'Scroogie' gives spirited twist to classic holiday tale
Joe Loper, left, and Josh Fellion help tell seasonal story of empathy, kindness and compassion. (Photo: Aldrin Bulayo)
- November 5, 2010
Take the Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, set the story in 2010s cyber-crazed world, bring on a band of musical and spiritual creatures, spice with imaginative reggae rappin,’ rock n' roll and hiphop, and you have “Scroogie,” Cal State East Bay’s December family production.
Performances are set for 8 p.m. Dec. 10, and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11 in the University Theatre, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward.
Students who participated in the summertime “Dramatic Activities for Children” class wrote the outline for the script that theatre faculty A. Fajilan and Darryl V. Jones have refined into a holiday show.
Loaded with singing and dancing, Scroogie's ghosts and business partner have been morphed into pop images that gently remind us of the true meaning of the season.
“I hope the new script and holiday message will make the audience aware that we are all the creators of our communities," said Fajilan. "We are the ones who can proactively change our circumstances when we are guided by empathy, kindness and compassion. Of course, we all need a little help, so let’s engage all social participants.”
Contributing to the performance are Sierra Dee, musical associate; Amy La Faille, associate choreographer; Cat Howser, scenery; Dannia Ciolo, costumes; and Alena Samoray, lighting. The cast includes Joe Loper, Kristian Stovall, Salvador Valladolid, Diana Rais, Nick Vincent, Kyung H. Ji, Sami Jo Guida, Marie Ibarra, Keri Kudrov, Josh Fellion, Hendrix Erhahon, Cynthia Kihn and Sara Prince.
As in past years, attendees are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items to donate to the Alameda Food Drive.
Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for youth (13-18), seniors (55+) and alumni; and $5 for CSUEB students and children (3-13); or $30 for a family (one to two adults and two to three children). Purchase tickets at the University Bookstore. Or make reservations at http://class.csueastbay.edu/theatre/Ticket_Reservations.php or by calling (510) 885-3118.
Campus parking is $2 per hour at meters, or $5 per day, per vehicle from 5 p.m. Friday to midnight Sunday, payable at kiosk machines that take dollars and quarters.
CSUEB welcomes persons with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please notify event sponsor in advance at (510) 885-3118, if accommodation is needed.