December 7, 2010 > Theatre Review: Spirited twist to holiday classic Theatre Review: Spirited twist to holiday classic Submitted By Diane Daniel Take the Charles Dickens holiday classic, set the story in 2010's cyber-crazed world, bring on a band of musical and spiritual creatures, spice with imaginative reggae rappin,' rock n' roll and hip-hop, and you have "Scroogie: A Modern Musical Carol," California State East Bay's (CSUEB) December family production. In this new musical, we find Scroogie isolated from the East Bay community in which he resides and living in a virtual world of cyber greed and avarice. As Scroogie is downloaded into the past he encounters a ghostly visitor who dresses and sings like Elvis. When he is uploaded into the present, he is reprimanded by a reggae rappin', hip-hop apparition while Tiny Tim diets on fast food. With a new musical score, loads of singing and dancing, and a hysterically funny satirical point of view, this clever adaptation of the Dickens classic promises to be in the "spirits" of the season. Students from 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 this holiday show. Loaded with singing and dancing, Scroogie's ghosts and business partner have been morphed into pop images who 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. 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," said Fajilan. 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. Tickets may be purchased at the University Bookstore, reserved at http://class.csueastbay.edu/theatre/Ticket_Reservations.php or by calling (510) 885-3118. Scroogie: A Modern Musical Carol Friday, December 10 8 p.m. Saturday, December 11 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. CSUEB University Theatre 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward (510) 885-3118 http://class.csueastbay.edu/theatre/Ticket_Reservations.php Tickets: $15 for adults; $10 youth (13-18), seniors (55+), and alumni; and $5 for CSUEB students and children (3-13); or $30 for a family (1-2 adults and 2-3 children).