Whether Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Alistair Sim, George C. Scott, Michael Caine or a duck, the central character of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is an iconic grouch. He’s the 19th century version of the guy yelling at the neighborhood kids to get off his lawn, the meanie who won’t give their ball back once it lands in his yard. But he’s also, next to the person on whom the entire season is based, someone who represents one of the most important tenets of our humanity—the understanding that we are responsible for our neighbors, and that in acting on that belief we grow and become better people. That beautiful notion is also the core value of The Foodbank Players, which makes our third annual production of the play something nearly sacred.
Early in the show, two solicitors approach Scrooge for a donation, hoping to raise some funds to buy food and drink for the poor. They explain that the Christmas season is a time when “want is keenly felt and abundance rejoices.” I cannot say that that moment is what inspired me to start our theater company over three years ago, but as a kid who grew up in Richmond and experienced poverty, I know the truth of that adage. Standing in line to pay for groceries not with money but a booklet of food stamps is something you never forget.
So when we work on this play, with some actors playing the same roles for the third time, others taking on new parts, and newcomers joining our company, I make certain that they all understand the significance of our efforts and the great good we help the Food Bank to do for our town. This is our 11th play. From our performances and the generosity of our audiences and supporters, we’ve raised over $35,000 dollars. Each play we do has a synergy of goodness about it, but with A Christmas Carol, you can hear Clarence’s bell ringing in the distance.
We also have lots and lots of fun. Our version is faithful to the story, with Jacob Marley, the ghostly trio, and Tiny Tim. We sing songs that will move your hearts, and others that offer refreshing cheer. Some parts are a little bit scary, others sad, but to witness the transformation of the main character—this year we have a Miss Scrooge—is a goosebumpy experience. The performance is a little over an hour, it’s free, and it’s a perfect way to celebrate the season and remind yourselves and your children of the power and beauty of sharing. Plus, there is a palpable perfection about witnessing live actors perform. To borrow from the great Raffi, it really comes down to this:
Oh, the more we are together
The happier we’ll be.
For your friends are my friends
And my friends are your friends.
My friends are ready, how about you bring yours?
We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming performances at the First Congregational Church of Alameda, 1910 Central Avenue, December 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m., and December 15 at 2 p.m.
Bring your hearts, and something to drop in our collection hats. Thank you, Alameda.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
