![\"deanna-green-and-darrell-rodenbaugh\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/deanna-green-and-darrell-rodenbaugh.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nDeanna Green and Darrell Rodenbaugh, photo courtesy of\u00a0North Texas Performing Arts <\/p>\n
For 15 years, Darrell Rodenbaugh has helped make Scrooge the Musical a beloved Plano tradition<\/p>\n
Every November, as the air cools and holiday lights start to twinkle across Plano, Darrell begins what he jokingly calls his \u201cmolting season.\u201d The beard grows, the scripts come out and for the 15th straight year he prepares to bring Scrooge the Musical to life.<\/p>\n
This December marks his 125th performance as the famously grumpy character turned kindhearted hero, a role that has become as much a part of his own holiday story as the original Dickens tale.<\/p>\n
Becoming Scrooge And Loving Every Minute Of It<\/p>\n
Darrell first took the stage as Scrooge when North Texas Performing Arts launched its community production 15 years ago. What started as a small, board-driven experiment has grown into Plano\u2019s longest-running musical holiday tradition, now featuring a cast of 150.<\/p>\n
Over the years, he has learned every nuance of the role, but his enthusiasm never fades. \u201cI look forward to it every year,\u201d he says. \u201cThe music, the camaraderie, the joy of getting back together with friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Darrell doesn\u2019t just show up for his scenes, he rarely misses a rehearsal even when he\u2019s not called. \u201cI just love hearing the music,\u201d he says. \u201cIt fills you with joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDeanna Green and Darrell Rodenbaugh, photo courtesy of\u00a0North Texas Performing Arts
<\/p>\n
A Show Built On Family And Community<\/p>\n
Part of what keeps Darrell coming back is the sense of togetherness that surrounds Scrooge. Each season includes parents and children sharing the stage, sometimes entire families performing side by side.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s cast features former Plano City Council member Shelby Williams as Bob Cratchit with his daughter Kate as Tiny Tim. \u201cWe have more than 40 families represented,\u201d Darrell says proudly. \u201cSome have been with us nearly every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
He recalls one audience member who has brought her grandchildren to the show for eight years in a row. \u201cNow they\u2019re teenagers, taller than me,\u201d he says with a laugh. \u201cShe told me this is what gets them into the Christmas spirit. That\u2019s when you know you\u2019re doing something right.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Energy Behind The Scenes<\/p>\n
When Darrell isn\u2019t on stage, he is serving as the volunteer CEO of North Texas Performing Arts. Under his leadership, the nonprofit has expanded to six cities, launched new video and film programs and developed productions for deaf and disabled actors.<\/p>\n
Still, Scrooge holds a special place in his heart. \u201cSome people go to The Nutcracker every year,\u201d he says. \u201cOthers come to Scrooge. It\u2019s the same idea, something that connects you to the season and to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"801a4411\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/801a4411.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nDarrell Rodenbaugh, photo courtesy of\u00a0North Texas Performing Arts
<\/p>\n
A Fresh Take On A Classic<\/p>\n
Directed by Mike Mazur, now in his eighth year at the helm, this year\u2019s Scrooge the Musical includes new songs, updated choreography and fresh scenic touches inspired by Dickens\u2019 London. The show rotates four casts throughout the two-week run, giving every performance its own unique mix of faces and energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s controlled chaos,\u201d Darrell laughs. \u201cBut it\u2019s also magical.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giving Back Through \u201cGift To The Community\u201d Nights<\/p>\n
Darrell lights up most when talking about the two Gift to the Community performances, where NTPA offers free tickets to veterans and families served by local nonprofits. \u201cWe\u2019ve had families who were sleeping in their cars the night before,\u201d he says softly. \u201cFor many, this is the only Christmas gift they\u2019ll get. It\u2019s our favorite performance every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Show Details<\/p>\n
When: December 10\u201321, 2025 Why It Still Matters<\/p>\n After 15 years, Darrell has no plans to hang up the top hat. \u201cScrooge\u2019s message of redemption and starting over never gets old,\u201d he says. \u201cIt reminds us that tomorrow can always be a better day.\u201d<\/p>\n So this season, when the curtain rises and the familiar opening notes play, Plano audiences will see more than a Christmas classic. They will see a man who has made it his mission to bring joy, laughter and a little holiday magic to his community, one \u201cBah, humbug\u201d at a time.<\/p>\n Plan Your Visit<\/p>\n Experience Scrooge the Musical this December at the Willow Bend Center of the Arts or Courtyard Theater in Plano. Tickets and information are available at ntpa.org\/event\/scrooge<\/a> or by calling 972-424-4893<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nShowtimes: 2:15 pm and 7:15 pm
\nWhere:
\n\u2022 Courtyard Theater (Dec. 10\u201314)
\n\u2022 Rodenbaugh Theatre, Willow Bend Center of the Arts (Dec. 17\u201321)
\nTickets: $13 advance, $15 at the door, $25 premium seating
\nSpecial shows: Gift to the Community nights Dec. 10 and 17; ASL-interpreted performance Dec. 20 at 2:15 pm
\nWebsite: ntpa.org\/event\/scrooge<\/a><\/p>\n![\"6k9a7776\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/6k9a7776.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto courtesy of North Texas Performing Arts
<\/p>\n