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A Musical Christmas Carol Playbill live on YouTube on December 13, 2020.

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Published by Terry O'Brien, 2020-11-30 12:22:44

A Musical Christmas Carol Playbill

A Musical Christmas Carol Playbill live on YouTube on December 13, 2020.

MOTHER ROAD PRODUCTIONS, NFP

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

MOTHER ROAD PRODUCTIONS, NFP

PRESENTS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Book by Adapted by
Charles Dickens Terry O'Brien

with

Terry O'Brien Gage Richy Katherine Delicath
Mac Wescott Mark Warden Erica Gabel
Fran Jansta Tamar Brooks Jeffrey Edwards
Gabriel Cappozzo Ihor Bilyk Sasha Pavlovic
Tracy Kiederlen Sean Walker Sarah Silva-James
Jordan Roulo Melissa Brausch Gretchen Nelson
Reba Bagazinski Lexi Hazen Patrick Blake
Bill Chamberlain Karyn Doerfler Monica Stark
Kathleen Elizabeth Monson Marilee C.C. Rusiniak Marlissa Stalling
John Haderlein Eulalia Jane Amelia Holly
Allison Buck Brielle Payton-Cappozzo

Producer
John Haderlein

Assistant Director/Producer
Lexi Hazen

Directed by
Terry O'Brien

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

Joy to the World SONGS
12 Days of Christmas
Good King Wenceslas Fred the Nephew
What Child is This? Bob Crachet
O Christmas Tree
Auld Lang Syne Nelson, Hunter, and Randall
O Little Town of Bethlehem Ghost of Christmas Past
Silent Night Lily and Child Scrooge

It Came upon a Midnight Clear Mr. Fezziwig and Mrs. Fezziwig
O Come All Ye Faithful Ghost of Christmas Present
Jingle Bells
Emily, Martha, Roberta, Petrina,and Tiny
Tim Crachet
Diana
Mrs. Crachet
Olive

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

CAST

Cast Members

Narrator Terry O'Brien
Fred Mac Wescott
Scrooge Fran Jansta
Bob Cratchit Gabriel Cappozzo
Nelson Tracy Kiederlen
Hunter Jordan Roulo
Randall Reba Bagazinski
Marley Bill Chamberlain
Ghost of Christmas Past Kathleen Elizabeth Monson
Schoolmaster Chesterton John Haderlein
Lily Chesterton Allison Buck
Child Scrooge
Teen Scrooge Gage Richy
Fan Mark Warden
Middle Scrooge Tamar Brooks
Mr. Fezziwig
Mrs. Fezziwig Ihor Bilyk
Belle Sean Walker
Ghost of Christmas Present Melissa Brausch
Mrs. Cratchit
Emily Cratchit Lexi Hazen
Martha Cratchit Karyn Louise Doerfler
Roberta Cratchit Marilee C.C. Rusiniak
Petrina Cratchit
Tiny Tim Cratchit Eulalia Jane
Diana Brielle Payton-Cappozzo
Emma
Elizabeth Katherine Delicath
Old Joe Erica Gabel

Jeffrey Edwards
Sasha Pavlovic
Sarah Silva-James
Gretchen Nelson

Patrick Blake

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

Charwoman CAST Monica Stark
Ghost of Christmas Future Marlissa Stalling
Olive Cast Members (continued)
Amelia Holly
Producer Production / Creative
Assistant Director/Producer John Haderlein
Director Lexi Hazen

Terry O'Brien

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Terry O'Brien as Narrator

Terry is a writer, director and actor. During the pandemic, Terry has

been working with John Haderlein and Mother Road Productions,

including "Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlett;" "Plan 9 from Outer

Space;" and KOVID Komedy live improv. Prior, Terry has directed

several shows, including "The Rocky Horror Show" and "The

Christmas Story" at PM&L Theatre . Highlights of Terry's

performances has been The Mad Hatter in Kirk Theatre's production

of "Alice in Wonderland" and Harold the Blind Man in PM&L Theatre's

production of "Young Frankenstein."

Mac Wescott as Fred

Mac is very happy to be doing theatre again especially a Christmas

Carol which is his favorite story. Mac Was previously in a production of

Christmas Carol in the years 2019, 2018, 2015 and even 2008. Mac

occasionally does plays that aren't a Christmas Carol but they are

usually less good. Mac would like to thank Terry and John for putting

this together and to you for watching.

Fran Jansta as Scrooge

Fran has been performing on stage for over 50 years. His favorites
include “My Fair Lady” (Henry Higgins), “Oliver” (Fagin), “1776”
(Dickensen), Prof. van Helsing in two different versions of “Dracula”
(one a musical comedy!), “Much Ado about Nothing” (Dogberry) and
“Taming of the Shrew” (Baptista).

As always much love to Trish for her unwavering love & support and
many thanks to Terry & John for allowing me to be a part of this
wonderful production! Happy Holidays to you all!

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Gabriel Cappozzo as Bob Cratchit

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Gabe spent his formative years in
Kenosha, Wisconsin. Throughout his life he has been involved in the
arts as a producer, performing in choir, playing both trumpet and
guitar, and acting. Gabe has served as both a producer and an actor
in the 1999 independent film Sorry State of Living. He enjoys playing
his guitar, singing and performing at open mics within his community.
As a partner with Kindred Spirits Production company in Madison,
Wisconsin, Gabe has produced live music events. He is excited to join
this amazing cast and crew for the installment of A Christmas Carol
produced by Mother Road Productions. This will be his second show
with Mother Road Productions, the first being Sherlock Holmes: A
Study in Scarlet.

Tracy Kiederlen as Nelson

Tracy’s major affiliation has been with PM&L Theater of Antioch. Her
first performance there was as pianist of Season X’s production of
“The Fantasticks”. In over 40 years she has been involved in all areas
of the theater whether off-stage, back stage, on-stage, front of house,
board member and past treasurer. Favorite roles include her award-
winning role as Mammy Yokum in “Li’l Abner” and Cookie in Neil
Simon’s “Rumors”. Vocally, she was a 10-year member of Waukegan
Concert Chorus, performing in Carnegie Hall, Ravinia and with the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus’ production of Mahler’s 8th
Symphony. Most recently she was propmaster for “Calendar Girls”.

Jordan Roulo as Hunter

Soprano, Jordan Roulo, has been praised for her flexible voice,
comedic timing, and killer high notes. She is building a blended
performing career through musical theatre, children's theatre, cabaret,
and choral ensembles throughout the Chicagoland area. Jordan
currently is the Soprano section leader for the First Presbyterian
Church of Wilmette and has worked with Surging Films & Theatrics,
TUTA Theater, Davenport's Piano Bar and Kor Productions. Jordan is
a Christmas enthusiast and cannot wait to go on this "virtual" journey
with you all!!

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Reba Bagazinski as Randall

Reba is very excited to be performing in this unique ‘quarantine

edition’ production of A Christmas Carol! After studying musical

theatre at Columbia College Chicago, Reba went on to sing with The

Lira Ensemble, a touring Polish choir and has been with them for the

past 5 years. Other credits include, the part of Nipper from the play

Our Christian Nation. Through these tough times, it feels great to be

making art again!”

Bill Chamberlain as Marley

Bill most recently appeared as Bellomy in The Fantasticks and as
Roosevelt in Annie with Citadel Theatre. He has also performed as
Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner and as Propsero
in The Tempest. When he's not performing, Bill works as a pre-law
advisor at The University of Chicago

Kathleen Elizabeth as Ghost of
Monson Christmas Past

Soprano Kathleen Monson continues todelight crowds with her clear
tone andconfident stage presence. Recently, Kathleenwas seen as
Lauretta in Gianni Schicchiwith NOIO, and touring in New York,North
Carolina and Illinois with her wellknown ensemble “Canto Zenzero,
TheSinging Gingers." In 2018 Kathleen sang the role of Kate
Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly at thePrinceton Festival under the
direction ofRichard Tang Yuk, as well as being afeatured soloist in
Vivladi’s Gloria with thechoir at St. Marks Episcopal Church,
GlenElynn. Kathleen was seen as an EmergingArtist in Residence
with The Fort WaynePhilharmonic and was invited as a vocalfellow to
Opernfest Prague, under thedirection of Maestro Richard Hein in
2017.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

John Haderlein as Schoolmaster Chesterton

John is a writer, producer, attorney and actor. During the 2020
COVID-19 pandemic, he has been working with Terry O’Brien doing
virtual Zoom shows with John’s own company, Mother Road
Productions. These Zoom shows are and Kovid Komedy Live Improv,
Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and
The Beams Are Creaking, A Christmas Carol is John’s 20th show he
has produced with Mother Road, since he began in 2013. In 2015, he
performed his one-man show Clarence Darrow at Three Brothers
Theatre in Waukegan. John has performed stand-up comedy in
Chicago, Wisconsin, Indiana and Los Angeles. His favorite role was
performing as The Creature in PM&L Theatre's 2017 production of Mel
Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. John is currently studying with the
Archdiocese of Chicago to be ordained a Roman Catholic deacon in
May, 2022. A Chicago native, he lives with his kids, Eric and Nicole, in
Libertyville.

Allison Buck as Lily Chesterton

This is Allison’s first show with Mother Road Productions, and she is
so excited to be playing Lily! Favorite past credits include Annie in
Annie, Jane in Mary Poppins, Mal in Descendants the Musical, Slightly
in Peter Pan, Kate in Annie, Young Penny Pingleton in Hairspray, and
many more. This December, Allison will be professionally originating
the role of Ellie in the play, A Gift of Light. Thank you to the whole cast
and crew for this wonderful opportunity. Allison is represented by Gill
Talent.

Gage Richy as Child Scrooge

Gage is a 5th grade student from Mendota, IL. He enjoys singing,

performing, and making new friends with each cast he performs

with. His favorite past credits include: Ben (Disney Descendants the

Musical), Harry/William (Dear Edwina Jr.), and James (James and the

Giant Peach). This is Gages’ first time performing completely virtually.

He would like to his friends, family, and his vocal coach as well as

Mother Road Productions for this opportunity.

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WHO'S WHO

Mark Warden as Teen Scrooge

Tamar Brooks as Fan

Tamar is a Wisconsin native who earned her Bachelor of Arts in
Theatre in 2013 and joined the Chicago theatre scene shortly
thereafter as an actor and a playwright. When she's not onstage, she
might be found baking or jumping out of an airplane.

Ihor Bilyk as Middle Scrooge

Ihor was born in Lviv, Ukraine. When he was eighteen years-old, Ihor
started acting in theatre. At the age of nineteen, he moved to the
United States. Upon Ihor’s arrival in Chicago, he took improvisation
classes at the Second City. After finishing all levels of Second City’s
improv program, he started taking their acting classes. Ihor also
participated in coached ensembles at Second City. After some time,
he was cast in the part of Zanni (Ensemble) in Vispetta, a performed
by an Italian-American Chicago Theatre. Ihor speaks Ukrainian,
Russian and English. From the age of five years-old, he started
studying karate, and now holds a black belt.

Sean Walker as Mr. Fezziwig

When Sean is not playing the generous host of the party in
Christmas Carol, he serves as the pastor of Chapel on the Hill-A
Community Church in Lake Geneva. He is also proud to be married to
Colleen, his more talented better half, and the father of four children:
Elena, Benjamin, Seth, and Gabriel. Also, the Walker family is looking
forward to welcoming a baby girl in the next few weeks!

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Melissa Brausch as Mrs. Fezziwig

Melissa is a California native and so grateful to be a part of her first
show with Mother Road Productions. In the not-so-distant past, she
was seen exploring the beauty of photography in the New Helvetia
Production of 35MM or spending her summer nights on the island of
Nantucket as Sandy in Grease! Some of her favorite credits include:
Disaster! (Marianne) with Sacramento Theatre Company as well as
Annie! (Grace), The Producers (Ulla), A Midsummer Night’s Dream
(Titania) and Reefer Madness! (Mary Lane). A special hello and thank
you for watching to her family, friends and most importantly… her new
baby nephew, Declan. Merry Christmas to all!

Lexi Hazen as Belle

Lexi is excited to be a part of another show with Mother Road
Productions. Theater has always been a passion of hers whether it be
performing on stage or working as a Stage Manager. Favorite credits
include: Sabine/Eberhardt Bethge in The Beams are Creaking (Mother
Road Productions), Officer Barnes in My Dear Niece (Kirk Players),
and Goose in Charlotte's Web (Kirk Players). All my love to my family
and Dixie (my dog).

Karyn Louise as Ghost of Christmas
Doerfler Present

Karyn is excited to be a part of this production of A Christmas Carol.
Her prior roles include Truvy in Steel Magnolias (Galaxy Theater
Company), Tanya in Mamma Mia! (Golden Ticket Productions), Pilar
in Legally Blonde – The Musical (Marian Theater Guild), and Ronnie
Boylan/Frances Perkins in Annie (Rising Stars Theater Company).
She hopes that this show brings you some holiday cheer, and reminds
you to find the joy in the Past, the Present, and the Future.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Marilee C.C. Rusiniak as Mrs. Cratchit

Marilee is very excited to join Mother Road Productions! She has
appeared on-stage and has worked back-stage in many productions in
Lake County theatre. Her favorite roles include Lynn McCartney in
Red Herring, Pamela Fitzgerald in The Uninvited, the Fox in The Little
Prince, The March Hare in Alice In Wonderland, Mary Hatch-Baily in
It’s A Wonderful Life, and Honey Raye Futrell in Christmas Belles.
When not on-stage she enjoys working backstage in Sound Design,
Stage Management, and Makeup Design. Marilee is currently a
Master Player and the Sales Director with The Kirk Players of
Mundelein. IL. She holds a BA in Communications with an emphasis
in Professional Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.
Special thanks to her wonderful husband, Ryan, and her children
Kiefer, Marissa, and Makenna.

Eulalia Jane as Emily Cratchit

Eulalia is excited to be making her Mother Road debut in A Christmas

Carol. Eulalia has toured several shows with the Chicago Park District,

and enjoys training with Chicago Children's Theatre, where she has

co-devised many Zoom movies. As an artist's model, she has an

ongoing collaboration with painter and muralist Daniel Wilson

(danielwilsonart.com). When not performing, Eulalia enjoys sketching,

reading, and creative writing.

Brielle Payton-Cappozzo as Martha Cratchit

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WHO'S WHO

Katherine Delicath as Roberta Cratchit

Katherine is a new Chicago actor who originally hails from Cheyenne
Wyoming. Her most recent credits include; Hermia in A Midsummer
Night's Dream, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and one of Santa's
helpers at Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest. You can see her in monthly
shows at The Crowd Theater with Chicago's very own Dogprov
Troupe or stop by during one of her shifts at Coralie Coffee and ask
for some abstract (mostly blob shaped) latte art!

Erica Gabel as Petrina Cratchit

Erica is very excited to be a part of this virtual production of A
Christmas Carol with Mother Road Productions! She recently worked
on a production of The Sightless, directed by Jordan Tragash. Erica is
still new to the Chicago theatre scene, having moved from Fostoria,
Ohio in 2018. Erica studied Theatre and Arts Administration at Ohio
Northern University, where she graduated with a BA. Erica has also
trained at Acting and Voice Studios, Acting Studio Chicago, and Two
Roads Theatre Project. Upon graduating from ONU, Erica performed
at Cedar Point in their children’s shows, including Peanuts Perfect
Day. When she isn’t doing theatre, Erica enjoys writing, gaming,
making music, and reading. She even has a Youtube channel called
TheBookishMind, where she discusses books and plays bookish
games. Feel free to check it out! Erica would love to thank her friends
and family for always supporting her passions and rambly thoughts.

Jeffrey Edwards as Tiny Tim Cratchit

Jeffrey is thrilled to be playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol with
Mother Road Productions! He recently had co-starring roles on
Chicago Med and an HBO pilot, a supporting role in a short film, and
has appeared in commercials for Disney World and Deaconess Health
System. Jeffrey is a 1st grader from Chicago, and his favorite hobbies
include doing gymnastics and parkour on the couches, fishing, and
winning board games. Thanks to his brother and sister for being great
role models, his wonderful agents at Paonessa Talent, and especially
to Terry, John, and his fellow cast members for this opportunity.

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WHO'S WHO

Sasha Pavlovic as Diana

Sasha is thrilled to be in this production of A Christmas Carol. She is
currently studying musical theatre at Columbia College Chicago, and
she has previously starred in productions of Cinderella (Marie),
Newsies (Medda), and The Servant of Two Masters (Beatrice). She
would like to thank everyone who was involved in the production of
this show, and she hopes you enjoy it as much as she enjoys singing
a good Christmas Carol this time of year.

Sarah Silva-James as Emma

Sarah is excited to be part of Mother Road Productions' A

Christmas Carol! She recently graduated with honors from

Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in Drama and minors in

Music and Psychological and Brain Sciences. At WashU, she enjoyed

being part of several mainstage productions in the Performing Arts

Department, as well as a few student-run shows. Some favorite roles

include Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Goodman in Men on Boats,

and Frances in Sarah Ruhl's Melancholy Play. Originally from the San

Francisco Bay Area, Sarah is looking forward to moving to Chicago in

January 2021. Despite the craziness and hardships of this year, she is

grateful that we can still come together and spread some holiday

spirit.

Gretchen Nelson as Elizabeth

Gretchen is so thrilled to be a part of her first show with Mother Road
Productions. She is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota -
Twin Cities, where she studied theatre and starred in several
productions at the university and throughout the cities. Gretchen would
like to thank her friends, family, and all of you for continuing to support
the arts during such a difficult time for the industry.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Patrick Blake as Old Joe

A lifetime Lake County resident, Pat and Kathy have lived in

Libertyville for the past thirty years. Pat has been seen in many

community theatre productions and is a member of four theatre

troupes, the Kirk Players, PM&L, the Picard Players, and the Mosaic

Players. Pat recently directed, An Evening of Mystery in October,

2020. His most recent performances were as Kayla in Jungle Book

last spring , and as a Russian Spy and chorus in Chess, last fall.

Monica Stark as Charwoman

Monica is excited to return to Mother Road Productions after
performing in Plan 9 from Outer Space this past June. She has also
participated in Kirk Player's recent Zoom debut, An Evening of
Mystery. In non-COVID times, some of Monica’s other favorite shows
were Black Comedy (Kirk Players), The Comedy of Rome &
Juliet...Kinda Sorta (Lakeside Players), and Urinetown (PM&L
Theatre). Much love to Nat, Rickon, and the whole family

Marlissa Stalling as Ghost of Christmas Future

Marlissa walks unashamed and unapologetic in her calling as a
community agent, educator and actress. She believes that by sowing
seeds of teaching and leadership into the next generation. sustainable
change can occur. Native of the Southside of Chicago, Marlissa's
village has played an influential role in her exposure to meaningful
opportunities and experiences. She earned her B.S in Environmental
Science from Spelman College and M.Ed in Urban Education from
Union University. Throughout the years, Marlissa's honorable
accomplishments has been serving as an educator and acting in three
major theatre productions in Memphis, Tennessee.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

WHO'S WHO

Amelia Holly as Olive

Amelia is delighted to be making her debut with Mother Road
Productions. Recent credits include Oozy Lumpa in We are Monsters
with Northbrook Youth Theatre, Dorothy in A Wizard of Oz Musical
with Metropolis School of the Performing Arts, and Young Anna in
Frozen Jr. with Virtuoso Performing Arts. She is a 4th grade student at
John B Murphy Elementary School, a magnet cluster Fine and
Performing Arts school.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

END NOTES

Notes from the Director:

My favorite Christmas story is Charles Dickens’, “A Christmas Carol.” For me,
Ebenezer Scrooge is not the antagonist. Rather, the villains of the story is Jacob
Marley and Scrooge’s domineering father. Conversely, the protagonists, or heroes, of
our story is Scrooge's nephew, Fred, along with the overall spirit of Christmas.
It is easy to hate Scrooge because his name is synonymous with a misery
person. However, Scrooge is not evil but rather a sad character. Raised by an
abusive father, Scrooge left home at a young age, promising never to call his father
for help. Having difficulty expressing his emotions, Scrooge focused on his job,
consequently, neglecting the attention of those closest to him.
As time passed, Scrooge would lose all those who loved him and those who he
loved. Scrooge’s unpleasant upbringing and painful losses of loved ones caused him
to shut down his emotions and become cold to the world.
Not to mention, Scrooge worked for Jacob Marley, the most evil of evil. Marley’s love
for money was above all else. Marley would not think twice about throwing a family
out on the street and would laugh at the wretches of society for being poor.
Meanwhile, Fred and his friends are full of happiness and joy, particularly at
Christmas. Fred is not concerned about wealth but rather love. With his faith in
humanity, Fred unconditionally loves his Uncle Scrooge.
For this version of “A Christmas Carol”, each character plays an important role for
Scrooge’s road to self-discovery. All characters have been adapted to inspire
Ebenezer Scrooge along his journey. Our cast will teach Scrooge about happiness,
love, friendship, compassion, and a sincere concern for others.
Written in December 1843 by Charles Dickens, I hope you enjoy our zoom theatre
and musically enhanced version of “A Christmas Carol.”

Terry O'Brien, December 2020

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

END NOTES

Mother Road Productions (Production Company) was formed in 2003 by John

Haderlein in order to produce Junior: The Terrance Cottrell Story, an autism-themed
documentary. In 2013, it began producing live shows, debuting with The Year of Magical
Thinking. Since then, Mother Road has produced several improv comedy nights, The True Stories
Story-Telling Night, Einstein: A Play in Two Acts, Shirley Valentine, Clarence Darrow and a bunch
of other shows. In 2017, MR produced the four-person musical, Songs for a New World, which
played to sell-out crowds. In 2020, as the raging COVID-19 pandemic shut-down live theatres all
across Illinois, including his beloved PM&L Theatre and Kirk Players, John quickly re-tooled
Mother Road to produce live shows on Zoom, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live. These shows
were Kovid Comedy Live Improv, Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet, Plan 9 from Outer Space,
and The Beams are Creaking. A Musical Christmas Carol is John’s 5th show performed during
the pandemic. This is Mother Road’s 20th live show.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

END NOTES

Notes from the Director:

My favorite Christmas story is Charles Dickens’, “A Christmas Carol.” For me,
Ebenezer Scrooge is not the antagonist. Rather, the villains of the story is Jacob
Marley and Scrooge’s domineering father. Conversely, the protagonists, or heroes, of
our story is Scrooge's nephew, Fred, along with the overall spirit of Christmas.
It is easy to hate Scrooge because his name is synonymous with a misery
person. However, Scrooge is not evil but rather a sad character. Raised by an
abusive father, Scrooge left home at a young age, promising never to call his father
for help. Having difficulty expressing his emotions, Scrooge focused on his job,
consequently, neglecting the attention of those closest to him.
As time passed, Scrooge would lose all those who loved him and those who he
loved. Scrooge’s unpleasant upbringing and painful losses of loved ones caused him
to shut down his emotions and become cold to the world.
Not to mention, Scrooge worked for Jacob Marley, the most evil of evil. Marley’s love
for money was above all else. Marley would not think twice about throwing a family
out on the street and would laugh at the wretches of society for being poor.
Meanwhile, Fred and his friends are full of happiness and joy, particularly at
Christmas. Fred is not concerned about wealth but rather love. With his faith in
humanity, Fred unconditionally loves his Uncle Scrooge.
For this version of “A Christmas Carol”, each character plays an important role for
Scrooge’s road to self-discovery. All characters have been adapted to inspire
Ebenezer Scrooge along his journey. Our cast will teach Scrooge about happiness,
love, friendship, compassion, and a sincere concern for others.
Written in December 1843 by Charles Dickens, I hope you enjoy our zoom theatre
and musically enhanced version of “A Christmas Carol.”

Terry O'Brien, December 2020

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.

END NOTES

Mother Road Productions (Production Company) was formed in 2003 by John

Haderlein in order to produce Junior: The Terrance Cottrell Story, an autism-themed
documentary. In 2013, it began producing live shows, debuting with The Year of Magical
Thinking. Since then, Mother Road has produced several improv comedy nights, The True Stories
Story-Telling Night, Einstein: A Play in Two Acts, Shirley Valentine, Clarence Darrow and a bunch
of other shows. In 2017, MR produced the four-person musical, Songs for a New World, which
played to sell-out crowds. In 2020, as the raging COVID-19 pandemic shut-down live theatres all
across Illinois, including his beloved PM&L Theatre and Kirk Players, John quickly re-tooled
Mother Road to produce live shows on Zoom, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live. These shows
were Kovid Comedy Live Improv, Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet, Plan 9 from Outer Space,
and The Beams are Creaking. A Musical Christmas Carol is John’s 5th show performed during
the pandemic. This is Mother Road’s 20th live show.

Copyright © 2020 Playbill Online Inc. All marks used by permission.


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