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(flexible cast with doubling a cast of eight could play all the parts)
Ebony Scrooge: [female]
Cratchet: [female]
Sister Katie: [female]
Sister Sadie: [female]
Marla: [female]
Ghost of Christmas Past: [female]
Young Ebony: [female]
Mother: [female]
Teen Ebony: [female]
Aunt: [female]
Ghost of Christmas Present: [male]
Tammie Cratchet: [female]
Sam Cratchet: [male]
Jenny Cratchet: [female]
John Cratchet: [male]
Ghost of Christmas Future: [either]
EBONY
(Enters. Finds CAROLERS singing)
What's with all this singing? Who authorized this?
CAROLER
(Scared)
Sorry, Ms. Scrooge. Mrs. Cratchet said it was okay.
EBONY
Roberta!
CRATCHET
Yes, Ms. Scrooge.
EBONY
Did you tell these people they could make all this noise in here?
CRATCHET
They paid the require fees to use the theatre.
EBONY
Did you charge them double? It is a holiday.
CRATCHET
No, sorry, Ms. Scrooge.
EBONY
Then out with you. Everyone one of you.
(CAROLERS rush out)
CRATCHET
Should I refund their money?
EBONY
They were here half the time and they paid half the money. It's a done deal in my eyes. Do you disagree Mrs. Cratchet?
CRATCHET
No, ma'am.
EBONY
Fine then. Bring me some tea. Extra hot.
CRATCHET
Flavor?
EBONY
We have a long night ahead of us. Let's say something with a bite to it. How about Oolong Obsession?
CRATCHET
Yes, Ms. Scrooge.
EBONY
And do we have any of that chocolate cake left?
CRATCHET
One slice I think.
EBONY
Bring that too.
CRATCHET
Yes, Ms. Scrooge.
(Pauses for more instructions)
EBONY
Make it quick.
CATCHET
(Rushes off)
Yes, Ms. Scrooge.
EBONY
Now where were we? Restaurant receipts, bills... credit? Someone wishes to extend their credit I see. For 30% interest, I can be persuaded.
(Two little ladies rush in)
SADIE and KATIE
(Together)
Hello, Ms. Scrooge.
SADIE
I'm sister Sadie.
KATIE
And I'm sister Katie.
EBONY
I know who you are. Every holiday you come around begging for money.
KATIE
(Laughs)
Always the comedian.
SADIE
Have you made your yearly donation to the Sisters of Suffering Charity?
EBONY
I will pay this year as much as I pay every year.
KATIE
Which is?
EBONY
Absolutely nothing.
SADIE
But it helps the poor.
KATIE
The needy.
SADIE
The sick.
KATIE
The suffering.
EBONY
I seem to be the only one who is suffering in this room.
SADIE
You have the most successful restaurant in town. You surely could spare something.
EBONY
How about a tip?
KATIE
Okay.
EBONY
Stop feeding the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the suffering. It makes them live just a little bit longer and makes them suffer just a little bit more. Do them and me a favor and stop helping them. There's too many people in this world as it is. Let them die and decrease the surplus population.
SADIE
We best be going, sister Katie.
KATIE
Yes, we should go, sister Sadie.
SADIE
Here's some literature in case you change your mind.
(Hands EBONY some flyers)
Merry Christmas.
(CRATCHET enters from behind with tea and cake)
EBONY
Christmas. Bah humbug. At least they gave something useful. This paper should burn nicely in the fireplace.
(Not seeing CRATCHET. She yells)
Cratchet! Where's my...
(Realizes CRATCHET is there)
...set it down here.
CRATCHET
Will there be anything else this evening?
EBONY
What do you mean? Of course, they'll be something else. The kitchen needs cleaning.
CRATCHET
Done.
EBONY
The food put away.
CRATCHET
Also done.
EBONY
Tomorrow's special planned.
CRATCHET
Taken care of.
EBONY
The floor washed and waxed.
CRATCHET
Done.
EBONY
Except for in here.
CRATCHET
Ms. Scrooge. It's Christmas Eve. I've been working overtime all work. Tonight could I at least get home before my children go to sleep?
EBONY
Can't that useless husband of your tuck the little parasites in?
CRATCHET
He does every night.
EBONY
I'm a reasonable woman. Take the rest of the night off... without pay.
CRATCHET
Oh, thank you, Ms. Scrooge. Thank you.
(So happy CRATCHET reaches for EBONY)
EBONY
Don't you dare hug me.
CRATCHET
Sorry, Ms. Scrooge. And about tomorrow.
EBONY
What about tomorrow?
(Eats cake and drinks drink during following exchange)
CRATCHET
I was wondering if I could take the morning off too so, just long enough to watch the children open their presents.
EBONY
And who will manage things here?
CRATCHET
It's Christmas. We never get many customers.
EBONY
But we;ll be the only place open in town. What if someone's Christmas breakfast is ruined? Where else can they go?
CRATCHET
To WalMart?
EBONY
To a discount store? The very idea makes me sick. How can anyone run a business that way?
CRATCHET
Please, I promise I'll be in by eight. The kids should be able to open the presents by then.
EBONY
You will be here at your usual time or you can look for another job.
(CRATCHET looks down in defeat)
I have been more than generous with you, by letting you go home early. Go home now before I change my mind.
CRATCHET
Yes, Ms. Scrooge.
(Starts to go, then stops)
And Merry Christmas.
(Exits)
EBONY
Bah humbug.
(Takes another bite of cake)
That Catchet has no work ethic, but she can sure bake a good cake.
(Yawns)
What kind of tea did she give me?
(Looks at label on tea bag)
Sleepy time?!
(Yawns)
That idiot.
(Eyes get heavy)
I have a mountain over paperwork to do.
(Drifts off)
I must get it done...
(Falls asleep on table. A thump in the kitchen wakes her)
What was that?
(Moves toward kitchen L)
Catchet? Are you still here?
(Another thump)
Oh, my goodness. It could be a thief.
(Heavy steps. Takes out cell phone)
I better call the police.
(Hits phone)
Battery's dead? Stupid discount calling plan.
(More thumps. EBONY picks up fork)
I've got a rather large weapon in here and I'm not afraid to use it.
(Hears rattling, moaning, and other spooky sounds. Drops fork)
Uh, was it the tea or the cake that's doing this to me? I swear I'm hearing...
(The ghost of MARLA appears L)
And seeing!
MARLA
Ebony Scrooge!
(Rattles her tableware. She walks around with dangled tablewear: forks, spoons, knives)
EBONY
Who are you?
MARLA
I'm your old partner Marla. You've been a naughty girl, Ebony.
EBONY
(Scared)
Go away. I know you're something I ate that I shouldn't have. I need some medicine. Some plop, plop, fizz, fizz, and you'll be gone.
MARLA
I have come to warn you. Warn you of a fate worse than death.
EBONY
The missionaries were here earlier. Sorry I'm not interested.
MARLA
I have come to tell you that you will share my fate unless you change.
EBONY
Your fate? What are you talking about?
MARLA
(Holds up tableware)
I have paid heavily for my sins.
EBONY
What's with the table setting?
MARLA
This is my punishment for cheating people.
(Shows EBONY)
The forks are for every time we overcharged. The spoons are for every serving we shorted someone. The knives are for every competitor we stabbed in the back.
EBONY
Those were good times.
MARLA
Good times! Good times!
(Shakes tableware in agony)
EBONY
Calm down. Take it easy.
MARLA
Your punishment will be far worse than mine, Ebony Scrooge, unless you change.
EBONY
The only change I like is the kind that goes in my pocket.
MARLA
Tonight you will be visited by three spirits.
EBONY
Three?! Look, I'm very busy here. Couldn't we schedule them for later in the week?
MARLA
At the stroke of midnight, the first will appear. Then the others will appear at each hour after.
EBONY
I must admit you look very much like Marla and I do feel a bit anxious about all this. So, ha, ha. You got me. Jokes over. Now get out before I call the cops!
MARLA
(Starts to go)
The first will appear at midnight.
(Stops)
Please, Ebony. This is your last chance. Heed my warning.
(Exits)
EBONY
(Goes and sits)
The only warning I need is on the tea label. Now I'm seeing things.
(Grabs papers and yawns)
Where was I before the spirit of Christmas indigestion appeared?
(Yawns and drifts off. Lights fade to black. Twelve stokes of the clock. The ghost of Christmas PAST is now standing in the corner. Lights come up. EBONY looks around sleepily)
Asleep again? How am I ever going to get anything done tonight?
(Looks at watch)
Christmas day already. Maybe I'll call Cratchet to come in early. I'm way behind.
PAST
(Dressed in old
fashioned clothing)
Good morning, Ebony Scrooge.
EBONY
(Jumps up)
Who are you? How did you get in here?
PAST
I am the ghost of Christmas past.
EBONY
This can't be.
PAST
I have come to show you your past.
EBONY
Sorry, I've already been there and don't care to go back.
PAST
(Holds out her hand)
Please come with me.
EBONY
Through the wall?
PAST
Watch.
(Takes EBONY's hand and they walk into the wall. Lights go black)
EBONY
What's going on?
PAST
We're taking a step back in time.
(Yellow lights come up on restaurant with checkered tablecloth. Papers are gone. Woman fusses over a little girl)
Do you know this place?
EBONY
(Excited)
It's our old family restaurant. That's my mother. And that's me. She was always fussing over me.
(Goes to mother)
Hello, mother.
PAST
She can't see or hear you.
EBONY
I forgot how beautiful she was.
PAST
And how bratty you were.
YOUNG EBONY
(Pounds fists)
But I want to play Monopoly!
MOTHER
But we just got done playing the game of Life.
YOUNG EBONY
Monopoly! Monopoly!
EBONY
(Laughs)
I loved Monopoly as a child. I couldn't get enough of it.
MOTHER
Fine, sweetie. I'll go get it.
(YOUNG EBONY cheers along with EBONY. MOTHER starts to go. Then she stops. Puts her hand to her chest. YOUNG EBONY is oblivious. Older EBONY goes to MOTHER)
EBONY
Mother? What's wrong?
(MOTHER falls to chair, slips off then falls to ground)
Mother?! Somebody call an ambulance.
(Goes to YOUNG EBONY)
Go get help!
YOUNG EBONY
(Sees MOTHER)
Oh, you're so lazy.
(Walks past MOTHER)
I'll get Monopoly myself.
EBONY
Please, spirit. Torture me no more. Please take me away.
PAST
Let's go to another time in your life.
(Lights fade to black)
EBONY
Please, spirit. To a happier time.
(The yellow light comes up on a party scene. People mill around in audience and on stage. Actors gets audience involved as if they were part of the party. Tell everyone to cheer when Aunt arrives)
It's one of my aunt's famous Christmas parties. I always loved these. A major waste of money, but what fun!
(AUNT enters everyone cheers)
And there's my Aunt. She was so wonderful. She came to take care of me after mother died and run the restaurant.
AUNT
Welcome everyone! I wish to thank you for your support in making little Ebony's restaurant a success this year.
(TEEN EBONY enters)
EBONY
(To PAST)
My aunt always called it my restaurant.
(Looks at TEEN EBONY)
Look at me. I'm not so little anymore.
TEEN
Thank you all for coming.
EBONY
I was so pretty.
AUNT
Music!
(Music starts up)
Let's dance!
TEEN
(Stops AUNT)
Auntie, have you seen Charlie?
AUNT
No, but he did leave this note for you.
EBONY
Charlie?
(Remembers)
Oh, no, Ebony. Don't read that note.
(Upset)
Please don't read that note. It will break your heart.
TEEN
(Read note)
Dear Ebony, I'm sorry but I can't see you anymore...
(Sobs)
AUNT
Ebony, what's wrong?
TEEN
I have him. I hate him! I hate all men!
(Rips up note)
AUNT
Ebony, please.
(Chases after her)
EBONY
(Turns away)
Please, spirit. No more. Take me home.
(Lights go to black)
PAST
Perhaps you've seen enough.
EBONY
Take me home.
(Lights come up normal on the restaurant with the piles of papers)
Home. Now, go spirit. You have tormented me enough tonight.
PAST
I will go, but you will be visited again at the stroke of one.
EBONY
Go!
(Spirit exits L. EBONY bows her head sadly)
What a miserable life. Was it really so horrible?
(Lights slowly fade. The bell tolls once in black. The lights slowly come up and the ghost of Christmas present comes in)
PRESENT
Ho! Ho! Ho!
(Comes in with bag of presents)
Hello, little girl. Have you been good this year?
EBONY
How did you get in here? Go take your cheer somewhere else.
PRESENT
Ho! Ho! HOOO!
(Looks in bag)
Nope, nothing for you.
EBONY
Big surprise. Not get out!
PRESENT
Don't you know me?
EBONY
Sure Santa, I'm the one who took your stupid bell away from you at WalMart and threw it out in traffic the other day. You realize how annoying those bells can be. Ding, ding, ding...
PRESENT
Come, I want to show you something.
EBONY
I've seen enough tonight.
PRESENT
(Pulls out bell)
Come!
(Rings bell. Lights go black)
EBONY
Hey! I paid my bill. What's going on here? Somebody turn on the lights.
PRESENT
Very well.
(Rings bell. Lights come up blue. Mess on table is gone. A tattered tablecloth is on the table now. The CRATCHET family is happily preparing for a meal)
CRATCHET
Jenny, please set the table. Sam, help you little sister to the table.
(JENNY enters with tableware.
SAM
Come on, Tammie.
(SAM brings in TAMMIE in a wheel chair)
TAMMIE
Thank you, Sam. You're such a good brother.
JENNY
When's papa coming home?
CRATCHET
I don't know, honey.
EBONY
Where is that deadbeat husband of hers?
PRESENT
He is on call for the ambulance. There was a terrible accident on the interstate and he's there as we speak saving someone's life.
EBONY
Oh.
SAM
(Lifts TAMMIE into chair)
There you go.
TAMMIE
(Hugs SAM)
Thank you.
CRATCHET
Here comes Christmas dinner!
(Brings in covered platter)
SAM
Don't you mean Christmas eve dinner?
CRATCHET
It's past
JENNY
Let's open the presents!
CRATCHET
We wait for that until daddy come home.
JENNY
Okay.
EBONY
Look at the size of that platter. That must be a X-pound turkey! How can she afford that? I better check my inventory. Maybe she took it. I'm glad you showed me this spirit. I...
(PRESENT holds finger to lips for silence then points)
CRATCHET
(Opens up covered platter)
Dinner is served.
TAMMIE
You made the mashed potatoes look like a turkey!
SAM
That is so cool mom.
(CATCHET serves up the potatoes)
I'll take the leg!
(They laugh)
EBONY
Potatoes? That's it. That's all they have!
PRESENT
That's all they can afford.
EBONY
Why aren't they upset about it? Why aren't the children complaining? How can they be laughing!
PRESENT
So happy and so little money. How is this possible?
(TAMMIE starts coughing uncontrollably)
CRATCHET
Sam, get her medicine.
(SAM runs and grabs it. CRATCHET gives spray to TAMMIE who inhales it and is better)
You okay?
TAMMIE
Yes, mother. Just fine.
(Sighs)
But I'm tired. Could you take me to bed?
CRATCHET
(Picks her up)
Of course, honey. I'll be right back kids. Don't eat all the turkey!
(Kids laugh. Lights fade except for a spotlight on EBONY and PRESENT)
EBONY
What's wrong with the little girl?
PRESENT
They don't know really. They can't afford a specialist to find out. The clinic says it's severe asthma.
EBONY
But she can't walk. Asthma doesn't do that.
PRESENT
But the clinic says...
EBONY
That girl needs a specialist immediately.
PRESENT
Shall we?
(Lights go black)
EBONY
Are you taking me home?
PRESENT
No, to see John Cratchet. He is with someone you know.
(Blue light comes up on JOHN kneeling by covered body)
EBONY
I thought you said he saved someone's life?
PRESENT
He saved one woman, but not the other.
JOHN
(On cell phone)
I'm going to have to call this one. No, don't send the helicopter. I know I'm not a doctor, but I can't do CPR. Her face has been ripped off. I can't even find a mouth.
(Sighs)
Sorry, to yell, it's just that I know these ladies. The other is stable and on route to the hospital.
(Hangs up phone and holds hand to his face)
Why God? Why do you take the good ones and leave the bad ones like Ebony Scrooge to torment us?
EBONY
Did you hear what he just said?! Did you hear it?!
(Lights fade on JOHN and go to a spotlight on EBONY and PRESENT)
PRESENT
Does that upset you?
EBONY
Upset me? I'm furious.
PRESENT
Why do you care about what people think?
EBONY
I... I don't.
PRESENT
Are you curious who was under that blanket?
EBONY
Not really.
PRESENT
Just a little curious.
EBONY
Fine. Who was it?
PRESENT
Remember those two ladies... from the Sisters of Suffering Charity. That is sister Katie.
EBONY
(Mouth drops open)
Sister Katie? But I just saw her...
(Near tears)
I've known her since we were young girls. We went to school together. I always thought she was crazy for taking a vow of poverty and she thought I was crazy for vowing to get rich. Now she's gone.
(Pause. Starting to get angry)
What were they doing out here this late at night?
PRESENT
They were a few hundred dollars short of their goal. They refused to go home until they had enough.
EBONY
How could they be so stupid?
PRESENT
Stupid? I was think more along the lines of dedicated?
EBONY
(Upset but trying to cover up)
It was greed that killed them.
PRESENT
Greed?
EBONY
(She fights back tears)
They had to have more money. It's never enough for them. It wouldn't matter if I gave them a dollar or a thousand dollars. They'd still want more.
PRESENT
The money wasn't for them, Ebony Scrooge.
EBONY
What do I care?
PRESENT
(Sighs)
I will take you home now.
(Rings bell. Lights go black. Then come up on EBONY alone)
EBONY
Spirit? Are you still here?
(Silence)
Bah humbug.
(The clock strikes two)
Oh, no.
(Wind. Feels a chill. The lights slowly turn to red)
Hello? Someone here.
(The ghost of Christmas FUTURE appears. FUTURE is completely covered in a cloak. More chilling wind)
Who are you?
(No answer)
Are you the ghost of Christmas future?
(FUTURE nods)
You frighten me spirit. I don't not wish to see what you want to show me.
(FUTURE points)
No, please...
(Lights fade)
Where are you taking me?
(Red lights come up on CRATCHET family. They are setting the table)
Here again?
(JOHN, JENNY, SAM, and CRATCHET sit at table)
CRATCHET
Thank you, lord, for giving us anther Christmas together...
EBONY
Together? Where's the little girl?
(FUTURE points at an empty wheel chair in the corner. Family sadly passes around plate of food and eats in silence)
The wheel chair. It's empty. Where is she spirit? Is she dead?
(FUTURE nods)
Please spirit, this can't be true.
(FUTURE nods)
It's true? But is it only a possible future? Can it be changed?
(FUTURE doesn't move. Lights fade to black)
Please spirit, tell me it can be changed. That little girl doesn't deserve to die.
(Red lights come up on grave)
*scene of thief stealing and killing some rich old lady
Don't show me her grave, spirit. I get the point. You don't need to show me this.
(FUTURE points)
I don't want to spirit. Please take me home. I've seen enough.
(FUTURE points again)
Fine, I will look.
(EBONY goes to grave and pulls away growth)
No one ever comes here. It's so grown over and dirty.
(Wipes at name)
The name! Ebony Scrooge! It's me... it's my name! Will I die here? What happened to my tomb? Why do I just have this obscure little gravestone? Did people hate me so bad they even robbed me in death?
(Falls down by grave. FUTURE walks away as she is crying)
Please, spirit. Tell me this can be changed. Tell me I can change all this.
(Lights fade to black)
I dont want to die this way. I don't want that little girl to die.
(Lights come up on restaurant)
It's morning. It's Christmas morning!
(Grabs purse)
I have so much to do.
(Starts to go one direction, then the other)
But what to do first?
CRATCHET
(Enters)
Sorry, I'm a little late, Ms. Scrooge. I guess I overslept.
EBONY
(Looks at watch)
6:05.
CRATCHET
I know. That's whole hour deduction in pay. If I don't start the hour, I don't get paid for the hour.
EBONY
Maybe I should just fire you.
CRATCHER
What? Oh, please no, it won't happen again.
EBONY
Or maybe I should give you a raise and the day off.
CRATCHER
What?
EBONY
It's Christmas. Take the whole day off. I can handle things here.
CRATCHET
Are you serious?
EBONY
Dead serious.
(Pulls out money)
Here's the raise in advance. And go get your kids a big turkey out of the fridge for dinner today.
CRATCHET
Thank you. I'm so happy I could hug you.
EBONY
Then hug me.
CRATCHET
Now I know you're sick.
(Hugs EBONY)
EBONY
Wait a second.
(Hands CRATCHET a card from purse)
I was noticing your daughter wasn't looking too well.
CRATCHET
I didn't even know you knew I had a daughter.
EBONY
Two daughters and son to be exact.
CRATCHET
How did you...
EBONY
Never mind that. That card is from my doctor. I want you to take your daughter there and have her checked.
CRATCHET
But she only has asthma.
EBONY
Maybe, maybe not. I will have my doctor arrange for her to see a specialist. You can't be too careful about these things.
CRATCHET
Are you sure you're okay?
EBONY
I have never been better.
CRATCHET
Tell you what? My oven won't hold one of those turkeys. How about I cook one here and bring my family over? We could have Christmas dinner together.
EBONY
With me?
CRATCHET
Of course.
EBONY
Wonderful!
CRATCHET
We live close. I'll be right back.
EBONY
(Hears CAROLERS)
That singing.
(Goes to door. Yells)
Hey! Come here.
CAROLER
(Comes to door)
Sorry, Ms. Scrooge. We shouldn't have sung along this block.
EBONY
Do you like hot apple cider?
CAROLER
Uh... well... I don't know...
EBONY
Tell your singers to get in here and we'll have some hot cider. It's on me.
CAROLER
What's the catch?
EBONY
The catch? Oh, well you'll have to sing for me.
CAROLER
But we can't afford to pay the fee to sing here again.
EBONY
Fee? Oh, how much was that?
(Gives CAROLER money)
I forgot to refund you for last night.
(Smiles)
And it's Christmas. The theatre is free on Christmas.
CAROLER
(Excited)
I'll get the others.
EBONY
Then I'll take them all the hospital to sing for the patients.
CRATCHET
(Enters with children and JOHN)
We're back.
EBONY
That was fast.
SAM
We live across the street.
EBONY
You do?
JOHN
All this time Bobbie's worked for you and you haven't noticed?
CRATCHET
John, please. Be nice.
EBONY
No, Mrs. Cratchet. He's right. I haven't noticed a lot of things, but that's going to change.
(Goes to TAMMIE)
And how are you this Christmas day?
TAMMIE
Wonderful!
EBONY
Good to hear it.
(Thinks)
If only I had some presents for you.
SAM
Presents?
CRATCHET
Sam, don't be greedy.
EBONY
Yes, Sam. Greed is a bad thing. It's like a disease that gets into your heart and slowly kills it.
SAM
Ew, gross.
TAMMIE
Is there a cure?
EBONY
Indeed there is.
(Pulls out money and gives it to her)
It's called giving.
(Gives SAM and JENNY bills)
Merry Christmas.
SAM
Twenty bucks!
EBONY
Is it not enough?
JOHN
It's too much.
EBONY
Please, only this once. I promise I'll get them real presents next year.
CRATCHET
Next year? Is this going to become a tradition?
EBONY
I hope so, I truly hope so.
(CAROLERS come in singing)
Ah, it's my favorite song.
CRATCHET
I thought you hated Christmas carols.
EBONY
Not anymore.
(All join CAROLERS in singing)
TAMMIE
(At the end of the first song)
God bless us, everyone.
(All start new song)
END OF SHOW
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