Scrooge revisited: MCC professors to present a new take on ‘A Christmas Carol’

McHenry County College invites the community to get in the holiday spirit with a thought-provoking twist on a timeless classic. “A Christmas Carol Revisited: Scrooge’s Reclamation” will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in the college’s Black Box Theatre, with festive pre-show music beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Presented by retired MCC instructors Ted Hazelgrove (English) and Jim Gould (philosophy), this unique program reexamines Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation through the lenses of literature, ethics, and personal growth.

“While it’s a beloved Christmas story, ‘A Christmas Carol’ also asks us to reflect on duty, generosity, and what it means to live a meaningful life,” said Hazelgrove.

“We’ll explore Scrooge’s journey from closed-hearted miser to open-hearted philanthropist using a mix of role play, film, and discussion,” added Gould.

The evening will open with holiday music performed by local chamber ensemble the Evergreen Collective, followed by the presentation from 7—8 p.m. and a Q&A session with the presenters.

Gould taught philosophy at MCC for 35 years, publishing and presenting in ethics, theology, disability studies, and innovative instructional design. Hazelgrove, who taught writing and literature for more than 30 years, is a published poet and co-author with Gould on several articles in higher education pedagogy. The longtime collaborators co-taught integrated courses blending philosophy, ethics, and literature and remain active in community education.

The event is free and open to the community. Registration is not required. The college is at 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

For accessibility accommodations or sign language interpretation, contact MCC’s Access and Disability Services department at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu.