A cast of more than 100 tells an emotional story while Barry Glassman as Scrooge and other lead players keep the tone light in Civic Theatre of Allentown's 23rd production of "A Christmas Carol," through Dec. 15 at the 19th Street Theatre, Allentown.

With a sprinkling of well-timed wordplay and facial expressions, Glassman as Scrooge relives his sad past and gets a glimpse of the bleak future he's set himself up for. Scrooge's cold lack of holiday spirit is evident from the start as he shoos off multiple visitors while avoiding wishing them anything but "Good evening."

Mark Collmer makes a stunning entrance as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, where green lighting and grotesque costuming caused a feeling of fear to pervade the entire theater opening night, Nov. 30.

Smoke fills the theater as the audience travels back in time with the Ghost of Christmas Past (Kathy Patterson) to explore how Scrooge developed his distaste for the holiday season. Their scenes evoke a rare sympathy for the character.

Scrooge begins to develop sympathy of his own when the Ghost of Christmas Present (JoAnn Wilchek Basist) lets him peak in on the Cratchit family holiday celebration where he witnesses the ailing health of Tiny Tim Cratchit (Brendan Griffiths).

Perhaps the most dynamic scenes are those between Scrooge and the ominous Ghost of Christmases Yet to Come (Matthew Rosvanis). The silent, but powerful presence of the cloaked ghost is enough to lead Scrooge to his redemption as it shows him the cruel perception other characters have of the frustrated Scrooge.

Everyone is pulling for Scrooge at the heartwarming conclusion, where his change is evident in his interactions with every character he comes across. From small children to his nephew Fred, Scrooge's attitude has take a 180-degree turn that surprises everyone, and most of all, the Cratchit family. It's hard not to smile as Glassman hoists Griffiths (Tiny Tim) on his shoulder in the final scenes.

Sharon Glassman and director Bill Sanders' adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic stays true to the story's themes and presents the tale of Scrooge in an endearing manner with a "story-within-a-story" framework that adds a unique twist to the end of the show.