Actor John Burstein, most known nationally for his Slim Goodbody character, will play Ebenezer Scrooge in John Bielenberg's upcoming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol at the Camden Opera House Dec. 14 -16. We posed questions to Burstein, and here are five things to know about his modern take on the claasic character, Scrooge:

1. Slim is so upbeat and positive, a "super hero of health." How different from Slim is your Scrooge going to be?

Scrooge is a vastly different character than Slim. Physically, Slim is outgoing - celebrating human vitality - Scrooge is squeezed up within himself (think of chewing on a lemon, and you get the idea of what a squeezed-in sort of person he is). Slim smiles, Scrooge frowns. Slim embraces - Scrooge defends.

2. If Slim's idea of a holiday feast would be healthy servings from each food group, what would Scrooge prefer?

Scrooge would prefer that people not engage in all this nonsense about Christmas altogether. It's humbug!

3. In the classic book and movie versions of "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge completely lacks a sense of humor. Will your Scrooge be the same or will there be surprising lighter moments?

Hopefully, there will be a lot of laughs. Just because someone is greedy, doesn't mean he lacks a sense of humor. Scrooge can be very cutting, yet funny, in many of his responses. I believe Dickens wrote the character this way.

4. This adaptation is done as a musical. Will Scrooge be singing? If so, what about?

Scrooge will be singing - just a bit - but mostly in anger about people's desire for special treatment on Christmas.

5. Who is a modern-day version of Scrooge that you can relate to?

Wall Street money managers, investment bankers, Bernie Madoff - and all those who place profit above all else. Scrooge at least learns from his mistakes. I'm afraid many of those in the financial community will never see the consequences of their focus on money.

• The show will be running at the Camden Opera House on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 for a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Tickets are available online at camdenoperahouse.com or by calling 207-470-7066.  You can also pick them up at HAVII in Camden and City Drawers in Belfast. Tickets also available at the box office before each performance. Adults - $12, Seniors - $10, Kids 6 to 12 years old - $6.

Kay Stephens can be reached at kaystephenscontent@gmail.com