‘The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge’ to take stage at Possum Hall Dec. 11-13

Possum Point Players' Christmas show, "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge," is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13. Could Ebenezer Scrooge have slipped from the nice list right back to the naughty list in only one brief year?

In Possum Point Players’ presentation of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” the old curmudgeon seems to return to his “bah humbug” self as he brings suit against family members, employees, ghosts and redeeming spirits just a year after he pledged to keep Christmas every day throughout the year. Whether Scrooge is exposed as a fraud or if he has a message of hope cloaked in court proceedings, only the audience will know by the final curtain.

Director Jim Hartzell said this out-of-the gift-box holiday offering features a stellar cast, led by several well-known stage veterans. Chuck Rafferty portrays the litigious Ebenezer Scrooge who doggedly charges most of the population of London with a litany of offenses including kidnapping, trespassing, stalking, slander, attempted murder, pain and suffering, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Charged with reading off the list of audacious allegations, John Marino plays Judge Stanchfield Pearson. (Remember that first name.) Seen as one of the judge’s least-liked litigators, John Zinzi delivers the role of defense attorney Solomon Rothschild in the sickening sweet fashion that gives the judge reason to gnaw his gavel. Pat Erhardt is the bailiff who consistently interrupts proceedings with an always inappropriate insert into court proceedings.

As a fiancée who lost out to Scrooge’s love for finances, Cat Baker is the abandoned Belle who had to release Ebenezer from his contract to marry because her assets and worth didn’t add up in Scrooge’s bottom line. George Mason plays the late Jacob Marley, a ghost who was on an eight-year waiting list for audience with the Christmas big three, Past, Present and Future, before he could confront Scrooge.

Tickets are $18 for general admission and $17 for seniors and students. To purchase tickets, call 302-856-4560 or go to www.possumpointplayers.org.

While presenting an entertaining production, Possum Point Players also provide a one-stop holiday experience. A silent auction of baubles and edibles is perfect for gift shopping. Possum Point Players is partnering with Food Bank of Delaware in collecting food for those who are experiencing need during the holiday season. All are encouraged to bring in nonperishable food donations for the collection barrel in the lobby.