Northern Michigan University’s Forest Roberts Theatre will ring in the holiday season with its long-standing traditional production of Scrooge, a musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Performances will be held Thursday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. with 1 p.m. matinee performances Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17.

Leslie Bricusse’s Scrooge follows the journey of a bitter old miser and his discovery of the true meaning of Christmas, with the help of strange ghosts and well-spirited people.

Director and alumna Denise Clark intermittently directed FRT productions of Scrooge over the past 22 years.

“Dickens was one of the first authors who wrote about people who were not kings or giants of industry; he wrote about the poor,” said Clark. “He shared stories about people who needed help, food, shelter, warmth and compassion. The cast and our production team are focusing on Dickens’ story. It is hopeful for all of us to believe and have faith that all people, including ourselves, have the capacity and potential to assist in improving the lives of others by our acts of human kindness.

“Working on this show at this special time of the year is somewhat magical. I think it puts our hearts in the right place to celebrate the season.”

The ensemble of more than 30 performers is composed of NMU students, community members and area youth. Seven-year-old Ezekiel Miller plays the role of Tiny Tim.

“I feel like I’m a big star,” said Miller. “My friends at school are even excited. I'm looking forward to singing my solos in front of the crowd. I've learned more about projecting my voice so everyone can hear me. It’s going to be great.”

NMU theater major Devin Murphy plays the title role.

“It’s challenging in a great way to portray an iconic traditional character for many community members who look forward to FRT’s production every year,” said Murphy. “The true meaning of Christmas is family, not retail, and this show reminds us of that.”

An opening night party is included with a ticket purchased for opening night, Thursday, Dec. 14, and immediately follows the show in the FRT lobby. It will feature food and beverages, music, a photo booth and a meet and greet with the cast and creative team.

The one-act show is approximately 55 minutes long. Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students. Tickets are available online at tickets.nmu.edu or at any NMU EZ Ticket outlet. For more information on the event, contact the Forest Roberts Theatre Box Office at (906) 227-2082 or via email at frtbox@gmail.com.