On September 11, students gathered at Maranatha Baptist University’s Fine Arts Hall to audition for the upcoming production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Among them was Mr. Ken Butler, director of Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute, who hoped to secure a minor role that would not interfere with his busy schedule. He indicated his preference for the part of “the charitable gentleman” on his audition form and read his lines when called to the stage.
However, when the cast list was released, Mr. Butler discovered he had been selected for the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge rather than the smaller part he had requested. Mr. Butler has previous acting experience in productions such as “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Seven Keys to Baldpate,” which prepares him for this demanding role.
For Mr. Butler, “A Christmas Carol” holds personal significance beyond its place as a holiday classic. For over ten years, he has performed dramatic readings of the story for his children during Christmas gatherings, creating unique voices for each character. His daughter Hailee noted, “I cannot remember a Christmas in my entire childhood that he has not read the book to us.”
Reflecting on being cast as Scrooge, Mr. Butler said, “I will be him, right? Not just reading it. I will be in the costume. I’ll be on the set. I’ll be doing it as Scrooge.” He views this opportunity as a chance to embody a character he has long brought to life at home.
Despite his familiarity with the story, Mr. Butler finds memorizing lines challenging because the play’s script does not match Dickens’ original text exactly. As Scrooge appears in every scene, maintaining focus throughout rehearsals and performances is also required.
Mr. Butler receives encouragement from both students and staff involved in the production. Hailee, who plays Charwoman in the play and studies Communication Arts at Maranatha Baptist University, said about her father: “I think he is going to make the best Scrooge … Because he loves this story so much … he understands the character more than most people.” Another student, Naomi Sterling, remarked that playing Scrooge may be out of character for Mr. Butler: “I feel like he’s too joyful for that…and I see Scrooge as a kind of cranky person.”
Balancing rehearsal commitments with work and family life poses challenges for Mr. Butler; however, his wife supports him taking on this role despite an already full schedule at Maranatha Baptist Bible Institute and responsibilities teaching Old Testament Survey and Applications of Bible Preaching courses.
Hailee commented on her father’s dedication: “I have never seen a more hardworking man…with no complaints.” She added that dividing time between duties remains one of his greatest challenges.
Mr. Butler offered advice for students managing busy schedules: “Plan it out. Don’t just get up in the morning and go, ‘Okay, what do I [do] now?’ Plan your wake-up time … Have that schedule mapped out and stick to it…Make sure you have prayer time and your Bible time.”
The university will present “A Christmas Carol” on December 4th through 6th; ticket information can be found at mbu.edu/play.
