Bob Cratchit, trembling and stumbling over his words. Scrooge takes the chance to mess with him, leading him to think he's in trouble, but then reveals that he is planning on giving Cratchit the rest of the week off. Cratchit asks if he might also get a raise, and Scrooge is hesitant, but finally agrees.

Storyteller returns with the turkey Scrooge had asked for, wrapped up nice and pretty in an elegant paper. Cratchit helps them take it inside, and Scrooge and Storyteller join the family for dinner, with a very much alive Tiny Tim *(His Name Reprise)*. Storyteller bids the audience one final merry Christmas, and Tiny Tim joins, despite not knowing who Storyteller is talking to.

## The Characters

There are 16 named characters in the show, all of whom have been given official character descriptions.

### Ebenezer Scrooge (Masc)

Our protagonist. Despises Christmas and spends his days working away in his office, paying his employees as little as he can.

### Storyteller Churchill (Any gender)

The narrator of our story. Often serves as comic relief, and enjoys messing around with Ebenezer Scrooge.

### Fred Goldman (Masc)

Ebenezer Scrooge's nephew. Loves everything about Christmas, and wants to share it with his uncle.

### Clara Goldman (Fem)

Wife of Fred. Kind, cheerful, and very skilled with gift wrapping.

### Ol' Marley (Any gender)

Ebenezer Scrooge's late business partner. In life, tried to make a quick buck, but is chained by sin in the afterlife.

### The Past (Fem)

A kindly old Spirit. Treats everyone like her grandchildren but has trouble with punctuality.

### The Present (Any gender)

An energetic Spirit. Always lives in the 'present' and has an affinity for gift-based puns and practical jokes.

### The Future (No gender)

The Spirit of Christmas yet to come. A dark, ominous presence, who isn't much for words.

### Young Scrooge (Masc)

A childhood version of Ebenezer Scrooge. Wants to pursue things he's more passionate about, but feels as though he's stuck.

### The Headmaster (Any gender)

Young Scrooge's mentor. Fully supports Young Scrooge, and encourages him to take his career seriously.

### Teen Scrooge (Masc)

Simply a younger version of his present-day counterpart. Harbors more sadness than anger, and still has hope he can love someone.

### Belle Whitman (Fem)

Teen Scrooge's love interest. Feels neglected by his work, and leaves to find someone who she feels will care more.

### Belinda Cratchit (Fem)

Bob Cratchit's eldest daughter. Young and hopeful, but in the future, becomes distant and cold.

### Tiny Tim Cratchit (Masc)

Bob Cratchit's youngest and sickliest child. Cares deeply for the people around him, and has a soft spot for animals.

### Emily Cratchit (Fem)

Wife of Bob Cratchit. A kind woman with a heart of gold, and unrivaled skills in the kitchen.

### Bob Cratchit (Masc)

Scrooge's loyal clerk. Works long hours with little pay to try and help his family.