Family friendly Scrooge: Morristown High actor tackles holiday giant, Dec. 4-6

HAUNTED BY HIS PAST: Nik Slackman as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of MHS Theater.
HAUNTED BY HIS PAST: Nik Slackman as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of MHS Theater.
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HAUNTED BY HIS PAST: Nik Slackman as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of MHS Theater.
HAUNTED BY HIS PAST: Nik Slackman as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of MHS Theater.

By Rachel Prusso

In last year’s Morristown High School production of The Man Who Came to Dinner, Nikolas Slackman starred as Sheridan Whiteside, a role so challenging that the great Orson Welles refused to play it  on Broadway.

Nik Slackman and Allie Fielding in MHS production of 'A Christmas Carol.' Photo courtesy of MHS Theatre.
Nik Slackman and Allie Fielding in MHS production of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Photo courtesy of MHS Theatre.

Slackman may have an even bigger challenge on his hands this weekend, when he portrays Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

“This is probably the most difficult role I’ve had to play,” said the MHS senior.

For one thing, Scrooge is one of the best-known characters in Western literature.

Onscreen, he’s been depicted by everyone from Jim Carrey to Patrick Stewart. More than 20 film adaptations tell Charles Dickens’ classic tale of a miser haunted by ghosts from his past.

A Christmas Carol

Morrristown High School, 50 Early St.

Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 PM

 Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 PM.

Tickets: $6-$12 at MHS.Booktix.com

“I’m not trying to be a copycat,” Slackman insisted.  To put his own spin on this complicated role, he’s been questioning Scrooge’s thought processes, trying to grasp his bitter, bleak background.

By putting himself into Ebenezer’s shoes, Slackman said he hopes to portray this dark personality in depth.

christmas carol, mhs 2015 posterYet he’s also shooting for a less grumpy, more family friendly Scrooge, in keeping with the playful vision of new MHS director Michael Maguire.

“It’s going to be an emotionally loaded show but also very fun to watch,” Slackman promised.

Making the show captivating for young audiences is the goal. The amazing part, Slackman said, is watching “teenagers playing complex characters.”

While he considers that transformation as the most impressive aspect of the production, several elaborate sets also are likely to turn heads.

Slackman has performed in all the dramas and musicals during his high school career. He played Kenickie in last spring’s production of Grease, supporting his pal Jeremy Palmer as Danny. Off-stage, they sing in a band together.

Nikolas Slackman and Liam Mejia in MHS production of 'The Man Who Came to Dinner.' Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Nikolas Slackman and Liam Mejia in MHS production of ‘The Man Who Came to Dinner’ in 2014. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

When he first explored acting, Slackman could not have imagined landing a role like Ebenezer Scrooge. The stage simply seemed like a fun hobby.

But The Man Who Came to Dinner demonstrated his capability to step outside himself and play a cantankerous character, tossing off 1930s cultural references while crisscrossing the stage in a wheelchair.

And he was only a junior.

“He’s been wonderful,” his then-director, Zach Mazouat, said at the time.

After taking his turn as Scrooge, Slackman should be ready for anything. Curious to see where his talent will take him after graduation, he is shopping for acting schools.

Rachel Prusso is an MHS sophomore.

MORE COVERAGE OF ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’

Jacob Marley's ghost (Liam Mejia) visits Ebenezer Scrooge (Nikolas Slackman). Photo courtesy of MHS Theater.
Jacob Marley’s ghost (Liam Mejia) visits Ebenezer Scrooge (Nikolas Slackman). Photo courtesy of MHS Theater.
MHS senior Nik Slackman as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of MHS Theatre.
MHS senior Nik Slackman as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of MHS Theatre.

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. So excited for this production! I promise it will be one of the best — if not THE BEST — high school production you have ever seen. Our new direction team takes the program very seriously and our students have risen to the occasion and met our expectations with acceptation! Please join us for our performances this weekend! I truly guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Get into the holiday spirit at Morristown High School. Get your tickets now — online! MHSTIX.COM

  2. I can’t wait to see Juliet Minor as Martha Cratchit and the entire cast!! I’ll be there for at least 3 of the performances!! (if not all)!! It’s going to be a fabulous show!! What a wonderful way to start to holiday celebrations!!

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