Suddenly, Scrooge hears chains and sees the ghost of Jacob Marley lumbering over his bed.

Later that night, we find Scrooge asleep in bed ('A Christmas Carol – Reprise'). Scrooge and his selfishness ('The Stingiest Man in Town'). Dilber, Hawkins and a group of beggars bemoan Mr. He then slams the door in the face of Ragpicker Hawkins, who wanders by asking for old rubbish. Dilber, enters and asks him for a small advance on next month's salary, but he refuses. Very grateful, Bob Cratchit departs to do his last bit of Christmas shopping. Scrooge reluctantly approves and tells him to arrive back at the office the next day, two hours early and sober. Scrooge calls for his assistant, Bob Cratchit, who nervously enters and asks if he might have Christmas Day off. Scrooge dismisses them, as he has no interest in helping anyone. The gentlemen ask Scrooge for a donation to their Christmas fund to help the poor and destitute.

Scrooge informs them that Marley, the man who used to be his partner, has been dead for the past seven years. When Fred leaves, two gentlemen enter asking for Jacob Marley. Despite Scrooge's attitude, Fred invites him over for Christmas dinner the next day, but Scrooge declines. The scene shifts to Scrooge's office, where Fred tries to convince Scrooge to be merry on Christmas, but Ebenezer will have nothing to do with the ridiculous holiday ('Humbug'). Snow is falling, candles are gleaming and lovers are catching a kiss beneath the mistletoe ('An Old-fashioned Christmas'). Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and a chorus are celebrating the season. The curtain opens on a London street on Christmas Eve in 1843. Before the curtain opens, the Narrator and carolers introduce the story and its main character, Ebenezer Scrooge, the stingiest man in town ('A Christmas Carol').

Snowed In With Him by Martha Sweeney