SYNOPSIS

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Adapted from Charles Dickens’ favorite novel, “Young David Copperfield” follows the tribulations of David from his happy early years through the dark days of his mother’s second marriage and beyond.  Young David endures the sadism of his step-father Murdstone, the depredations of the villainous schoolmaster Creakle, and the mind-numbing routine of the London sweatshop to which he is consigned after the death of his mother.  Along the way, he meets some of Dickens’ most memorable characters:  his formidable Aunt Betsey, the sea-faring Peggotty family, the monosyllabic coachman Barkis, the grandiloquent Mr. Micawber and his lifelong friend J. Steerforth.

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"Young David Copperfield" covers David's childhood years.  It is shorter-form than "David Copperfield, the New Musical" (also by Jeffrey Scharf) which covers the entire novel.    "David Copperfield, the New Musical" received a full production at Jewel Theatre.  The show sold out every night to enthusiastic audience response.

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BIOGRAPHY

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Jeffrey Scharf is a playwright, bookwriter, lyricist, songwriter and screenwriter.  Produced musicals include “David Copperfield, The New Musical” which had a sold-out run at the Jewel Theatre in Santa Cruz, CA and “Reunions” (music by Jimmy Calire) produced in Ojai, CA.  His holiday show “The Three Tales (Gifts) of Christmas” was commissioned and produced by the Elite Theatre Company.  He has written book, music and lyrics for “Who’s Got Me?” which was excerpted at Musical Café’s  and was chosen as Mountain Community Theatre’s 2019 New Works production.  His “Banana Slugs Fight Song” is heard in the movie “The Baxter.”  Other works include book and lyrics for “Houdini Among the Spirits” (music by Brian Leader), the movie script “The Best Laugh” and the ten-minute plays “Postcards from the Ledge” and “M-Urgency Room.”  He is a co-writer of “Life in the Slow Lane” recorded by Roberta Donnay and “I Don’t Want to Know” recorded by Spencer Day.  

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Jeffrey is a member of the Dramatists Guild and NMI.  

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Portrait of the author - Charles Dickens

David visits the Peggottys in Yarmouth.

David meets Mr. Micawber.