259334266_10159683977209350_2648970483809473180_n — PROGRAM COVER COURTESY OF THE OLD GLOBE THEATRE

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Bill Buell as Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, 2021. Photo by Jim Cox.

By Kathy Carpenter

The Old Globe Theater presents “Ebenezer Scrooges Big San Diego Christmas Show,” a homespun crowd pleaser- a Scrooge with humor, and fresh dialogue. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rose, and, of course, based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It is directed by Timothy J. Shields.

Bill Buell as Ebenezer Scrooge, Cathryn Wake as Ghost of Christmas Present, Orville Mendoza as Jack, Jacque Wilke as Jennie, and George Abud as Fred in Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, 2021. Photo by Jim Cox.

Most people know the story of cranky, tight-fisted, and uncaring, Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas, past, present and future one Christmas Eve night. This changes his whole outlook on life. He becomes someone everyone can love. This play is basically the same story, but Scrooge is located in San Diego, thus we have local references. A Christmas Carol is not normally funny, but this is a light-hearted version written to make you chuckle. The show has also added in some modern references, like selfies, and Facebook, even though still in its historical era. The show takes us on the wild journey of Scrooge, and has the perfect fun Christmas ending.

The show is performed in the round. There is a simple set with a single ghost light in the middle. Five actors move in and out working from trunks. A ghost light is an electric light that is left energized on a stage when the theater is unoccupied and would otherwise be completely dark.

The amazing Bill Buell portrays Ebenezer Scrooge, a true treasure. Orville Mendoza takes on Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley, Mr. fezzi, etc., humbling and endearing. George Abud, Cathryn Wake, and Jacque Wilke, round out the small but delightful cast. Bringing the rest of the characters to life and making the story sing.Without them we wouldn’t have a story.

Costumes are from the Dickens era, including a nightshirt and cap for Ebenezer, some outdoor winter dresses with capes, for the Saint sisters. and beautiful green and white Christmastime dresses for the women, including flowers in their hair. I loved the costuming. Including the ethereal luminescent of the spirits vibe.

It’s time to come back to the theatre. Let yourself relax and enjoy a play. The crowd sprang to their feet immediately after the show. You need this!

All Covid precautions are in place.

Let this be your Christ treat. Start your Holidays right.