An adaptation of Dickens' play that stays close to the original storyline, this play will delight audiences as they come face to face with all of their favorite characters: Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and, of course, old Scrooge himself. This dramatization is a play within a play, as the town of Manchester, England, stages "A Christmas Carol" with the help of Charles Dickens himself, but all of the town's men that promised to act in the play are tied up by the Christmas rush. Saving the day, many of the wives happily step in to take their husband's roles and set the play up for smashing success.

Incorporated in the play is much factual material about Charles Dickens and this period in England. Tina Hanlon, Associate Professor of English at Ferrum College, visited Rochester and did much research to assist the author, Rex Stephenson, in the creation of this play.

A Christmas Carol may be performed by junior and senior high school students or by all adults, or by a blend of adult actors and young people. Anywhere from 18 to 44 people populate the play. If there is a shortage of men, you can do the play with as few as 6 male characters; if more men are available, you can use up to 14 males. Simple set; Victorian costumes; Mid-Nineteenth Century; Rochester, England.

Other Stephenson plays: The Jack Tales, The Liberated Cinderella, Three Old Women's Bet, Treasure Island

See also: A Christmas Carol (1-Act), A Christmas for Carol, Carol*A Christmas, A Country Christmas Carol, Señor Scrooge (bilingual)