I’m bringing my one-man holiday show to Buffalo. It’s called “Ebenezer: Do You Believe a Man Can Change?” I know, we’ve all seen “A Christmas Carol” a thousand times. But please, bear with me while I tell you the story behind the story.
I am a 50 year old, balding, morbidly obese man riddled with phobias, insecurity and low self-esteem. Sound like fun, yet? This difficulty, coupled with my disappointment in an ever-increasingly fearful and cynical society, bipartisan political dead ends, and lost innocence, has found me stuck. Saddened that the integrity, joy, and magic of my youth is gone, I turned to the one character who, ironically stood, not for being a mean miser, but a symbol of man’s ability to change – Ebenezer Scrooge.
The Ebenezer Project is a decision to face my fears and foibles, fight stage fright and insecurity, and hopefully become a better man. Perhaps this process will inspire true change, help me to live again, and encourage others to examine their past, live for today, and build a better future. This tale is a “behind the scenes” look at Ebenezer’s fateful night. Jacob Marley is not repentant, but blames society’s woes for his condition, yet has one word that can save us all. The three ghosts are all in the same Union and talk to the audience while they are “off-duty”. They discuss silk sheets, TJ Maxx, movies, obesity, husky jeans, union rules and yes, Ebenezer.
Christmas Past, a hyper, self-centered fashion diva and gossip, gives Ebenezer’s most embarrassing stories. Christmas Past tells a very unusual romantic story, and the key to a better life. Christmas Future shares his love of pop culture. Scrooge’s account includes some of my own true life stories. Painful, passionate and funny, the show uses improvisation and over 30 voices.
Ebenezer: Do You Believe a Man Can Change?
Wednesday, December 15 and Thursday, December 16
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
BUA Theater, 119 West Chippewa
Tickets $10 (partial proceeds donated to charity)
Lee is Western New York native and local radio personality.