Footlighters see 'Scrooge' as happy tale of rebirth, redemption

If you haven't felt the holiday spark yet, "Scrooge, the Musical," is the perfect diversion, guaranteed to raise your Christmas spirits.

Directed by Michael Ehlers, "Scrooge" is the musical version of Charles Dickens' classic Victorian ghost story, "A Christmas Carol;" the glorious transformation of the hardhearted, money-conscious miser, who sees the error of his ways after being transported into the past, present, and future by three spirits on Christmas Eve.

While this is Ehlers' first time directing Footlighters Theatre Company, he is no stranger to Scrooge. Ehlers, a veteran Broadway and touring company singer, dancer and actor, played Mr. Pringle, and understudied the role of Tom Jenkins in the National Touring Company of "Scrooge" starring Richard Chamberlin, which originated in Chicago at Oriental Theatre in the fall of 2004.

"I have always loved the story of "A Christmas Carol", as it truly speaks to what Christmas is all about -- rebirth and redemption," Ehlers said. "My goal with this production is to have the cast understand the story we are telling, especially since it is still relevant today."

Ehlers directs this production with a light, breezy touch, capturing the right amount of humor and pathos throughout. He channels his prior directing experiences and those from working with other influential directors including the famed Hal Prince while touring with "Evita.

"It was an honor to work with and watch such a talented theater icon. I learned so much watching him work and I carry those lessons with me today," Ehlers said.

One such lesson led to Ehlers decision to double-cast the character of Scrooge, a Footlighters first. "I decided to double cast this production because the role of Scrooge is both huge and demanding. I knew I would need an understudy, in case any emergencies came up. Having understudied a lot in my career, I know what it is like to learn a part and face the possibility of never having the chance to perform.

"I felt the fairest thing to do was to split the role between two talented actors, Garrett Pluhar-Schaeffer and Zac Clark."

"Scrooge, The Musical" has a cast of 45, making it one of the largest children's Footlighters' productions. With such a large cast, one would think that Ehlers faces many challenges, but he insists that really is not the case.

"We were able to cast everyone who auditioned," he said. "At times we have a lot of people on stage, but it works well for this show, as there are many scenes that take place out on the London streets."

Both actors are unique in their approach.

"I encourage everyone to bring a part of themselves to their role," Ehlers said. "Garrett and Zac are very different people, and as a result their interpretations of Scrooge and how they bring him to life are varied as well."

The differences are readily apparent in their musings about the theater and their roles as Young Ebenezer and Scrooge.

Q. Which of the two roles, Young Ebenezer or Scrooge, is your favorite?

Pluhar-Schaeffer: I like Scrooge, because I have never played any character like him.

Clark: My favorite is Young Ebenezer, because his character is naive and charming.

Q. Which part was the harder to learn?

Pluhar-Schaeffer: Young Ebenezer, because he is so different from Scrooge, but eventually builds up a shell of negative energy and becomes him.

Clark: Scrooge, because his personality is opposite from mine, and each of his lines is important and needs emphasis.

Q. What is your favorite scene or song?

Pluhar-Schaeffer: My favorite songs are "Money," which is funny, and "You-You," which has great harmonies. My favorite scene comes right after the song "Happiness," because it is emotional and needs to be played quite meticulously.

Clark: My favorite song is "Happiness," and the scene that follows because both young Ebenezer and Old Scrooge are on stage together - the past and present collide.

Q. Tell us about other roles you have played.

Pluhar-Schaeffer: Recently at Footlighters, I have played Nana/Crocodile in "Peter Pan," Bun Foo in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and Doody in "Grease."

Clark: I have had a number of fun parts, including Danny in "Grease," Lon Jr. in "Meet Me in St. Louis," and Aladdin in "Aladdin."

Q. After you graduate, do you want to work in the theater?

Pluhar-Schaeffer: My dream job would be a writer/director for films. I wrote a short play, and am really into writing poetry.

Clark: Right now I am considering aviation, but I would love to be an actor. It would be a huge commitment, but absolutely fun.

Q. Who is your favorite actor?

Pluhar-Schaeffer: Kevin Spacey. He is funny and able to create incredibly deep characters. My favorite actresses are Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Clark: I love Drew Barrymore; she can break your heart in a second on screen. On stage, the wicked amazing singer, Sutton Foster, has opened up show tunes to a whole new generation.

If you go

Footlighters Theatre Company production of the Leslie Bricusse musical, "Scrooge: The Musical."

• The run: Dec. 4-12 at Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.

• Performances: 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6; 7 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 & 7 p.m. Dec. 12.

• Tickets: $13 adults; $11 students and seniors. $1 discount for canned food items brought into box office. Tickets at Prairie Lakes Community Center, (847) 391-5711.

• Details: (847) 391-5700 or desplainesparks.org.