“Scrooge” takes the stage in Negaunee

With Christmas now less than three weeks away, a Christmas classic is coming to life in Negaunee tonight.

The Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council is performing “Scrooge” at the Vista Theater. It’s a stage version of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Most audience members will be familiar with Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy, cold-hearted businessman.

“It is basically the story of Scrooge’s transformation, made into a little quasi–Broadway–style musical,” director Christopher Leith said. “It’s a rollicking good time. I think that if people come and see the show, they may enter with a smile, but when they exit, it’ll be a little bit bigger.”

The original story and the musical are both set in early 19th–century England, but the ability of “Scrooge” to please crowds has kept the show popular over the years.

“It’s been produced many times in many places,” Leith said. “I remember when I was a little kid, I used to see it at Northern (Michigan University). They don’t do the same version anymore, so we revived what I consider the old, classic version.”

“Scrooge” takes the stage tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. There’s also a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for kids age 16 and under.