Nebraska Theatre Caravan's production of "A Christmas Carol," returns to the Lehigh Valley at 7:30 p.m. Dec.11, State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton. This musical adaption of Charles Dickens' 1843 novel is in its 36th year of touring.

"A Christmas Carol" features 23 performers who bring Dickens' fable of redemption to life on a set created by designer James Othuse. Carols such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Away In a Manager" and "Here We Come A-Wassailing" are interwoven within the classic story of tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.

Nils Haaland, who plays Scrooge in the production, is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this Christmas tradition.

"Scrooge's story, a curmudgeon who comes to embrace the true spirit of Christmas, is one that everyone can connect to," he says in a phone interview.

Over the course of one Christmas Eve, Scrooge, with the help of three visiting ghosts, transforms from a miser to an open-hearted and generous man.

"It is a real gift to play the role. Scrooge is a transformative character. He learns who he is by looking at himself through the eyes of the other characters in the play."

Haaland, a native of Dutchess County, N.Y., studied acting at the State University of New York - Purchase College, Purchase, N.Y. Upon graduation, he helped found the Blue Barn Theatre in Omaha, Neb., now in its 26th year.

The "Christmas Carol" story was adapted for this production by Charles Jones, former executive director of the Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha, Neb. The Caravan has been touring this adaptation since 1979. It is said to be one of the most widely-viewed productions of the Dickens' tale in the nation, annually performing for more than 100,000 in more than 60 cities.

"This is a wonderful ensemble piece with a tremendously talented cast," says Haaland.

Colorful scenery and elaborate costumes recreate the Victorian period. Exceptional voices, lively dancing and dazzling special effects like the mysterious spinning bed combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.

The heartwarming tale depicts Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit, and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England. The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.

Haaland believes that the popularity of "A Christmas Carol" endures because it's timeless.

"There is something so human about the play. It really shows such a wide range of all aspects of humanity. The play has a clear way of showing how powerful love can be. 'A Christmas Carol' gets to the heart of what it means to be a good person and a good citizen."

"A Christmas Carol" at the State Theatre has become a holiday tradition for many area families. Parents who came to see the Nebraska Theatre Caravan production as a child are now bringing their own children to the performance.

"It's heartwarming to see the different generations in the audience. It's a real family show. In fact, the actors and crew have become family to me."

Tickets: State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton St., Easton; statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132