There have been many takes on the Charles Dickens‘ classic A Christmas Carol. Besides the many traditional remakes there have been cartoon versions, Americanized modern day tales, a comedy and even a version where the Scrooge character was female. So just when you were thinking that there is no way that this story could be made fresh and exciting, along comes the film Scrooge & Marley to put a new spin on things.

Scrooge & Marley is a holiday movie with something for everyone, comedy, drama…showtunes??? The story is faithful to the Dickens classic, but with a gay-friendly twist. Ebenezer “Ben” Scrooge (David Pevsner) is a mean, miserly nightclub owner who just happens to hate Christmas. He treats everyone like crap, has no friends and barely any family with the exception of a niece Freda (Rusty Schwimmer) who cannot stand him but reluctantly extends him an invitation to her Christmas gala at the request of her partner who wants to reunite them as a family. Naturally Mr. Scrooge turns it down in favor of the traditional anti-holiday repast of Chinese takeout and a night alone.

Well, Chinese food not only makes you hungry an hour later but in Scrooge’s case it also brings on a few spirited visitors, including a visit from his old partner Jacob Marley (former SNL regular Tim Kazurinsky) who has come to warn him of the unpleasant fate that awaits him if he doesn’t change his ways. A visit from the ghost of Christmas Past (Ronnie Kroell) brings back sad memories, including Scrooge being kicked out of his home by a homophobic father and the loss of a great friend and mentor Fezziwig (Bruce Vilanch) , and his one true love due to increasing greed. Visits from the ghosts of Present (Megan Kavanagh) and Future (JoJo Baby) are fairly predictable but done with sparkle and sass. Lessons are learned and the usual happy ending commences, and as Tiny Tim says “God Bless us one and all”.

Narrated by Judith Light (yes, Angela from Who’s The Boss) and set in our very own town of Chicago, Scrooge & Marley is a must-see for the holiday season and Count and I give it **TWO FANGS UP**

For more information and to purchase the film on DVD and Blu-Ray visit ScroogeandMarleymovie.com.

The post Review: Scrooge & Marley first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

CHICAGO — “Scrooge & Marley,” a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story, “A Christmas Carol,” is now available on DVD and soundtrack and Blu-ray.

The film is also playing in theaters nationally and in Canada this holiday season. In Chicago, it plays Friday, Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:45 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 27, 7:45 p.m. at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N., State Street, Chicago, http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/scroogeandmarley.

Acclaimed out actor David Pevsner portrays Ben Scrooge while former Saturday Night Live star Tim Kazurinsky appears as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. The film also stars Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti, Richard Ganoung, and JoJo Baby. It is narrated by Tony award-winning actress Judith Light. The stars at the gala opening include Pevsner, Schwimmer, Vilanch, Cavanagh, Kroell, Moretti and Ganoung.

DVD:

The post ‘Scrooge & Marley’ DVD, Blu-ray, Soundtrack Available Now! Buy Yours Today! first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Chicago, IL — Chicago’s Music Box Theatre played host to a red carpet debut for “Scrooge and Marley”, a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens‘ classic holiday story “A Christmas Carol.”

GAY REPORT (Special Edition) – “Scrooge & Marley” from GAY CHICAGO TV on Vimeo.

The Chicago premiere and opening night celebration on Thursday featured most of the stars of the film including David Pevsner, Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti and Richard Ganoung.

“I love coming to Chicago. Especially in the winter when you know it’s Chicago,” Vilanch joked in an interview on the red carpet.

Kroell talked about the classic tale which has been set to all new music providing a gay sensibility to the spirit of the season.

“I think it’s so important to have movies, queer cinema, that has these positive messages that can be shared not only with the community, embraced by the community, but with our family and friends so they can see what the community really is all about,” said Kroell.

“Scrooge & Marley” was shot all around Chicago last May and features the talents of local performers and filmmakers with narration by Tony award-winning actress Judith Light.

The film runs through Dec. 6 at the historic Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. It will also screen over Christmas at the Gene Siskel Film Center 164 N., State Street, Chicago: Friday, Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 7:45 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 27, 7:45 p.m.

The post Video: The Chicago Premiere Of “Scrooge & Marley” first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Please also share with friends and family, so they can purchase tickets before they sell out.
Thank you

Tracy Baim

Invite you to the Chicago premiere of a Christmas classic for all of our families

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012
Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport

Featuring the cast, directors, writers, and others behind this new independent movie shot in Chicago.

Meet actors David Pevsner, Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, David Moretti, Ronnie Kroell, Becca Kaufman, Richard Ganoung, JoJo Baby and many more.

5-6:30 p.m. VIP pre-reception
Freda’s Restaurant, 3755 N. Southport

6:30 p.m.: Red Carpet at the Music Box

7 p.m.: Scrooge & Marley Premiere

8:30 p.m.: Q&A at the Music Box

9-10:30 p.m.: After-Party
D’Agostino’s Restaurant
1351 W. Addison (at Southport)

Ticket prices:
GOLD: $250 for all of the events
SILVER: $125 for Movie plus After-Party
BRONZE: $12 for Movie Only

First: RSVP your ticket order to: Tracy Baim, editor@windycitymediagroup.com

Next: Send checks payable to Sam I Am Films, LLC and mail to:
Tracy Baim, 1900 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616

Questions? Call 773-387-2394

Directed by: Richard Knight, Jr. and Peter Neville
Written by: Ellen Stoneking, Richard Knight, Jr. and the late Timothy Imse
Produced by: Tracy Baim and David Strzepek
Narrated by: Judith Light

Tim Kazurinsky also stars but is unable to make this screening

For more details see:
http://www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com

The post Hey Chicago! Scrooge & Marley Advance Ticket Sales Available Now! first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

CHICAGO — Hollywood legend Bruce Vilanch and acclaimed actor David Moretti have joined the cast of a feature film being shot in Chicago this May.

Scrooge & Marley is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens‘ classic story of the holidays, A Christmas Carol. Recounted from a gay sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens’ timeless tale of a man’s redemption at the holidays—thanks to the help of three ghostly spirits—comes alive from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of every persuasion.

Two-time Emmy winner Vilanch is a writer, songwriter and actor, well known for his four-year role on Hollywood Squares and as a head writer for the Oscars.

Moretti is best known as Thom Etherton, the intrepid reporter on here! TV’s acclaimed vampire series, The Lair. Moretti led the series for three seasons between 2007 and 2010. His character also crossed over into the network’s sister show, Dante’s Cove.

“I am beyond excited to be a part of Scrooge & Marley,” Moretti said. “Christmas movies hold a very special place in my heart as I have a handful of favorites I’ve watched every single Christmas since I was a little boy. My hope is that Scrooge & Marley becomes that for the gay community. It’s a sweet, classic story of redemption … with a little glitter.”

Moretti and Vilanch join several other actors already cast in the film, including: Megan Cavanagh ( A League of Their Own, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Exes and Ohs ) ; Rusty Schwimmer ( North Country, Perfect Storm, A Little Princess, Drop Dead Diva, Bones, Louie ) ; Ronnie Kroell ( Bravo’s Make Me a Super Model, Eating Out-Drama Camp and Into the Lion’s Den ) ; and Becca Kaufman, a renowned Chicago-area vocalist.

Final casting of the film’s major roles will be complete by April 1.

Scrooge & Marley is based on an original script by Ellen Stoneking, Richard Knight, Jr. and the late Tim Imse. It will be directed by Knight and Peter Neville.

Executive producers of the film are Tracy Baim ( Hannah Free ) and David Strzepek ( Foodgasm ) , who are joined by several co-producers ( Knight, Neville, Stoneking, Kroell and Etta Worthington ) and experienced crew. Line producer is Thavary Krouch.

The film is being financed by investors and an IndieGoGo campaign under the name Scrooge & Marley film has also been launched. They hope to raise $15,000 by April 4, to add to the investor funding. See www.indiegogo.com/Scrooge-Marley-film .

Legal counsel for the production is Joseph L. Voss from Clark Hill PLC.

www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com .

On Facebook see www.facebook.com/ScroogeAndMarley .

The post Bruce Vilanch To Star In Richard Knight, Jrs. “Scrooge And Marley” first appeared on We Got Bruce!.