Twas the Night Before Bah-Humbug

by Prentiss Matthews III

Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story with a contemporary twist! 16-year-old Preston hates the Christmas season, and no one knows what’s his reason. He’s rude, he’s mean, and everything in between. When festive holiday characters take him on a whimsical journey of self-discovery, will Preston ever learn his lesson that it’s wrong to be bitter during the holiday season? Or will he forever be the modern-day scrooge?

$12.00
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Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Length: 75-90 minutes | Can be cut for competition
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 12-22 roles

Full Details

Roles:

  • Narrator
  • Preston Michaels: our Scrooge
  • Andrew Michaels: Preston's dad
  • Angela Banks: Andrew's fiance
  • Grace Michaels: Preston's mother who appears to him as an angel
  • Tessa Michaels: Preston's older sister who is pregnant.
  • Dorian Hector: married to Tessa
  • Ms. Teresa: Preston's math teacher
  • Alana: nerdy student in Preston's class
  • Jenna: student in Preston's class
  • Drake: bully in Preston's class
  • Brett: student in Preston's math class who is a little dense.
  • Holly: goofy girl
  • China: Holly's best friend
  • Sickly Sal/Sally: always sick
  • Dark Preston: physical representation of Preston's dark psyche
  • Head Scientist Elf: very intelligent but hotheaded elf
  • Elf scientists 1 & 2
  • Better Baker: the head pastry elf at the North Pole
  • Glitzy: animated fashion designer elf
  • Funeral singer: sings acapella with a soulful voice.
  • Young Preston: around 5-8 years old
  • Young Tessa: around 7-11 years old

Plus ensemble of elves, reindeer, snowflakes, funeral guests, etc.

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.

The following resources may be added to you license for an additional fee:
  • Logo/Media package

Prentiss Matthews III

Prentiss Matthews III is an award-winning playwright and multi-hyphenate theatre artist from Atlanta, Georgia, with a BFA in Theatre from Valdosta State University. As an actor, playwright, director, and teaching artist, his work centers storytelling as a tool for healing, social change, and joy.

His play The Golden Loc, inspired by African mythology, was named Best Play of 2024 in the BroadwayWorld Michigan Sector and was a Finalist for both the 2024 Purple Crayon Players New Works Festival and the 2024 Obsidian Theatre Festival. His work has been developed and presented by organizations such as Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Fonseca Theatre, The Black Theatre Network, The Union for Contemporary Art, and more.

Prentiss was also selected as a Finalist for the 2024–2025 BIPOC TYA Superhero Project, where he was commissioned to write a new piece centering a superhero of color for young audiences.

His storytelling amplifies Black narratives, mythology, and intergenerational healing, creating theatre that fosters connection, joy, and transformation. When not writing, he enjoys Zumba, exploring art museums, and hunting for the best boba tea.

Workshopped with the Gender's & Sexuality Alliance at Valdosta State University. Originally produced at the Boys and Girls Club of America.