‘Christmas Carol’ timeless tale

When it comes to Christmas stories, it is impossible to beat the timeless tale of the three ghosts who facilitate Ebenezer Scrooge’s conversion from tight-fisted curmudgeon to kind-hearted benefactor in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

In spite of having seen a thousand incarnations since Dickens wrote it in 1843 (my favorite remains the Muppet interpretation from 1992), it is at its best when it stays true to the original.

That’s what Christy Mendoza and the Company Class at Clovis Community College are promising for local audiences in a production that opens at 7 p.m. tonight in CCC’s Town Hall.

Christy says besides a traditional retelling of the story, theater-goers can expect to see a cast of familiar faces (Clovis business owner Chris Cummins headlines as Scrooge), and the most elaborate set to ever grace a Town Hall stage.

While the ghosts are “Dickens’ ghosts…very English,” and we all know there is a “God bless us, everyone” ending, Christy says the sound effects and rattling chains might be a tad scary for the youngest audience members. She recommends the production for age 6 and above.

Tickets are $10 ($8 for brave children, seniors and military), and may be purchased at the door if seats remain available.

Call the CCC cashiers’ windows at 769-4035 if you would like to check on availability or make reservations.

Don’t be a humbug. Buy a ticket (or two or three) and enjoy this wonderful show.

Betty Williamson honors Christmas in her heart and tries to keep it throughout the year. You may reach her at [email protected].