JACOB AND EBENEZER: A LOVE STORY (FULL-LENGTH VERSION)

by Adam Richter

(FULL-LENGTH PLAY: APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES)
Jacob Marley is a ruthless, cold-hearted businessman and one of the most hated men in London. But when the attractive and equally savvy Ebenezer Scrooge enters his life, Marley warms just enough to let him in. Over the decades Marley and Scrooge shut out the rest of the world, while finding refuge in the company of each other, eschewing compassion...

(FULL-LENGTH PLAY: APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES)
Jacob Marley is a ruthless, cold-hearted businessman and one of the most hated men in London. But when the attractive and equally savvy Ebenezer Scrooge enters his life, Marley warms just enough to let him in. Over the decades Marley and Scrooge shut out the rest of the world, while finding refuge in the company of each other, eschewing compassion for their fellow human beings until it’s almost too late.

New draft uploaded Dec. 24, 2025

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JACOB AND EBENEZER: A LOVE STORY (FULL-LENGTH VERSION)

Recommended by

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: JACOB AND EBENEZER: A LOVE STORY (FULL-LENGTH VERSION) by Adam Richter
    “

    This play! I love it. Jacob shapes Ebenezer into a man made in his own image and has the misfortune of living long enough to realize his mistake. I love this prequel's nods to the original story - especially the rattling chains sound effects, used to great effect - and the subtle shifts in both Jacob and Ebenezer's relationship and individual feelings of what's important in life from scene to scene. Most impressively, this play fits seamlessly into the world of the original story. Fabulous!

    This play! I love it. Jacob shapes Ebenezer into a man made in his own image and has the misfortune of living long enough to realize his mistake. I love this prequel's nods to the original story - especially the rattling chains sound effects, used to great effect - and the subtle shifts in both Jacob and Ebenezer's relationship and individual feelings of what's important in life from scene to scene. Most impressively, this play fits seamlessly into the world of the original story. Fabulous!

    ”
  • Brent Alles: JACOB AND EBENEZER: A LOVE STORY (FULL-LENGTH VERSION) by Adam Richter
    “

    A fantastic creation that Richter has come up with here that totally honors the original work and yet adds surprising depth to a tale that's often been told. But it's never been told this way, and it's a fascinating read that stands well on its own while remaining true to the "Dickensiverse." Richter's use of dialogue is excellent and keeps the play moving along effectively. Great parts for actors to sink their teeth into as well. I truly want to see this produced at some point!

    A fantastic creation that Richter has come up with here that totally honors the original work and yet adds surprising depth to a tale that's often been told. But it's never been told this way, and it's a fascinating read that stands well on its own while remaining true to the "Dickensiverse." Richter's use of dialogue is excellent and keeps the play moving along effectively. Great parts for actors to sink their teeth into as well. I truly want to see this produced at some point!

    ”

Character Information

Jacob and Ebenezer are old white dudes in "A Christmas Carol." In this play the actors may be of any racial or ethnic identity, but they should be roughly the same age. The characters age several decades over the course of the play.
The roles may be played by two sets of actors: one younger and one older. In this option, the younger actors perform scenes 1 through 5 and the older actors 6 though 9.
  • JACOB MARLEY
    Jacob Marley in "A Christmas Carol" was an old white dude. The actor playing him may be male-identifying of any adult age, race and gender. Keep in mind the character ages several decades over the course of the play.
    30s and older
    White
    Male or male-presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • EBENEZER SCROOGE
    Ebenezer Scrooge is an old white man in "A Christmas Carol." In this play the actor is male-presenting but may be of any adult age, race or ethnicity. Keep in mind the actor ages several decades over the course of the play.
    30s and older
    White
    Male or male-presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • MARGARET BURNS
    Margaret Burns is of Irish descent, but the actor playing her has no such race/ethnicity requirements. She may be played by a female-identifying actor in their 20s or early 30s of any race or ethnicity.
    20s
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Reading Theater Project, 2025