"Scrooge, A Musical" opens Dec. 18 on Minnetonka Art Center

Title:
"Scrooge, A Musical" opens Dec. 18 on Minnetonka Art Center

Description:
A holiday classic with a twist is coming to the stages of the Minnetonka Theatre Dec. 18. "Scrooge, A Musical," returns on the heels of last year's sold-out show with five consecutive performances through Dec. 21. Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," the origins of "Scrooge, A Musical" date back to 1997 when theatre director Kent Knutson teamed with two others to write the musical while working in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. "We took ["A Christmas Carol's"] dialogue and wrote lyrics," Knutson said. "All the songs tell the story." Knutson and his partners penned a total of 13 original songs for the show, which was a smash hit. Last year Knutson released the show to Minnetonka audiences. "Kids from 1 to 91 will love it. We know our audiences enjoy a great evening of theatre without having to travel all the way downtown at this busy time of year," Knutson said. The cast includes a variety of adults, college and high school students and younger children. Although Knutson has a larger talent pool to choose from, not all cast members are available to rehearse when needed because of other circumstances, which can make it difficult to prepare for the show. Knutson said he still hasn't been able to rehearse with a full cast due to work schedules and many cast members who are away at college. "It's hard this time of year," Knutson said. The "Scrooge" cast: Scrooge, played by Rob Knutson; young Scrooge, played by Nate Irvin; Charles Dickens, played by Conn McCartan; Bob Cratchit, played by Jeff McAlpin; Mrs. Cratchit, played by Jill Alton; Jacob Marley, played by Zach Dimond; Tiny Tim, played by Aubrey Salita; the Spirit of Christmas Past, played by Katy Knutson; Spirit of Christmas Present, played by Mike Dimond and Spirit of Christmas Future, played by Greg Frankenfield. Knutson said the show stays true to "A Christmas Carol's" storyline and that the Minnetonka Theatre's spin on the show is perfect for the holiday season. "Everybody tries to do a version of Scrooge this time of year. I think ours is a ghost story with a warm heart," he said. The show has a running time of about 75 minutes. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 21. A special matinee performance is scheduled 1 p.m. Dec. 21. All shows are on the main stage at the Arts Center on 7, 18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka. Tickets, which cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students, may be purchased by calling the box office at 952-401-5898 or by visiting www.minnetonkatheatre.com. (Reporting and video by Joe Kieser)

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mnsunvideo

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Scrooge,