The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge

Would Judge Judy be on Scrooge's side?
By Jeff Shannon
Special to The Seattle Times

Like any good sequel, "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" offers a fresh spin on beloved characters, revealing new facets of their personalities while honoring familiar source material. As an inspired continuation of Charles Dickens' 1843 classic "A Christmas Carol," Mark Brown's holiday comedy is a welcomed companion to ACT's annual performance of the Dickens original: It's a sequel worthy of Dickens' approval.
Getting its West Coast premiere at Greenwood's Taproot Theatre, Brown's well-written "Trial" opens exactly one year after that miserly curmudgeon, Scrooge, had his Christmas cheer so joyously revitalized in Dickens' timeless tale of holiday redemption. As it turns out, Scrooge's yuletide spirit was in short supply after all; now he's grouchier than ever, filing charges of kidnapping, assault and battery against the chain-laden spirit of Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
"The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge," by Mark Brown, runs Wednesdays-Saturdays through Dec. 17 and Tuesdays-Fridays Dec. 20-30, at Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle; $23-$30.
The clever conceit of Brown's play is that Scrooge (defying the adage that anyone who represents himself in court has a fool for a client), has built a pretty strong case: With a litany of grievances against his spectral tormentors, he holds his own against Solomon Rothschild, the defense attorney who calls a host of Scrooge's relatives and associates to the witness stand.
Mark Lund's handsomely appointed courtroom provides a perfect one-set showcase for the ensuing parade of lunacy, brought to life by a dream cast of skillfully comedic players under the direction of Taproot veteran Scott Nolte, whose attention to detail results in big laughs enhanced by small but important bits of business.
As legal rivals Scrooge and Rothschild, Nolan Palmer and Kevin Brady preside over chaos with an abundance of flair. Lindsay Christianson and Sabrina Prada play three roles apiece with impressive versatility. But it's pointless to single anyone out in a uniformly excellent cast — suffice it to say the ghosts are a highlight (both Marley and "Christmas Future" have their voices delightfully amplified), and Sarah Jane Burch's costumes are sheer perfection.
What's the final verdict? We wouldn't dare spoil the fun. Let's just say that Brown's play, and Taproot's entertaining ensemble, inspire good will that goes well beyond the holidays. God bless 'em, every one.

What a great mention for Sarah. The costumes are stunning. By the way, I am running sound for the show.