Photo Flash: First Look at Beef & Boards' A CHRISTMAS CAROL

- This holiday season, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the 20th Anniversary production of its popular one-hour version of A Christmas Carol. Enhanced with traditional carols, this classic Charles Dickens tale is on stage for just 10 performances from Dec. 6-22.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, faithfully endures the ongoing chill from both his workplace and his boss.

Faithfully, he keeps Scrooge in his prayers even through his own family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of Cratchit's young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge's heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.

Scrooge's inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who appears to him on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits, and advises to heed the messages they bring. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come then appear to Scrooge in succession - reminding him of what was, pointing out what is, and showing him what will be should he continue on his present path. Not only will his life be quickly forgotten if he maintains his miserly ways, but those around him face hardships that he could have easily prevented.

Jeff Stockberger plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Darrin Murrell as Bob Cratchit, Ben Asaykwee as Jacob Marley, Collin Poynter as Fred and Teresa Koleszar as Fred's wife. The ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come are played by Erin Cohenour, Craig Underwood and A.J. Morrison respectively. A Christmas Carol is directed by Elizabeth Stark and choreographed by Ron Morgan. Music arrangements are by Michael Hoagland with Debbie Myers as musical director. Jill Kelly is the costume designer.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents 10 performances of this speical 20th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol in its intimate setting. Tickets range from $24 to $34, including Chef Odell Ward's holiday buffet and the show. Student group pricing is available for select performances. Parking is always free. For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664. For details or show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.