Former ‘Ghost’ Actor Must Deal With Ghosts of His Own

Ever since Edward Mulhare started acting when a teen-ager, he always wanted to play Ebenezer Scrooge. Forty years later, he has landed the role--in the Long Beach Civic Light Opera’s “A Musical Christmas Carol.”

Mulhare, above, a British-born actor probably best known in this country as the ghost in the late ‘60s television series “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” takes on ghosts of his own in an adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic on stage at the Terrace Theater beginning Wednesday.

“It’s a beautifully written piece,” Mulhare said. “The transformation of Scrooge from a miserly skinflint to an expansive, outgoing, kind person may be a little exaggerated . . . but it’s fun.”

The story, of course, focuses on the cantankerous Scrooge, who tries to deny those around him the pleasure of Christmas’ generous spirit. On Christmas Eve, supernatural forces show him the consequences of his greed and meanness.

“Ed is a wonderful Scrooge,” said Director David H. Bell, “all snobbish and isolated.”

Except for adding a concert of 19th-Century Christmas carols, Bell remains faithful to Dickens. “Most stage versions focus on the magic ghost story of the work,” he said. “We focus on the redemptive power of Christmas. The ghost is the vehicle for redemption.”

In keeping with Dickens’ intentions, Bell squarely confronts the play’s dark side. “Christmas is not just hearth and home. It’s also homelessness and poverty, themes that weren’t inappropriate in Dickens’ time,” Bell said, “and aren’t inappropriate now.”

By the end of the play, the audience’s spirits are lifted along with Scrooge’s. “No one sings ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’ after Scrooge’s night of redemption,” Bell said laughing, “though it wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Two low-priced preview performances are scheduled at 2 and 8 p.m. Wednesday. The play officially opens Thursday and continues through Dec. 22 at the Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. It also stars Anne Rogers. Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $9 to $25. For reservations, call (310) 435-7605.