From Dec. 5 through Dec. 8, the Mercyhurst University Theatre department will host a production of “A Dickens of a Carol” in the Taylor Little Theatre.

“A Dickens of a Carol” is a framed narrative.

It begins on Christmas 1843, when Charles Dickens (Jacob Tretinik, senior, B.S. Biology) invites Thomas Mitton (Doug Powers, Ph.D.), the dear friend to whom he eventually bequeathed the original manuscript of “A Christmas Carol,” over to celebrate the successful publication of his novel.

Because Dickens’ family is tired of hearing the story and because neither man has anyone to spend the evening with, Dickens implores Mitton to stay and read the story aloud.

As the men recite Dickens’ words, the familiar tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life as never before, reminding both the author and his friend what is worth celebrating at Christmas and after.

Alumna Sarah Krempasky (‘18, B.A. Music) guest directs a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Mary Barile, Ph.D.

The new version was penned by award-winning playwright and historian Barile, who previously adapted “Anne of Green Gables” and “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad: An Erie Ghost Story” for the Mercyhurst Theatre Program.

Barile, who holds a doctorate from the University of Missouri, has adapted forgotten American plays such as “The Pedlar and Liberty in Louisiana” and the writings of Mark Twain, M.R. James, Homer and Washington Irving.

Her works have been performed at The York Theatre, The Open Eye, and Arclight Theatres in New York, the American College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center and regional theatres in the U.S. and Canada.

Audiences should expect to be transformed into the Christmas spirit after this production, which has been a highly anticipated event for some time.

This production features many talented students including: Tori Altsman, Sara Bengar, Jakarri Buckner, Allison Christopher, Mary Danko, Colin Domowicz, Seth Gibson, Rachele Heasley, Nick Humes, Mackenzie Kiker, Lochlan Snider-Mills, Brenna O’Connor, Braden Rosciszewski, Jenna Rosciszewski, Ella Santillano, Caroline Schroer, Amanda Schueren, Elizabeth Shewan, Rondale Smith and Abby Whitman.

The creative team also includes assistant director/dramaturge Bethany Sulecki, scenic designer Tucker Topel, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, choreographer Jennie Cross, stage manager Darby Shafron and assistant stage manager Joey Franz.

The Mercyhurst community is much thrilled to see this performance.

Performances of “A Dickens of a Carol” are scheduled for Dec. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7-8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $6 for students (with a valid Mercyhurst I.D.) and youth.

For more information on this production visit miac.mercyhurst.edu.