In this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

History

Jerauld Reinhart, a former high school choral director, started Ross Music Theatre in 1964. He was inspired to create a summer theater for young people after asking the Optimist Club of Merrillville to sponsor it. 

What does a 25 year old college graduate do when he gets out of the Air Force and obtains his first teaching job? If he loves theatre, has studied under famous conductors and directors at Indiana University's prestigious School of Music, he immediately starts to think musical productions. In 1954, attracted to "the Region" by its proximity to Chicago theatre, Jerauld Reinhart found the peaceful, friendly community of Merrillville, Indiana and began a long relationship with the school and community as high school choral director for 39 years and Ross Music Theatre director for 50 years.
In 1964, wishing for a creative way to spend the summers, Reinhart asked the Optimist Club of Merrillville to sponsor a summer theatre for young people. The high school gym was the only stage big enough for Reinhart's spectacular spring and winter choral concerts so the theatre productions started on the gym stage and progressed to the gym floor.

     Meanwhile, Reinhart had been pushing for an artistic and well-equipped auditorium in which to present school and community events. Backed by the school and community, he sought out the advice of his mentors at IU and the high school auditorium--now the Reinhart Auditorium--opened in 1972 with "Kiss Me, Kate." Productions got larger, casts and choruses grew, orchestras grew, as well as Reinhart's eight children, who trouped along every summer. The youngest appeared on stage at age 3.

       Jerry was known for being an incredible musician and showman but he was also an amazing scenic designer, artist, and carpenter.  Many of his sets, like Beauty and the Beast, and Hello Dolly, garnered applause when  the curtain opened and revealed his set.  
   

     Jerry's last full set design was "Phantom of the Opera" at Merrillville High School in 2011 .  He was also the principal scenic artist.  It seems fitting to use many of his wonderful ideas and designs for this year's rendition of "Phantom".

Jerry passed away February 13th, 2014, and his amazing wife and partner in RSMT also productions also left us in March of 2021 but because they were  always teaching, mentoring, and instructing,  they live on in many productions through all of those who learned from them and passed their expertise and knowledge on to the next generations. 

Performances

Ross Music Theatre has hosted a variety of performances, including one of the few productions during the COVID era. The theater has a tradition of fundraising for the Merrillville High School Choir by selling show-themed concessions. 

REVIEWS

It's become a yearly tradition to head over to Merrillville (Indiana) High School and see "Scrooge", it's always running around the time of my birthday, and there's nothing I'd rather do to celebrate that occasion! This show gets better every year, as they keep experimenting with sets, backgrounds, musical numbers & dialogue, so that it's never the same from year to year. This year had to be the best ever! Michael Reinhart (starring as Ebenezer Scrooge) does a fantastic job of putting on this lavish production - from the acting to the singing to the wonderful sets to the innovative use of film projection in the backdrops, you can't believe you're watching local theater! There's a very special, heartwarming quality to the whole affair that's shared by the whole cast and is palpable to the audience - I believe this is due in large part to the legacy Michael's carrying on of his father, Jerauld J. Reinhart. Mr. Reinhart was the founder & musical director of the company. He passed away last year, and is greatly missed by all. I only met him on 2 occasions and spoke to him very briefly, but I was so impressed that this was a truly special man, who radiated warmth, kindness and creativity. I highly recommend for anyone reading this to go see one of M & M Ross' productions! There were so many highlights, but just a few of these are: the vocal performances of Michael's wife, Melinda Reinhart - she has such a beautiful voice! Also, the girl who sang "O Holy Night" at Scrooge's nephew's party (not 100% certain, but I believe it was Cynthia Hindmon) sent a chill down my spine - powerful and beautiful performance! Also Tyreak Thomas, who played Tom Jenkins, was fabulous! There were many other wonderful performances as well. I can't wait till next year!

GREAT show today, we loved it!!!

Can't wait to see what comes next.

Thanks for a great performance as always....very well done.

Amazing show this afternoon! So much talent! Loved seeing all the different ages! Amazing!!