Back Alley Productions will kick off the holiday season with a theatrical adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This Charles Dickens classic comes to the Mars Theatre with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., from Dec. 1-17. The theater is at 117 N. Chattanooga St., in LaFayette.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.BAPshows.com or in-person at the box office. Doors open 30 minutes before show time. The production will feature live music and traditional carols interspersed throughout the show. 

“We have musicians, singers, actors, and everyone else in between ready to bring Christmas alive for you,” Director Kaylee Smith states. 

The holiday classic is family-friendly and runs approximately two hours, 15 minutes. The story focuses on the personal redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cruel and wealthy miser who relearns his humanity with the guidance of three Christmas ghosts. These ghosts take Scrooge on a pilgrimage through his life, and his future, in order to convince him to turn from his bitterness and embrace his fellow man. 

“Oftentimes, A Christmas Carol’s message and meaning gets simplified and the characters become caricatures,” Ms. Smith said. “What we’re doing differently is using the original novella and other public sources to pull together the depth and beauty of the 1843 work.” 

While the company will stay faithful to the Dickens work, there’s a lot of room for innovation, Ms. Smith added. “We have a large ensemble of talented actors and actresses from all ages, a great set and costumes, and a lot of Christmas cheer to give our audiences.” 

On a broad level, A Christmas Carol taps into the giving nature of the holiday season by examining the assumptions of privilege, the dangers of ignoring poverty and the individual’s responsibility toward the poor and needy. Back Alley is using several source materials to craft an accessible production that stays true to the original Dickens work, Ms. Smith said. 

“We are very excited to bring this show to life for a second time,” Ms. Smith says. “It’s a classic tale that has so much ability for creative freedom that it becomes fresh and original with every production. Even if you think you know the story of A Christmas Carol we’ve got an interesting twist that’ll surprise you!” 

For more information call (706) 996-8350 or visit www.BAPshows.com.