Dickens’ Scrooge takes on rock and roll at the Unicorn Theatre…
The Salvation Of Iggy Scrooge will take the Unicorn Theatre audience on a rock and roll journey this December with that very familiar theme of redemption that hits each year around Christmas. The show runs now through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).
The modern rock tale of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has music by Edd Key and the book by Larry Larsen and Eddie Levi. Matt Rapport takes on the role of the grumbling, angry self-centered rock star Iggy Scrooge who gets his proverbial shake-up from a few specters who just might resemble some rock legends. There’s Buddy Holly, Bob Marley and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The music also covers the spectrum from reggae, rockabilly and heavy metal.
“Iggy is that modern day Scrooge. He has certainly lost his faith in humanity and is solely focused on his own pleasure and greed. All those bigger themes frame the character as a rock star than the money lender people are familiar,” Rapport says. “Dickens’ story translates well to modern times.”
Iggy is that lascivious hedonistic rock star who does everything to excess. He is that typical rock star that has been corrupted by too much fast living. Rapport says the character is self-absorbed and selfish. “He certainly claims that like the original character, he doesn’t care for humanity.”
For Rapport, the musical works because the audience gets the opportunity to see some cool ghosts. Rather than Jacob Marley, there’s reggae legend Bob Marley, portrayed by Rufus Burns. The ghost of Christmas Past is Buddy Holly. In this production, he is played by Matthew McAndrews. “Buddy Holly is an instant reference point. He really frames the show that we are in the world of rock and roll. He is that wholesome, good guy early rock and roller and I feel that whole nostalgic feeling.”
Ron Megee plays Elvis, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, during Presley’s white jumpsuited, more Bacchanalian days. “The future is still unknown and the Ghost of Christmas Future is still that mysterious character,” Rapport says. Director Missy Koonce says she is thinking the Ghost of Christmas Future may have a sort of Goth look.
Rapport plays guitar and mandolin. In some productions of the musical, the actors are also required to play instruments and fortunately the band will remain on stage during this run, says Koonce.
Rarely, the Unicorn Theatre revives a show and this musical is sort of revival. Koonce acted in the 1998 production. She was Margie, Poodle Girl No. 1, Rainbow and an unnamed mandolin clogger in the Fezziwig scene. Megee played Buddy Holly and Fred. As with many rock musicals, the styles vary from ballad to reggae and Creole, giving the audience a chance to find that song to love. “There should be one song that will appeal to an audience even if you aren’t a big rock fan, there are more acoustic pieces for an audience to like. Actor Scott Cordes played the role before and seeing it years ago, I knew I wanted to play this part,” Rapport says.
Rapport says Iggy could be Keith Richards or David Coverdale from White Snake. “Stylistically, he is probably going to be an amalgamation of rock stars in excess,” he says. “He could be portrayed in that broad, everyman sort of style that we can relate to the negativity. Making Scrooge a rock star makes perfect sense. He is that bad boy.” Rapport says that as an actor, he needs to find something to like with a character, even the bad guy. “As with the traditional story, Scrooge moves from that egotistical bastard to a man who has seen the light. He has that big transformation. There is that clearly defined emotional arc.”
Koonce is not only directing, but also choreographing the musical. She is no stranger to the Unicorn Theatre. She has acted many times on the stage and directed three other shows. She co-directed Bat Boy with the Unicorn’s Artistic Director Cynthia Levin. She also directed Speech & Debate and title of show. With Megee, the two were big in the Late Night Theatre that specialized more in camp parody.
“It’s a rock and roll version of the famous Dickens story. It’s just dirtier, grittier and includes some tongue-in-cheek references to Christmas Carol. It follows the same story line, but it is different. We are going to do it in a different way that might reach another audience. There is some spoofing, but there are poignant and touching moments. However, let’s remember that this is a rock comedy,” Koonce says.
Megee says he looks forward to playing Elvis. “Missy and I have known each other since college. She trusts my instincts and lets me enjoy the role.” Megee remembers when Presley died. School let out early and his sister, 19 years older, was extremely devoted to the King of Rock and Roll. “I have been watching his movies again. I try to find three characteristics I can play upon and then bring in some of his vocal styles like the growl. I bring these to the surface and the rest will be me.”
He sees Iggy appealing to a different demographic. “It’s an MTV world and the story has a new light. We embrace the great Dickens story in a concept younger folks will understand. It still has all the qualities of a Christmas Carol.” As Presley, Megee will hold up that mirror to Iggy to show him why he is so disliked and where his path is.
“The Unicorn is sort of the king of holding a mirror up to society and showing the relevance,” Megee says. “Iggy Scrooge is no different with this hardened character who needs to learn to be less driven.” Megee sees that some in the current society know what it is like to lose heart. “We have all been there, but you keep driving to reach the dreams and sometimes it takes others to remind or show you. It has the appropriate heart needed.”
In April of this year, Megee and Rapport played in the Coterie’s production of Ben Franklin’s Apprentice, along with Ted Swetz. Swetz serves UMKCs Department of Theatre as The Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor of Theater – Acting. The production at the Unicorn is a co-production with UMKC. Megee says he enjoys working with the acting students. “It all becomes a great experience. There is a light that is shone on them too.”
Megee has a substantial following in town. “Theater is magic. Young people need to be a part of this.” In the spring and early summer 2012, Megee will be back at the Coterie in the Fantastic Mr. Fox and Once Upon a Mattress.
Koonce knows the team will create the excitement necessary for the show. “We are incredibly lucky to have talented musicians and actors. We are getting back to our rock and roll roots,” she says. “Our audience will get a chance to see the side of many actors that normally doesn’t get seen. The amount of versatility will be startling. Just wait and see.”
