A chat with A Christmas Carol antihero Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Food Bank Players’ upcoming production is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, starting December 9 (note: earlier performances canceled). Remarkably, the lead character in the play, Ebenezer Scrooge, was available to answer the following questions about the story. In the play, the role of Scrooge is played by noted Alameda actor and director, Robert Paine.
1. Let’s start at the beginning, why did you never paint over Marley’s name on the sign?
I didn’t want to pay for it. And looking back I didn’t want to be reminded that Jacob was no longer here beside me.
2. You chastised your nephew Fred for getting married. Why?
I believed that if one was married for love then they would forever live in poverty. I thought marriage is to secure status in the world. I now know different things.
3. Your thoughts on the ponderous chain Jacob Marley warned you about?
It was unbelievable, and the thought that I would have one longer than Jacob’s frightened me.
4. How close were you with our sister Fan before she died?
We were not as close as I would have liked. She died younger than I thought she would. We had a disagreement that separated us before she died. I regret having such a petty thing separate us until it was too late.
5. Let’s get a little gossipy. You praised the Fezziwig daughters, did you ever date any of them?
Priscilla was beautiful and I surely had a longing for her. We once shared an awkward kiss and that was it.
6. We’re never told what happened to Nick, your co-worker at Fezziwig’s, but you spoke warmly of him. Can you tell us about your friendship?
Nick and I were roommates and became very close during my time at Fezziwig’s.
7. And what about Belle, your fiancée? Any regrets on letting her walk away?
Tremendous regret. She was the love of my life, and I held gold more important than her. She deserved better.
8. You seem to fancy the drink Smoking Bishop. Why, exactly? What is it? And do you have other favorite drinks or dishes?
Smoking Bishop is a type of mulled wine, punch, or wassail, especially popular at Christmastime. It’s made from Port, red wine, lemons or Seville oranges, sugar, and spices such as cloves. The mixture is heated in a saucepan until it “smokes” and the vapors rise without boiling. It’s warm, sweet, and perfect for sharing with my friend Bob Cratchit.
9. Which of the Ghosts had the greatest effect on you? Was there a single moment that turned you around and made you a generous man?
They all had an effect, each building on the previous. By the time I saw the Ghost of Christmas Future, I would do everything in my power to change my life and become a new man. I am deeply thankful to Jacob, Heaven, and Christmastime!
10. Any final thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?
Life is indeed precious and can be so much more than money. We live in a world that values the things around us more than those who are closest to us. I will never forget the lessons I have learned. To honor Christmas in our hearts all year long, to live in the past, present, and future and allow the spirits of all three to strive within our hearts. It is with that drive that we will have the best opportunity to find joy and happiness in our lives.
A Christmas Carol is being performed in two locations: Friday nights, December 9 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Alameda (FCCA), 1912 Central Ave. and Saturday afternoons, December 10 and 17 at 2 p.m., also at FCCA, and Sunday afternoons, December 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. in the Healing Garden, 1435 Webster St. For more information, visit the Food Bank Players website or their Instagram page.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a life-long teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
