A Christmas Carol
Hale Center Theater OremView digital playbillNov 28, 2020 – Dec 23, 2020
What is most important in our actions, attitudes, and relationships? These are questions most of us ponder at various points in our lives—perhaps more so right now in light of our present circumstances. The COVID-19 virus has thrown us all for a loop and forced many to reconsider where the ‘business’ in our life is truly grounded. This new adaptation of A Christmas Carol highlights the personal journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers what is truly import- ant in his life. It is a story that many of us know, but Scrooge’s lessons and discover- ies can really help all of us consider how we live. Scrooge tells the Solicitors in the first scene “(Helping others) is not my business. It is enough for a man to understand his own business and not interfere with others.” Thankfully, the Ghost of Marley intervenes to declare Scrooge's philosophy of isolation and selfishness is false: “Mankind was my business. Charity, mercy and benevolence were all my business.” Scrooge is forced to consider what his “true” business is as he accompanies the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future to be reminded that the choices he has been making throughout his life have led him to a lonely, cold existence—but that he has the chance to change, as we all do. I urge you to consider this question this Christmas season: “What is the business of my life?” May your business be full of love, kindness, service, and mercy to others. It’s what our world needs right now. Let us all “Honor Christmas in our hearts and try to keep it all the year long.”