photo by Tim Fuller

The full cast of "Scrooge!" because a Christmas without Ebenezer's triumph over material matters just isn't.....Christmas!               

As promised, Arizona Theatre Company has brought back an even bigger and more dazzling production for it's second consecutive year of “Scrooge!” with book, music and lyrics by Oscar and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse.

Once more this tale of miserly Scrooge's transformation into that most jovial of reformed Christmas spirits comes complete with enthusiastically leaping Londoners singing and dancing in their jaunty top hats and finest frocks.

Shuler Hensley also returns in the titular role of Ebenezer Scrooge, making his entrance in a grumpy mood to sing “I Hate People.” Several other members are back from last year's cast, including Stewart Gregory as the Ghost of Jacob Marley and Dennis Tamblyn as Mr. Fezziwig.

Nearly as famous as the players is that remarkable scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West, accompanied by the projection designs of Brad Peterson, looking more three-dimensional than ever, creating an expansive version of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” that feels vibrant as Santa's own shopping list and pretty as a Christmas card (costumes designed by Elizabeth Caitlin Ward).

Hensley goes deeper into Scrooge's seasonal malaise, bringing the experience of a Broadway actor and operatic performer who has played opposite Patti LuPone at the Kennedy Center, with the New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony orchestras.

The gradual melting of Hensley's scowling “humbug” attitude while being forced to reconsider his dedicated penny-pinching lifestyle takes place amid stage effects that keep topping themselves one eye-catching turn after another.

No matter whether it is the city's cheery streets or Scrooge's own flights into darker phantasms of past, present and future, everything always feels larger than the theater itself.

These dizzying sets of time-traveling revelations reach far beyond mere reproductions of period furniture and fanciful scenarios, combining computerized effects that can feel like one's own dreams.

So it becomes the players, directed by ATC artistic director Matt August, who serve up all the joys of human kindness. A cast of 28 singers, dancers and townspeople bring a full portion of the season's joyful sauce to the stage.

August himself has fine-tuned the material, working with the Bricusse Estate. The Ghost of Christmas Past is Karmine Alers. The Ghost of Christmas Present is Geoffrey F. Belliston. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is John Michael Peterson.

Music is always in the air, from strolling carolers brightening their holiday alfresco to the enthusiastic guests at Fezziwig's Christmas party. A pit orchestra of two keyboards, violin, cello, bass and percussion provides full symphonic accompaniment.

The program notes also list 19 musical numbers, ranging from Scrooge's insular declaration that “I Hate People,” to his fully anticipated, “I'll Begin Again” of yuletide triumph..

“Scrooge!” runs through Nov. 30, with performances at various times Wednesdays through Sundays (no performance Thanksgiving Day) in the downtown Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. Run time is approximately 2 1/2 hours, including intermission.

Tickets are $33-$123. For additional details and reservations, 833-ATC-SEAT (282-7328) or online, atc.org

photo by Brian Gawne 

Jacob Marley (Jacob Brown) is wrapped in the chains of his selfish past to confront his grumpy business partner Ebeneezer Scrooge (David Orley) in the perpetually Christmas cheerful town of Dickensville USA.

If Charles Dickens had been living in the American midwest during the 1950s he might have written something like the Gaslight Theatre's “Scrooge, A Merry Miserly Christmas Carol! A Gaslight Musical Parody.”

Yes, this plot is essentially similar to “A Christmas Carol” that Dickens famously did write in 1843.

Only at the Gaslight, their setting is Dickensville, USA, a town famous for its perpetual year 'round Christmas spirit. Well, what else can you expect when Mayor Fezziwig (Todd Thompson) is also the proprietor of Fezziwig's Hardware Store.

And the socializing center for all that merriment is the Dickensville Diner,which looks quite a bit like the Gaslight's own 1950s-styled milkshake and hamburger hangout.

So instead of Londoners attired in their top hat elegance we see casually dressed Bob Cratchit (Mike Yarema) and his patient wife Gwen Cratchit (Miranda Sloan), the financially distressed proprietors of the Dickensville Diner.

It takes awhile to get all this set up before we meet the growly- natured Scrooge (David Orley), forever muttering “humbug” and other familiar quotes (“decrease the surplus population”,,, et al)

One of the best match-ups of current pop songs and traditional story is combining weary Jacob Marley (Jacob Brown), wrapped in those clanking links of deep regret, singing “Unchain My Heart.”

Tops in the costume department is the bright red beehive hairdo of Miss Snivling (Erin Thompson), the struggling secretary of Scrooge & Marley.

This “Scrooge” was written by Peter VanSlyke, adapted and directed by Katherine Byrnes and Mike Yarema, with musical direction by Josh Lamoreaux.

For the “Rockin' Christmas Olio” there's no where else to go but Las Vegas to hear “Santa Clause Is Back In Town.” Christmas themed puns are a staple of their holiday programming, as well as a featured chorus of black-nosed singing reindeer.

So will there be a special appearance by Elvis Presley, the Gaslight's own patron saint? Well, really, is the Pope fluent in Latin?

After all, around the North Pole when you talk about the King of Rock 'n' Roll, you're talking about Elfish Presley.

Not to end on a downer note but the full run of Gaslight's “Scrooge” is sold out. To get on the list for any last minute cancellations, phone the box office, 520-886-9428.