Onset resident Jackson Gillman will be taking the stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Marion Art Center’s production of “Emmalina Scrooge” this weekend. 

The play centers on Emmalina Scrooge, the great-great-great-grandaughter of Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. 

The once-happy girl grows bitter in the years following her sister Jamie’s death, and takes her frustration out on her friends and adopted sister Sarah, spoiling the Christmas spirit for those around her.

Ebenezer’s ghost takes on the challenge of changing her unpleasant ways, and recruits Charles Dickens and two eerie ghosts to show her Christmas past, present, and future.

“He’s hoping to affect put her on a better path sooner than he did and it’s a tough challenge because she’s hurt and she’s a piece of work,” Gillman said of his character. “There’s always a reason for why people are the way they are.”

Gillman described the play as a “timely update” of the classic tale.

Although Gillman is a professional performer who describes himself as a “stand-up chameleon,” he hadn’t acted in a play for decades before he returned to the boards last spring. 

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said, noting that the outstanding talent of the many child actors. “The kids are the stars, so I consider myself and the other adult actors to be supporting actors.”

The play runs for less than an hour, and Gillman said the show will be entertaining for audiences of all ages.

“Families would really enjoy seeing it together,” Gillman said. “I think it’s a great family outing to see what kids are capable of.”

Because the theater is small, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Shows will be held at the Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant St, on Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15.

All Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., while the Sunday, Dec. 15, matinee will begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now to art center members for $18, $20 for nonmembers, and $12 for children aged twelve and under. Tickets can be purchased in person, online or by phone. Visit marionartcenter.org for more information.