SCROOGE & MARLEY Film Announces 'Christmas in July' Fundraiser

SAM I Am Films, producers of "Scrooge & Marley," a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' classic holiday story, "A Christmas Carol," has posted the first trailer of the film, which will be released in December. Acclaimed out actor David Pevsner portrays Ben Scrooge while former SNL star Tim Kazurinsky appears as the Ghost of Jacob Marley.

The trailer kicks off a series of "Christmas in July" fundraising events that will include house parties, a cabaret benefit and an Indiegogo.com online pledge campaign - all designed to raise awareness and excitement about the film's holiday release and to aid producers of the independent feature in securing additional post production funds.

To support the Indiegogo campaign, visit the Indiegogo.com website and search for Scrooge & Marley. The direct link is: http://igg.me/p/124360?a=396864.

The trailer will be released on Indiegogo, the film's website (www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com) and Facebook page, and more photos will be posted on the Facebook page and website in July. The trailer includes the first peek at other notables in the movie-Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti, Richard Ganoung, and JoJo Baby.

"Scrooge & Marley" was shot in Chicago in May and also highlights a host of recognized theatrical actors who round out the cast: Drew Anderson, Christopher Allen, Nicholas Bailey, Allison Torem, Fawzia Mirza, Peter Mohawk, Scott Duff, PJ Powers, Amy Matheny and many more.

The house parties are being held at private homes with the main public event taking place on Thursday, July 26, 6-9 p.m. at 3160 Cabaret (3160 N. Clark), where several scenes in the movie were shot. Guests will have a chance to win exclusive "Scrooge & Marley" merchandise and will be treated to music from the film performed live by cabaret entertainers Becca Kaufman and Dick O'Day (alter ego of Richard Knight, Jr., co-director and co-writer of the film), who appear in the movie. The trailer and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos will also be shown. The event is free, but donations will be requested.