If you remember little Jimmy Dickens singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Leroy Anderson's orchestra playing "Sleigh Ride," or the first year "Little Drummer Boy" by the Harry Simeone Chroal became a hit – then Gaslight Theatre has a Christmas story for you.
Simply titled "Scrooge, a Gaslight Musical" -- written and directed by Peter Van Slyke – this telling of the Charles Dickens classic doesn't include any of those songs, but the story is moved to the 1950s in small town Dickensville where a fat faced banker named Scrooge has no patience with the less financially fortunate.
Bob Cratchit has a loving family but worries about his financial situation because young Tim Crachit desperately needs an operation. Across town Mayor Fezziwig, who also owns the hardware store, is holding a town party in the high school gym and everyone is selling raffle tickets.
All the signposts in the beloved "Christmas Carol" are given a big salute, as are a number of lines taken directly from Dickens' tale. Although my favorite quote -- describing Scrooge as being "isolated as an oyster" -- didn't make the cut, other favorites are in there.
The Ghost of Christmas Past comes riding onto the scene, revealing how Scrooge as a young man was a shy suitor. So his girlfriend, who secretly liked him, simply never knew of his affection.
So instead of becoming a happily married man, Scrooge becomes a grumpy financial success with his partner Marley, running a savings and loan company.
The Ghost of Christmas Present also makes an appearance. That gloomy Ghost of Christmas Future isn't there, however.
Moving all the characters into Dickensville does help make the story feel more immediate. And it is always fun to see what sneaky 1950s music is turned into typical Gaslight fare – included on the song list are parodies of "Counting My Blessings," "Blue Christmas" and "Unchain (Your) Heart" which Marley sings to Scrooge.
One Dickens icon we don't see is young Tim using a crutch. He does shout "God bless us everyone." But most of the traditional Victorian trappings are replaced by good old American handclapping optimism.
"Scrooge, a Gaslight Musical" is triple and quadruple cast, so no single actor becomes identified with a particular role.
The aftershow olio calls up another pop culture fixture for the holidays, Andy Williams' Christmas special. This one features guest star Jimmy Durante doing his signature shtick and introducing the acts.
Performances are several times daily through Jan.6, 2012, at Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. Tickets are $17.95 adults, $15.95 seniors, students and military, $7.95 children 12 and under. For details and reservations, 886-9428, www.thegaslighttheatre.com
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