This version of the well-known story you are about to see is told from the spirits’ point of view, who have haunted Scrooge countless times and have to find ways to break their tedium. When Marley talks about being stuck in an endless loop and having to return to the same night, every year, he’s referring to his numerous incarnations warning all of Scrooge’s numerous incarnations in the myriad of movies, plays and TV specials based on Dickens’ tale. And every Christmas, Scrooge is back to his misanthropic self, and the spirits — and audience — have to start back at square one.

I was originally reluctant to restage A Christmas Carol, which we staged last year. Last year’s production was such a surprise success that I thought doing it again was like expecting lightning to strike the same place twice. However, as Pete convinced me that we should try alternative casting with Tiny Tim, he also convinced me that this is so far our one and only show that merits a re-helming.

Upon starting rehearsals, it was great to see how quickly everyone got back into the swing of things. It felt like putting on an old pair of slippers that had been in the closet for a year. I am proud of the new rewrites, love what Pete and the new cast members are doing and love how the recurring cast members are getting back into — and having fun with — their roles.

Those of you who saw the show last year may note a handful of changes this time around. There’s some new blocking, some new dialogue and some new cast members. However, despite all the changes, updates and personal touches, this is still A Christmas Carol. It always has been and it always will be. Like Marley, try as I might, I can’t escape.

All kidding aside, it feels great to be back. To me, Dickens’ story is possibly one of the best ways to expunge the bitterness and cynicism we’ve built up over the year and get us into the holiday spirit.

And yes. God bless us, everyone.

Fearing the world too much,

James “Ebenezer” Comtois

New York, 2005