LifeHouse Theater celebrates the Christmas season with the award-winning original musical “Scrooge,” which has become an Inland Empire Christmas tradition. Based on Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol,” this critically acclaimed adaptation by Wayne R. Scott tunefully brings the timeless tale to life through music and dynamic staging.
Performances begin Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 7:30 PM and will continue on weekends through December 23, 2017. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:15 PM (except Opening Night) and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2:15 PM. In addition to the weekend performances, there will be two special Thursday evening performances on December 14 and 21 at 7:30 PM. The performance on Friday, December 8, at 7:30 PM will also feature an interpreted presentation for the deaf.
Advance ticket prices are $19 or $25 for adults and $9 or $12 for children ages 3-11 (no children under 3 are admitted) and can be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling (909) 335-3037. Tickets are available online at boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Checks can also be mailed to LifeHouse, provided reservations are made far enough in advance. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office, which is open Fridays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and one hour prior to performance times on the weekends. Tickets are $2 more the day of the performance. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Guests are encouraged to reserve seats early as performances do sell out.
“Scrooge” marks the reprise of an Inland Empire holiday favorite seen by thousands throughout Southern California on tour from Palm Springs to San Diego over the last two and a half decades. Featuring a faithful retelling of Dickens’ immortal tale in humorous rhyme and a rousing score of original songs, “Scrooge” offers audiences a heartwarming and festive tribute to the Christmas season.
“I am humbled by the support from the public for this adaptation of the classic Dickens tale,” comments Scott, founder and president of LifeHouse Theater in Redlands. “We look forward to inspiring audiences with a beautiful story of redemption through our Christmas event.”
The cast of more than 30 is lead by the husband and wife directing team of Jeremy and Bethanne Prince. Bethanne Prince also choreographs the production. The production staff includes vocal director Sarah Ayotte and costumer Dori Lou Hathaway. Scenic design, sound and lighting is by Mark Perrenoud and Vinnie Martinucchi.
“Scrooge” features Nick Diliberto playing the miserly title role. Jonathan Bushey plays Bob Cratchit and Jaden Scrima is Tiny Tim. Christine Hysell, Diana Handy and Paul Zonane represent the three Ghosts of Christmas with Michael Daehne appearing as Jacob Marley. The cast also features Emily Haus as Mrs. Cratchit, John Griffith as Fred Hollywell, Robin Peltz as Belle and Jennifer M. DeWitt as the Storyteller.
“Scrooge” began its life 25 years ago as a video project under the name of “Good News, Scrooge” for Scott, who was then teaching at Arrowhead Christian Academy. But during the writing process, Scott conceived of the stage version of this production. “In my mind’s eye, I could see the set take shape and I knew exactly how it could work in a live stage setting. So I decided to take a leap of faith and mount the production at the Clock Auditorium in Redlands,” recalls Scott.
On December 14, 1986 “Good News, Scrooge!” opened to a sold out crowd. After that first sold out production of “Good News, Scrooge,” the show continued to perform each year, even bringing in well-known actor Clifton Davis to play the Storyteller in 1989 and 1990. “Clifton Davis at the time was best known for his role on the TV series ‘Amen.’ We sent him the request to be a part of the production and to our delight, he liked the script so much that he agreed to come perform with us,” Scott commented.
After reworking the script a bit and now calling the production simply “Scrooge,” Scott used the show as the first production for his new non-profit theater company, LifeHouse Theater. The troupe toured the production to multiple locations throughout the Inland Empire before settling in at what would became the first home for LifeHouse Theater at a strip mall on New Jersey Street in Redlands. The musical has continued to be produced throughout LifeHouse Theater’s 24 years to the delight of thousands of guests who rediscover the production each time it returns.
“Scrooge” has also been performed throughout the country by other theater companies, including most recently Spiritual Twist Productions in North Carolina.
LifeHouse Theater’s 24th season continues in the new year with “Sherlock Holmes” (January 6 - 21, 2018), “The Death of Sherlock Holmes” (January 27 - February 11, 2018), “The Snow Queen: A Frozen Fairytale” (February 24 - March 25, 2018), “Joseph!” (April 7 - May 13, 2018), “Anne of Green Gables” (May 26 - July 1, 2018), “Tom Sawyer” (July 14 - August 19, 2018) and “The Disciples of Jesus” (September 1 - 30, 2018). Money-saving season passes are now on sale at the LifeHouse Theater Box Office
The theater is located at 1135 N. Church St. in Redlands, next to the Redlands Christian School. Free parking is available in back of the theater. More information can be found by visiting the website at www.lifehousetheater.com.
For more information, please call (909) 335-3037.