Alum John Ratzenberger is Scrooge in Dickens’ Classic

Student-playwright’s adaptation of holiday classic to start an annual fundraising tradition

Actor and alum John Ratzenberger will star as Ebenezer Scrooge in Sacred Heart University’s production of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, Dec. 16-18 at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts.

The cast of theatre arts students is excited to welcome Ratzenberger to the set and rehearse with the star, who is known for his roles in Cheers and 22 Disney Pixar movies, including the Toy Story and Cars series.

“I’m thrilled to visit my alma mater and work with Sacred Heart’s talented theatre students,” Ratzenberger said. “This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.”

Students and faculty in SHU’s theatre arts program are starting a new holiday and fundraising tradition with this adaptation of the timeless holiday tale. The production will benefit SHU’s nationally recognized and award-winning collegiate theatre program with 100% of all proceeds going toward the program.

Grace Curley ’23 put her own spin, an intergenerational approach, on the 1840s story as student-playwright. She incorporates musical elements while staying faithful to the text. The production also involves several SHU theatre alumni who will appear in the performance and work backstage on tech.

“Audiences can look forward to a new, modern and empathetic perspective on the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge in my adaptation of A Christmas Carol,” said Curley, a senior studying theatre arts and English. She added she is eager for audiences to see this fresh perspective. “I look forward to having the SHU community come together and experience this tale of humanity and Christmas spirit.”

SHU invites the public to enjoy the wonder of the holiday season through a beloved, heartwarming tale for the whole family. For tickets, visit the Edgerton Center website.