Chris Beiser and Cast Photo courtesy of La Comedia Dinner Theatre

Scrooge! started as a 1970 musical film adaptation of the classic 1843 Charles Dickens novel "A Christmas Carol." A stage version was created and premiered in 1992 in the UK. Rich moneylender Ebenezer Scrooge is as mean as they come. On Christmas Eve in Victorian London, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late business partner and told that he's on the path toward eternal suffering unless he changes. he is visited by three spirits that night to show him past, present, and future Christmases in hopes that he will see the error of his ways.

The book and score are by Leslie Bricusse, who also supplied the songs for the film. The book generally follows the traditional tale, but with a few new twists and characters. This telling emphasizes the widespread disdain that local Londoners had for Scrooge, and also clearly chronicles the plight of the many people who are in debt to him. The book also wisely shows the gradual awakening within Ebenezer at the conclusion of each ghost's visit. The show does feel a bit padded and longer than it needs to be in spots.

The songs by Bricusse are tuneful, though none have become holiday staples. The score is a solid mix of jaunty group numbers, story-centric songs, and soul-baring anthems. "Christmas Children," "Thank You Very Much," and "A Better Life" are memorable. The haunting "You ... You" is one of the show's best songs and book moments–a poignant duet when older Scrooge recollects the realities of what his younger self lost. Several numbers also sound similar to those Bricusse supplied for the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory film. Unfortunately, the "Finale Act 1" is a bit of a jumbled mess, sending audience members into intermission with a fizzle instead of the anticipated bang.

Chris Beiser is the artistic director for La Comedia, but for this production, he also stars on stage as Ebenezer Scrooge. Beiser fully embodies the penny-pinching miser and brings out both the nasty and the comedic elements of the character skillfully, along with showcasing excellent singing vocals. Solid support is provided by the large cast, with notable standouts being John Dorney (a spooky Marley), Dylan Jackson (an energetic Tom Jenkins), Ty Smith (a sympathetic Bob Cratchit), Jonathan Pendergrass (as both nephew Harry and Young Scrooge), and Catie Cumings (a regal Ghost of Christmas Past). Chris Kramer, in addition to portraying the Ghost of Christmas Present, provides a stirring rendition of "O Holy Night," which is always the finale of La Comedia's holiday show.

Beiser's work as director and choreographer is well suited for this production, with an apt and consistent tone, generally smooth transitions, and appropriate blocking. The dances are lively, though a bit cramped due to the large set. Musical director Meghan Slowik has prepared the cast well vocally. Scenic designer Gabe Davidson provides three large, double-sided set pieces, each of which spins on a turntable–quite the remarkable feat given that the performance space is also used for dinner buffet service. The lighting by Edward Huber produces many pleasing effects, and the costumes by Emercita Erb and Mattison Williams are period appropriate and attractive.

Scrooge! might not be the best Christmas musical option among holiday offerings, but it's is a worthy, new choice available to help avoid repeating shows for La Comedia's loyal audiences. Chris Beiser is exceptional as Scrooge, and the show captures the holiday spirit as the temperatures start to dip with winter approaching.

Scrooge! runs through December 28, 2025, at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave, Springboro OH. For tickets and information, please call 937-746-4554 or visit lacomedia.com.