Show combines entertainment with a message

By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
LOWELLVILLE -- "The Gospel According to Scrooge," being staged at Victory Christian Center, presents three-dimensional hand-painted sets, period costumes and a capable cast of 70, some of whom started out in children's parts and have grown into adult roles.
All of that provides the means for the message.
"It's not done in a preachy way," said co-director, the Rev. Joe Thomas, who also is cast in the title role. "As a church, we want to do something that relates to people as Jesus related to people. We took a familiar story and showed how a change of heart can change your life," he said.
It's on the subtle side. Bob Cratchit, a Christian man, is likable and personable. "He doesn't retaliate against Scrooge," the Rev. Mr. Thomas said, though the humble clerk has just cause.
Audience members may see parts of themselves in Scrooge and Cratchit, Mr. Thomas said, and it may spark a realization. "It might plant a seed," he said.
"It's a good night out. It's great family entertainment," Mr. Thomas said. "Though the songs aren't really spiritual per say, they have a message. They sell the scenes."
Provoking thought
The play may provoke thought for some people. "It has to be more than fear that changes people," Mr. Thomas said. "Real life changes come from Jesus."
The messages presented through Cratchit and Tiny Tim help "put people in touch with a family feeling. It also opens hearts to Christ," Mr. Thomas said.
The miserly Scrooge character, whose god is gold, portrays the opposite of the true meaning of Christmas. "Jesus is the real reason for the season," Mr. Thomas said. "And that's conveyed in a clear, concise manner."
The message and the presentation are what moved Mr. Thomas to take note when he saw the original play about 30 years ago. "I was very impressed. It had a pertinent message but was a lot of fun," he said. "And everyday people could be in it ... there are parts from one line to a full acting."
Victory Christian Center has been staging the show for 15 years, but it's not an annual event. The center also does "It's a Wonderful Life." Last year the center didn't do either show. "We go back and forth and sometimes take a break," said Mr. Thomas, who has been affiliated with Victory Christian for 27 years.
He did estimate that some 25,000 people have seen "Scrooge." The center seats about 900 for the show in the Life Center. "We want to make sure there are no 'bad seats,'" Mr. Thomas said.
Big cast
The show has 35 speaking parts in the cast of 70 and there are about 20 children involved. When the children aren't on stage, they're in a designated room offering activities. A casting committee, Mr. Thomas said, helps place people in appropriate parts. Cast members attend services at the Lowellville center, where Mr. Thomas is a campus pastor, and at the other site, 269 Cowden Road in New Wilmington, Pa. Senior pastors of the center are David Thomas and Kathie Thomas. (They are not related.) The stage crew numbers about 50.
The three-dimensional set, built by church members, is made up of 24 panels that are 71/2 feet high and 4 feet wide. This main set, a street scene, is highlighted by stained glass in windows, doors that open and candles in other windows. The sky, changing from day to night, adds even more realism.
"This set was done about six years ago," Mr. Thomas said. Sherie Campbell, a church member and crew member, painted the panels at her house.
Taking the show to new heights out of Scrooge's second-floor bedroom window are the flight cables that allow Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future to fly.
"We hired Chicago Fly House and they trained our people how to hook up the harnesses," Mr. Thomas said. Safety crew members attend to the flying scenes and operate the cables, pistons and plungers. And every so often, the crew members who have this responsibility must be recertified.
Costumes have been obtained from a variety of sources, including costume, tuxedo and clothing stores. Seamstresses from the church have altered and modified ball gowns, bridesmaids' dresses and wedding gowns to suit the time period.
Dividing up duties
Mr. Thomas shares directing duties with Chuck Prentice and Juanita Coggins. Prentice "owns" the role of Cratchit, having played it since the show started at the center. At first, Prentice said it was "scary" being on stage. But that changed. "God was laying out something new in my life. And this was something God had planned for me," the church deacon said.
He admitted memorizing lines was a challenge, and the first time he played the role it was a lot of work. Now, the lines come back to him and it's easier.
As a co-director, Prentice said he "tweaks" performances by cast members. The directors divvy up scenes and responsibilities, he said.
When needed, he fills in for another part when that actor can't attend rehearsals, which have been held twice a week since September. Prentice said he stood in, or flew in, for Mr. Thomas one time. He admitted he didn't think he would have to rehearse the flying part but then realized "the crew needed practice, too" so he took the plunge. "It's interesting and it's been hilarious at times," he said. "I wish we had a bloopers video."
But, Prentice said, the feedback on the production is positive. "People love it. People who go to other plays have told me that we're right up there with professional shows that they've paid to see," he said.
"They're being entertained, but they're also hearing the gospel," Prentice said. "It's the message in a different package."
Anyone can change
As entertaining as the show is, it carries a message that no one is beyond change. "It has touched people's lives and changed them. We see Ebenezer [Scrooge] born again and turn over a new leaf. So that can happen to anybody."
Mr. Thomas said his favorite song is "Those Were the Good Times," when Scrooge sings with Belle, the woman he abandoned to pursue his business. Scrooge ponders the past and what he let slip away. "It's a powerful moment," Mr. Thomas said.
Part of the lyric goes:
"Oh Lord, I know you've called my name before.
"I know you've stood there knocking at my heart's front door.
"But if it's not too late, I'll no more keep you waiting there."