'Scrooge's Christmas' brings familiar story to stage

Tester said it's the first time she's chosen to do a Christmas play and selected "Scrooge's Christmas" because she liked the movie, "Scrooged."

"I always loved that version of 'A Christmas Carol.' The ghosts are more human-like and that's what I wanted from these guys."

The thespians also expressed excitement about the upcoming performance.

"It's a Christmas-type play and the whole Scrooge story comes with a moral," said Jake Bohnenkamp, who has dual roles as one of the ghosts and the nephew.

He said the message that people can change provides hope.

Joey GrosJacques rattles things up while playing Marley.

"He's pretty funny in that part - he has chains on him and he's going to be very white," Tester said.

GrosJacques, no stranger to the stage, has had his eye on a particular wardrobe item for several years.

"I have a white mullet wig," he said. "It's been in the closet and I've always wanted to wear it."

Piper Carstens, who plays the ghost of Christmas past and Actor No. 7, praised GrosJacques' acting skills.

"He brings a lot to his part. He's very good at what he does," she said.

In his first stage performance, Derek Hoisington is cast as Scrooge.

"He's sort of a natural on stage - he just pops," Tester said. "It's always fun for a theater teacher to have someone like that."

Hoisington said he's enjoying the new experience and is thrilled with playing the lead.

"I'm kind of a dramatic person and I've just always been interested in the Christmas story and Scrooge."

In preparation for his part, Hoisington has read through the play at least 50 times and watched several related movies, including the recently released, "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey.

"I really wanted to gain inspiration from the different versions," he said.

Hoisington's efforts to delve into his character appear to have paid off.

"He does an awesome job," GrosJacques said.

Another standout in the eyes of a fellow thespian is Kohl Griffith.

"He's really exceptional - even when he's off stage," Justin George said.

Griffith admits he really enjoys being on stage.

"I kind of overact is what people say. I just really like to get in character," he said.

George, who plays the ghost of Christmas present and Actor No. 4, said he enjoys being able to "act goofy" during the performance.

"I can talk loud without people telling me I'm talking too loud," he said with a smirk on his face.

Many of thespians play multiple parts - which at times is a juggling act.

"It's very challenging because at some parts you have to make very quick changes ... it's hectic," Bohnenkamp said.

Tester said the group has been working on transitions. Additionally, she said the audience won't find a totally traditional feel to the performance.

"We have costumes more from the 60's and 70's ... it's more of a modernized look to it."

Despite taking poetic license, Tester said, "I think it will be fun. It will be fun because of the story itself ... it's always too to see the bad guy turn to the good side."