This is the most popular of Roger’s shows, being booked in schools year after year in November and December. The first schools to host it, in 1997, were in Taylor MI. Roger’s unique format is on full display in this experiential version of the world’s most popular Yuletide story, written in 1843. 18 members of the audience are pre-selected by the venue and meet with Roger three quarters of an hour before the show starts. They are given roles in the tale : Scrooge (usually a well-known extrovert in the venue); Bob Cratchit; his wife and their six children (including Tiny Tim, who has the famous line at the end “God bless us – everyone!” ); the 4 ghosts (including Scrooge’s former colleague, Jacob Marley, who will rattle chains and howl horrendously in the action); the Nephew; visitors to Scrooge’s office in the first scene; etc.. Various props are handed out, eg. Scrooge’s nightcap and candlestick; headgear for the 3 Christmas ghosts, inc the impenetrable hood for Xmas Yet To Come, who also needs a bony finger!
All 18 participants rehearse the dance at Mr Fezziwig’s party, to the music “Sir Roger de Coverley”, and other simple blocking is given, eg.
the positions around Cratchit’s meager Christmas dinner table.
When the audience is settled in, Roger, as Charles Dickens, narrates the story (“Marley was dead, to begin with…” etc.) and the role players pantomime the relevant actions. Some speaking is needed, eg. Scrooge’s frequent utterances of “Humbug!”.
The performance is always great fun and is a perfect run up to the holiday season. Scrooge’s change of heart gives a message to all levels of society these days.
ROGER JEROME
