Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol," first published in 1843, has become a Christmas tradition.
The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his visit with three Christmas spirits — the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future — has been adapted, changed, animated, turned into a musical, spoofed, modernized and any other variation you can think of.
Many local theaters will offer the classic tale, or some type of adaptation, this season — and a handful open this week.
"A Christmas Carol," Friday through Dec. 23, Hale Center Theater Orem, 225 W. 400 North, Orem.
This musical adaptation stars Chris Brower, J. Marshall Lamm, Eric Glissmeyer, Jennifer Rasmussen, Tracy Whitlock, Charlie Shrader and Mark Jeffs.
Shows are nightly except Sundays, 8 p.m., with matinees available. Tickets are $15.50-$19.50 (801-226-8600 or www.haletheater.org).
"A Christmas Carol — The Broadway Musical," Friday through Dec. 20. This Center Street Musical Theatre production will be performed at Centennial Middle School, 305 E. 2320 North, Provo.
Center Street is closing its doors. This is the farewell production to thank the community for the experience. It stars Gavin Grooms and Bryce Chamberlain (double cast as Scrooge), Stanley Johnson, Joseph Grooms, Amber Hurley, Matthew Christensen and Kyrsten Grooms.
Shows are Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays 7:30 p.m., with a dinner option available. Free, reservations are recommended (801-373-4485 or www.csmtc.com).
"A Christmas Carol — Part II," Friday through Dec. 13, Sugar Factory Playhouse, 8201 S. 2200 West, West Jordan.
What happens after the Christmas spirits visit Ebenezer Scrooge?
Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 13. Tickets are $3-$6 (801-294-1242 or www.sugarfactoryplayhouse.com).
"Scrooge — A Christmas Carol," Friday through Dec. 23, Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 E. 4700 South, Ogden.
The show stars Kim Florence, Jacci Florence, Don Wilhelm, Scott Hansen and Jim Stratton.
Shows are Friday, Saturday and Monday nights, 7:30 p.m., $6-$11 (801-393-0070 or www.terraceplayhouse.com).
Here are the other holiday offerings:
"Plaid Tidings," Friday through Dec. 23, SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State, Orem.
The wholesome harmonizers of "Forever Plaid" are back. Again puzzled about why they've returned to Earth, they decide to put on a holiday show filled with favorite Christmas songs. It stars Shawn Mortensen, David Smith, Conn Curran and Geoff Reynolds.
Shows are nightly, except Sundays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12 (801-255-2787 or www.scera.org).
"Santa Claus' Party: A New North Pole Musical," Friday through Dec. 23, Pickleville Playhouse brings its show to Eccles Conference Center at Utah State University in Logan.
Santa's helpers give you an insider's look at the magic of the North Pole. See the mayhem ensue as Santa's elves stop at nothing to save the magic of Christmas for the good boys and girls throughout the world — with plenty of your favorite tunes mixed in.
Shows dates vary, 7:30 p.m., with 3 p.m. matinees available, dinner option also available. Tickets are $8.95-$15.95 (435-755-0968 or www.picklevilleplayhouse.com).
"It's a Wonderous Life," Friday through Dec. 27, Off Broadway Theatre, 272 S. Main.
The classic story of George Bailey with an OBT spin. It stars Clarence Strohn, Jillene Stark, Alissa Christensen, Eric Lechman, Jeff Driggs, Rusty Bringhurst and Connor Rickman.
Shows are Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 20. Tickets are $8-$16 (801-355-4628 or www.theobt.com).
E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com