Defying Gravity with Scrooge Chapel

One of EA's most treasured traditions filled the Class of 1944 Chapel with song, laughter, and holiday cheer during the annual production of Scrooge Chapel on Monday, Dec. 15.

"There is always a lot of anticipation, mystery, and excitement leading up to Scrooge Chapel," said Performing Arts Department Chair Dan Clay, Hon. "It was a wonderfully Wicked performance!" Watch here.

Classics Teacher Molly Konopka, Hon. returned in her recurring role as the grouchy Elouisa Scrooge while safari-adorned Head of Middle School Laurie Piette narrated the creatively retold story of Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol.

"Merry Christmas, humbug!" declared Elouisa. "What's Christmas but a time for paying bills without any money; a time for finding yourself a year older and not an hour richer."

The Solicitors wove in entertaining references to the college application process as the College Counseling team (Catalina Guzmán, Jade Johnson, Chrissy Cerenzia, Jonathan Na, Oya Schooley, Mary Maier, and Lara Grieco) scurried across the stage, asking, "A small donation, madame? Just enough to cover one common app and maybe seven or eight SAT scores?"

"Humbug!" replied Elouisa. 

Upper School Math Teacher Jacob Viscusi '19 returned to the Scrooge stage as Fred, while Upper School English Teacher Doug Parsons, Hon. played Bob Cratchit. Math Teacher Tracy Motley played the role of Mrs. Cratchit, while Upper School Science Teacher George Lorenson, Hon. was Tiny Tim and Form Dean Zach Richards, Hon. played the role of the Boy.

Students were all smiles as Upper School History Teacher Chuck Bryant, Hon. paraded to the altar as Jacob Marley, draped in a black robe as The Emperor, Sidious from Star Wars, and warned Elouisa of haunts by three spirits. "I am here because you have no heart and no compassion. You treat your workers like they're machines. You would replace them all with AI bots if you could."

R2-D2 (Upper School History Teacher Damon Kuzemka, Hon.) and C-3PO (Upper School Religion Teacher Topher Row, Hon.) strolled and rolled in stage left and were greeted by a video message from Princess Leia (Upper School Learning Specialist Alyson Kurz, Hon.). The sword-waving princess popped out from the organ console, spooking Marley as he fled down the aisle.

Sent to transform and convince Elouisa about the joys of Christmas, the Ghosts of Christmas Past were as entertaining as ever. Adorned in pink and green, Wicked's Glinda (Middle School Music Teacher Anneliese Hardison) and Elphaba (Middle School Health and Wellness Teacher Nyazia Martin '12) serenaded the crowd with snippets of songs from Wicked for Good.

Greville Haslam Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke, Hon. stormed the stage as the wild-haired Steve from Minecraft. Middle School History Teacher Andy Fraggos entertained as Dr. Evil with sidekick Upper School Math Teacher Tom Goebeler, Hon.

Members of the Domino Board serenaded the crowd throughout the show and played the role of the Cratchit children.

"It was another fun production of this EA favorite. Our faculty, staff, and students always rise to the occasion. And as always, it was quite entertaining!" said Mr. Clay.

Said Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"