Back Alley Productions kicks off holidays with ‘A Christmas Carol' at Mars Theatre in La Fayette .

North Georgia theater kicks off holidays with ‘A Christmas Carol’

Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about a wealthy miser who reclaims his humanity with the guidance of three Christmas ghosts will open Friday, Dec. 1, for nine performances at the Mars Theatre in LaFayette, Ga.

Back Alley Productions kicks off the holiday season with its theatrical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol.” The production will feature live music and traditional carols interspersed throughout the show.

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

The story focuses on the personal redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cruel and wealthy miser who receives Christmas Eve visits from three Christmas ghosts. These ghosts take Scrooge on a pilgrimage through his life, and into 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,” Smith says. “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, she adds.

“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 an 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.

“We are very excited to bring this show to life for a second time,” Smith says. “It’s a classic tale that has so much ability for creative freedom that it becomes fresh and original with every production. “

Tickets may be purchased online at www. BAPshows.com or at the box office. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.

For more information: 706-621-2870 or www. BAPshows.com.

Jessica Altemose, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, gives Scrooge, played by William Smith, a look into his future.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Jessica Smith is The Ghost of Christmas Past.

Michael Tate portrays the jovial and wise Ghost of Christmas Present.