The curtains have been lifted for Repertory Philippines’ Scrooge: A Family Musical, which will run until December 14, 2014 at the Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City. Scrooge concludes yet another accomplished year for the premier theater group.
Did you say, “Bah, humbug!” just now? We don’t have three ghosts for you but here are 10 reasons that should ease your creased eyebrows, part your lips into a smile, and get you to the ultimate holiday show.
Here are the 10 Reasons why you need to watch Scrooge:
1. Scrooge takes off from a classic.
Scrooge is the penny-pinching protagonist in Charles Dickens’ timeless novel A Christmas Carol. Published in 1843 in England, the story has since been repeated for centuries, its relevance never waning off. It’s a Christmas staple that nobody should miss.
2. Scrooge stars veteran actors.
The title role is shared by Miguel Faustmann (Les Miserables, Julius Caesar) and Chinggoy Alonso (The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera). Joining the roster are Raul Montesa, Cara Barredo, Oliver Usison, Dwight Angelo Vito Cruz, Chino Veguillas, Gabo Tiongson, and Soleil Luna Bueno. The play is directed by Ms. Carmen “Baby” Barredo, Rep’s artistic director and co-founder. With their talents pooled together, expect nothing short of excellence in the play.
3. Scrooge is for the whole family.
The story is one that is best enjoyed with the entire family. Together, you watch the play and together, you shall have a more meaningful Christmas celebration. Scrooge should leave every loved one teeming with the holiday cheers.
4. Old tale, new adaptation.
For Rep, no two Scrooge plays are alike. This year’s staging (the fourth in Rep history) takes its cue from the book, music, and lyrics of famed English writer-composer-lyricist Leslie Bricusse. His works on musicals include the Tony award-winning Stop the World — I Want to Get Off, Doctor Dolittle, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. So even if you know the story or have seen another Scrooge play, this will be an unfailingly inspiring and refreshing experience.
5. Step back in time.
Scrooge takes place in its original setting, Victorian London. While the theater aircon won’t match the actual cold in England, you’ll get to feast your eyes on vivid sets designed by one of the lead actors, Miguel Faustmann. The era is steeped with vintage characteristics, from the bustling streets with carts and carriages, the townspeople’s clothes which are never short of simple, to the mix of humor and adorable formality in their speech.
6. A chance to un-Scrooge yourself—or someone you know.
“What’s Christmas but a time of finding yourself a year older and not a day richer?” Do you find yourself saying something along this line? Redeem yourself with a treat to this play and let the feeling of catharsis help you realize what makes this season “the most wonderful time of the year.”
7. Enjoy the witty, fun songs.
Scrooge is rich in emotions best expressed through a motley of songs. Sing along to Tiny Tim as he describes in detail a beautiful day or Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig as they rally their guests into embracing the holidays with a jovial tune. The brilliance of the songs lies in their poetic lyrics, so make sure to listen closely.
8. Show love for local theater.
The local theater scene is thriving with artistry best appreciated by the eyes of their fellow Filipinos. Through this is a foreign story, there ought to be unmistakable signs of Pinoy flavor into it. And don’t we love anything of our own?
9. Learn something new about yourself.
If the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and yet-to-come come after you, where do you think they’ll take you? Is it to a regretful past, a neglected present, and a dismal future, just like Scrooge? Or do you see yourself instead in kindhearted Bob Cratchit, toiling hard for little reward, or the all-loving, ever-optimistic nephew of Scrooge? With a variety of characters in the show, you’re bound to find one acting like yourself during the holidays, and learn a thing or two on how you can make this Christmas even better.
10. The moral lesson.
Journeying with Scrooge leads us to think deeper of our lives. At the end of the day, Christmas is about celebrating His birth and the people we care for, not so much about the wealth that won’t give back the satisfaction of being loved.
For ticket inquiries, call Ticketworld at 891 9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. #RepPhilsScrooge
About Scrooge
Based on the book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse, Scrooge: A Family Musical will be staged by Repertory Philippines from November 21 to December 14 at Onstage Theater, 2nd Floor of Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi Street, Makati City. Directed by Baby Barredo, the story brings life to timeless classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
