by Mark DuMez

Scrooge has been asleep for decades. Not literally, but figuratively. Oh, he has been busy, buying, selling, taking (not giving) and hiding. His purpose is pure - make money and protect his investments. However, through this purity of purpose, he has deformed, twisted and, slowly lost himself. When we meet Scrooge in Dickens' story, he is in the winter of his life - with no hope of spring. When good cheer, a kind nephew, carols and festive giving fail to arouse his kindness - Dickens gives him another form of provocation. Ghosts, spirits, and memories of his past are all needed to bring Scrooge back to himself.

A Christmas Carol has stood the test of time for many reasons. For me, it is a reminder of why we labour - to celebrate with family and friends, to give of ourselves, to improve another's condition and to allow ourselves moments of peace. I am honoured to work on Jeremy Tow's adaptation - he was a close friend, a gifted artist and a man who reminded me, through his journey and actions, to embrace the gift of life. His adaptation and this production focus on the human scale of the Christmas story. He reminds us to enjoy our loved ones, to see the forgotten poor and to celebrate that, in the middle of winter, when it is darkest night, fear can yield to love. Merry Christmas!