John Marino is ‘Scrooge’ in Clear Space show

Clear Space Productions is continuing their holiday tradition with the fifth annual production of “Scrooge!,” an original musical with book and lyrics by Ken Skrzesz and music by Doug Yetter. This year, John Marino portrays Ebenezer Scrooge.

“John is a wonderful Ebenezer,” commented Doug Yetter, who serves as Clear Space’s artistic director. “The emotion and honesty that John brings to the process is extraordinary and he’s such a joy to work with.”

This is the second year Marino has been part of the cast of “Scrooge!,” having played Mr. Fezziwig and a host of other characters in last year’s production.

Marino said, “Scrooge is an actor’s dream role! All actors love playing villains, and Scrooge begins his journey as one of the great villains of all time, but is also charged with the task of moving from being a mean, supremely selfish man, devoid of an ounce of compassion for his fellow man, to being reborn as a generous, compassionate and, indeed, very happy fellow due to the visits of the spirits and his own harrowing night of self-realization.”

The entire cast is thrilled to be participating in this holiday adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and looking forward working with Marino as Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as other new cast members, Yetter said. “It is a show that the whole family is sure to enjoy with a focus on the cheerfulness and generosity of the holiday season.”

This year’s “Scrooge!” includes new musical numbers, including a new song for the Cratchit family and a new song for Scrooge. Of the music, Marino stated, “The brilliant score adds a marvelous dimension to the production. Every song helps to define the characters and moods, from the warm melody of Scrooge’s nephew Fred’s song inviting him to Christmas dinner to the horror of Jacob Marley’s number. My songs help me evolve from dismissive to generous!”

The show opens Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. in the new Cape Henlopen Theatre and continues Dec. 11 and 12 at 7 p.m., as well as 3 p.m. matinees on Dec. 12 and 13. The show then tours to the Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover on Dec. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m.

Tickets to “Scrooge!” can be purchased online at the Clear Space Web site at www.ClearSpaceProductions.org or by calling the box office at (302) 644-3810. Tickets cost $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors, $15 for students or $5 for children 12 or younger.

There are also student matinees offered for student groups at a special ticket price of $6. To make reservations for a student group, contact Jen Hayward at jhayward@ClearSpaceProductions.org or by calling the office.