Back in 2004, A.C.T. delivered a revamped take on a holiday classic, outfitting A Christmas Carol with a new script, new songs, new sets and costumes to create sparkling new holiday memories when the production made its debut, giving fresh life to one of the Bay Area's favorite holiday traditions that has been running annually ever since.

The play follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who over the course of a long Christmas Eve is visited by four ghosts (Christmases Past, Present, and Future, as well as Scrooge's former business partner, Jacob Marley), who guide his transformation from cold-hearted miser into warm philanthropist.

A sparkling, music-infused celebration of goodwill, the play stars Bay Area favorite James Carpenter in the iconic role of Scrooge. Joining Carpenter are Ken Ruta (who originated this role in the 2005 production) as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s nightmarish late-night visitor; Nick Pelczar as Bob Cratchit; and Delia MacDougall as his wife, Anne Cratchit; Jarion Monroe and Sharon Lockwood as the ever-festive Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, along with A.C.T. core acting company member Omoze Idehenre, who reprises her role as the jovial Ghost of Christmas Present.

Rounding out the cast are a record 27 young actors from the A.C.T. Young Conservatory (YC) as well as six third-year students from the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) Program, many of whom traditionally receive their Actors' Equity cards as a result of their participation in A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol
Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 24, 7 p.m. with matinees 2 p.m. most Saturdays (1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sun) $20-$95
American Conservatory Theater