When Charles Dickens created the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in 1843, he couldn’t predict nearly 200 years later, his character would continue to have the power to capture the imagination of children and adults alike.

In the first weekend of December, the Northwestern community can revisit the famous man and other memorable characters, as well, in the comedy, “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge.”

“This is a two-act play, each lasting 45 minutes,” said Director Bill Mutimer. “The play takes place in a courtroom where Scrooge reconnects with Fred, the Cratchits and even the three ghosts.

“Scrooge had changed but [in this play] he’s reverted to his old ways.”

Zach McDonald also commented on the production.

“It’s an excellent spin-off of the original,” said McDonald, who plays a juror. “It provides a sort of sequel that picks up where the original story ended.

“Scrooge is memorable in the sense he’s so engrossed in the economics of life people who meet him remember him forever.

“He sees life at market value rather than face value.”

“This play takes place one year after the original Christmas Carol story,” explained Ben Hoover who plays Scrooge. ”He’s fallen back to his old ways of being a grumpy old man so he’s suing the ghost of Jacob Marley and the three other ghosts for kidnapping, trespassing, breaking and entering and attempted murder.”

Ben Fry, who plays Judge Pearson, commented on the Scrooge character.

“The character of Scrooge can be related to a lot of people in the world,” said Ben Fry.

“People who don’t have the spirit of kindness and caring, and who might need a little kick in the pants to do the right thing. I think it’s a good story.”

Kyle Steber plays the defense attorney.

“We’re basically on stage for the entire play,” Hoover said.

There are many parallels between this play and Dickens’ original story.

“The judge is very Scroogelike,” said Mutimer. “Both stories ask the question ‘What is the Christmas spirit?’ Answer? It’s to be good to people.”

Judge Pearson was not in the original story.

“He’s mean to the bailiff and doesn’t want to burn too much coal for heat. He’s a lot like Scrooge,” said Fry. “You can tell his lines are intended to be said with a lot of sarcasm.”

Maria Haddad plays Mrs. Cratchit.

“She’s very demanding and bossy,” said Haddad. “She just doesn’t let her husband talk. I just storm into the courtroom and say what’s on my mind [like] how mean Scrooge was to my husband, but in the second act it’s a different story.”

Quentin Bernard plays Bob Cratchit.

“Scrooge takes so much advantage of him but all he wants to do is help out his family,” he said. “He’s trying to be honest in the midst of the whole trial. My wife is loud but I try to be calm.”

“I like that it’s a play based on a popular story people are going to know but at the same time it’s a different story,” said Bernard. “It brings back familiar characters and yet there are surprises.”

“I think it’s a really funny play,” said Haddad. “It’s an extension of the [original story] and is really good for our cast. They can play the roles really well.”

The play, which takes place in a court room on Christmas, features period costumes.

“We’re renting [most of] them from Drop Me a Line, things like long dresses with high collars and mufflers for the girls,” said Mutimer.

Emily Witt’s mother, Laura Huerst and Brooke Devers’ mom Lori Barnett Devers are in charge of costumes. “We borrowed stuff from the middle school,” said Huerst. “We also have our own stash of costumes. Over the years we’ve [acquired] blouses, skirts and we pull them out when we need them. I also sew costumes.”

“We had Peter Huerst, Emily Witt’s dad and Tom Barron, Sarah Barron’s father build the sets which is basically a courtroom,” said Mutimer.

“He loves to build,” said Laura Huerst about her husband.

“DeSales did this play a couple of years ago. They did it twice. They did a nice job,” said Mutimer, “but I added more people, like a jury and a court stenographer so that more kids could be in the play.”

“We used to [stage] the fall drama before Thanksgiving but ever since we started doing Christmas shows like A Wonderful Life and 1940 Radio Hour. Now it’s become a tradition and people really come out,” said Mutimer. “It’s very funny.”

Mutimer already has plans looking forward.

“We’re not doing the Gong Show this year,” said Mutimer. “[Instead] we’re going to do a shortened version of a Disney show.”

“The students will make their final selection from five choices. The show for the spring will be “Annie Get Your Gun.’”

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Hoover who is also the president of the drama club. “There are a lot of great roles and I would be happy with any one of them, big or small.

“It’s great to see that the club I’ve put in most of time, labor and love continues to grow.”

“The fall shows have been getting better and better,” said McDonald.

“They’re much more fun. I like Christmas. It’s a festive time of year and there’s enough material written about Christmas to keep going for a while.

“If you went to see 1940 Radio Show, you’re going to love [this show.]”

“The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” will be presented 7 p.m. on Dec. 3-5 in the high school auditorium.

Tickets will be sold at the door.