Longtime Topanga local and accomplished singer-songwriter, Peter Alsop, has been writing and performing children’s music and satirical music for adults, nationally, for decades. Peter’s songs are educational and often humorous, making important statements about society, culture, parenting, gender, sexuality, politics, and more. As many locals know, Peter is a part of the Geer family, and has been a fixture of Theatricum Botanicum for the past 50 years, both as a performing artist and working behind the scenes.
I recently had a lovely chat with Peter Alsop about his current project, an upcoming performance of his 2004 musical compilation, Ebenezer’s Make Over, which is based on the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, but with a fun, impactful twist. Peter shared that he initially got his inspiration from watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, among other makeover shows. “…And then I saw A Christmas Carol for some reason or other, and I went ‘that’s just a makeover story for Scrooge, isn’t it?’” he explained. Having been involved with the National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS) for many years, Peter thought, “‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do a makeover on some of these patriarchal people?’” and Scrooge’s story seemed to offer the perfect framework for a makeover with a new meaning.
Peter’s musical is not about Christmas. Ebenezer’s Make Over follows the closed-minded Ebenezer Scrooge, steeped in patriarchal heterosexism, and his journey as he learns to rid himself of his old toxic ideas about women, gender, and the world. The messages in this musical are exceedingly pertinent today, when even in 2025 the United States government is trying to enforce outdated gender roles and limit the ways people can identify. Because Peter recognizes the relevance this album still holds today, he has decided to revisit Ebenezer’s Make Over, by putting together a live enactment for the beautiful Theatricum Botanicum stage; performances will take place May 9th and 10th, only. Proceeds will benefit Theatricum, as well as disaster relief for Topangans. “This is an opportunity for people to hear some of these incredible songs written by friends of mine (and some of mine too),” said Peter. The songs in the musical are hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply meaningful, and Peter is excited for the opportunity to showcase them.
The musical follows Ebenezer Scrooge, the Dean of Students at a university who is suddenly made the legal guardian of Tiny Tim, after Tiny Tim’s father, Jacob Marley (Dean of Finance at the same university), dies. Scrooge bah humbugs about his role as a caretaker, while Tiny Tim grows into a bright young man called Not-So-Tiny Tim, and enrolls at the university. Not-So-Tiny Tim and his girlfriend Naiomi go to Scrooge one day, and ask for his blessing in starting a feminist men’s organization on their college campus. When Scrooge says no, he is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, who warns him that his closed-minded view of the world will cost him, and that he must work to change his ways. Marley tells Scrooge that he will be haunted by three spirits that night, and sure enough, Scrooge is taken on a journey guided by apparitions, and learns important lessons from his past, present, and future. Ebenezer’s Make Over promotes peace, love, and acceptance for all, through humor, heart, and 21 spectacular musical numbers.
Many of the songs in Ebenezer’s Make Over were written in the late 1980s, and then compiled years later to use as part of Scrooge’s journey. Peter and I discussed why the show’s call to action for inclusivity and acceptance is so important, and he articulated his reasons for putting together a production like this right now. “I felt like this is a way that I could start bringing stuff up… [with] all of the attacks…on DEI [and] the idea of wokeness… wokeness is about people learning how to care about others. I wish that I had more influence.”
Peter calls his method of education, ‘smorgasbord teaching,’ where he puts a bunch of ideas out there and allows audiences to pick through and find what they resonate with. He often incorporates humor in his music, which, as he explains, aids in getting messages across. “I tend to go for humor; if I can get somebody laughing about something…the message can kinda get in a little bit more easily. It’s the humor of recognition rather than trying to point something out and tell someone they need to do something differently, ‘cause we don’t like it when people tell us what to do.”
Some titles in the musical, including “Chromosoma Phobia” written by Bob Blue, performed by Allan Arnaboldi, and “It’s Only a Wee-Wee” by Peter Alsop, seem almost as though they could have been written this very year in response to the new anti-transgender legislation we are seeing in America. Peter and I spoke about the recent governmental attacks on gender identity. He stated simply that: “Trump is going after trans people…it’s a lot harder for these folks.”
Peter sees the importance of spreading awareness, especially right now. “[There are] cast members that have trans brothers and sisters. A lot of us know somebody or have relatives that are not heterosexual, necessarily…that’s why I’m doing this.”
Peter wants to film his upcoming production of Ebenezer’s Make Over to be used as a template to assist others in reproducing the show, regardless of budget. He said, “I don’t know that we’ll make the money back, but I want to film it […] you could do it with just a piano player if you had to, on a low budget somewhere, [and] people could have discussions afterwards.” Peter really emphasized the importance of open discourse surrounding these big topics, and for the upcoming performances in May, he will be “…making sure that there’s at least a [half hour] talk back with the cast…” after each show.
Ebenezer’s Make Over at Theatricum Botanicum is sure to resonate with a wide audience. The persistence of racism, sexism, and transphobia in our country is leaving many of us feeling frustrated and confused. It’s a scary time right now, and I believe we all need the heartfelt conversation that Ebenezer’s Make Over advocates for. We must work to understand each other and have these hard conversations in order to “turn these isms into wasms,” (as Jacob Marley’s ghost says). Everyone needs love and care, even the Scrooges of the world.
2 shows only, Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7:30pm. Call (310) 455-3723 for tickets. Regular $25, Helpers $35.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
