The beloved tradition of Scrooge Chapel returned on Monday, Dec. 16, bringing laughter and excitement to the Class of 1944 Chapel.
The Chapel service—frequently named a favorite of the year among Middle and Upper School students—featured the creative flair of numerous faculty and staff members who delivered energetic and over-the-top performances as they retold the classic story of A Christmas Carol. Watch here.
Middle School English Teacher John Goens, Hon. played the role of the narrator, while Classics Teacher Molly Konopka, Hon. once again revived her role as the grumpy Elouisa Scrooge.
"I was very excited about this year's Scrooge!" said Scrooge Chapel Director and Theatre and Dance Department Chair Dan Clay, Hon. " At one of the busiest times of the year, the fact that our faculty and staff are willing to give up their time [for rehearsals] is such a testament to their commitment to our students and the EA community. We also had some great characters this year…nothing from Wicked yet, though; we're saving that for the sequel!”
Students cheered as Upper School History Teacher Chuck Bryant, Hon. strolled down the aisle as Jacob Marley, dressed as King Charles III. "You will be haunted by three spirits. Look for the first as the mist rolls over the Thames, when the clock strikes one, the second at the stroke of two. The third will come when Big Ben tolls three," King Charles told Elouisa. The audience also loved the cameos by Upper School Math Teacher Andrew Newton, Hon. (Prince Harry), Middle School History Teacher Andy Fraggos (Prince William), and Upper School English Teacher Cara Saraco (Princess Kate).
The first MARVEL-ous haunting by the Ghosts of Christmas Past came from Upper School English Teachers Sam Willis, Hon. (Deadpool) and Chris McCreary, Hon. (Wolverine), who brought lots of punchy one-liners—and some fierce growls—to their spirited performance.
The Scooby-Doo Gang—including Middle School Librarian Sheli Hay (Scooby Doo), Upper School Math Teacher Mike McNulty ’09 (Shaggy), Middle School History Teacher CJ McAnally ‘17 (Fred), Middle School Drama Teacher Gina Tomkowich, Hon. (Velma), and Middle School Math Teacher Lauren Santangelo (Daphne)—served as this year’s Ghosts of Christmas Present, filling the Chapel with laughter as they looked for clues before heading back into their Mystery Machine.
Finally, Upper School Math Teacher Jay Jennings (Beetlejuice) haunted Elouisa Scrooge as the Ghost of Christmas Future in his typical gruff and tacky demeanor. “C’mon, Scroogie, let’s turn on the juice and see what shakes loose!” he teased.
Band Director Ryan Dankanich, Hon. returned as the well-loved Tiny Tim, joined by Upper School Mandarin Teacher Ke Yi as Bob Cratchit and Upper School Spanish Teacher Mireya Yaros, Hon. as Mrs. Cratchit.
Upper School Math Teacher and Associate Director of Athletics Jim Farrell '82 lovingly played Elouisa’s nephew, Fred, while the camera-holding communication team of Michele Godin, Courtney Brinkerhoff-Rau, Hon., Kate Andris, Hon., and Jess Siso made their Scrooge Chapel debut as they encouraged Elouisa to remember the meaning of Christmas as the Solicitors.
Kim Piersall, Hon. played the role of The Boy, and members of the Domino Board serenaded the crowd to open the show and also played the joyful Cratchit children throughout.