Players of the Stage, a nonprofit Christian Youth Theater group, will present “A Christmas Carol” onstage Dec. 4-6 and 12-13.

“A Christmas Carol” is based on a novel by Charles Dickens and recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser, who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

Lower Milford resident Robbie Vaughn, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge and Lehighton resident Victor Ramos, who portrays Bob Cratchit, both comment on their roles.

“Ebenezer Scrooge is a man of great complexity, and even greater hubris,” Vaughn said. “His disdain for Christmas and everyone associated with it, while it has famously been depicted as a contemptuous and shallow opinion, actually goes much deeper than the widespread view of it. From the death of his sister to the loss of his love, there are numerous elements that contributed to Scrooge’s scornful attitude towards Christmas, elements that this show explores in depth.”

He said he enjoys playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge because of the dramatic yet gradual change that takes place in both his mind and his heart throughout the show.

“The Players of the Stage production of A Christmas Carol has been a joy to work on,” Vaughn said.

Ramos said Bob Cratchit is a unique character for him.

“He isn’t shown the most but his impact on the play is great,” Ramos said. “I love playing him because it is a different role than I am used to. The highs and the lows he has are very interesting.”

He said this is his final winter show with Players of the Stage.

“Pots is such a wonderful organization. Putting on free shows for people to enjoy and raising as much money as we can for the charity God has placed on our hearts at that time. I am so blessed to be a part of it,” Ramos said.

Lower Macungie resident Julia Daniel, The Ghost of Christmas Past, Allentown resident Sawyer Scheirer, Spirit of Christmas Present, and Lehigh resident Jacquelean Dressler, Ghost of Christmas Future, all comment on their roles.

Daniel said the Ghost of Christmas Past is a bright, energetic spirit that tries the hardest of the three ghosts to see the best in Scrooge.

“She gets offended easily but does not hold grudges against anyone. Instead, Past spends her time enjoying the nostalgia of fond memories and trying to find the light in the worst ones,” she said.

Daniel said she enjoys playing the Ghost of Christmas Past because of her spontaneous personality throughout the play.

“She can be incredibly sarcastic and may even come off as being childish, but she chooses her words carefully to have a subtle impact on the listener,” Daniel said. “With this skill, she is able to help Scrooge navigate his old memories from a different perspective, and I admire her tenacity in guiding him onto the right path.”

Scheirer said the Spirit of Christmas Present is a bright, joyful spirit who shows Scrooge kindness, generosity and paying attention to the people around you is what Christmas is really about.

“I love how fun and energetic she is. She is confident, warm, and funny and is not afraid to tell Scrooge the truth,” Scheirer said. “It’s really enjoyable getting to bring that fun, positive energy onstage.”

She said playing this character reminds her how important it is to spread kindness and look out for each other – especially around the holidays and the audience leaves feeling a little more joyful and connected.

“I love being part of such a classic holiday story. The cast is amazing, and it is such a blessing that I get to be a part of this amazing story,” Scheirer said.

Dressler said the ghost of Christmas future is the embodiment of judgment and punishment.

“Past and present are both trying to save Scrooge, while future is a mutual party,” Dressler said. “She is a mirror showing Scrooge what he is, and I believe that is why she is the scariest spirit. No one wants to see how awful of a person they are. I love how mysterious she is. She is a very simple character but is terrifying.”

Dressler said she likes the fact POTS is a Christian community

“Often in theater it is hard to find a program that includes Jesus,” she said. “I especially love how Amber, our director, slightly changed the show to resemble the gospel.”

Amber Cade, who is directing this show, said it is an adaptation of Dicken’s novel “A Christmas Carol.”

It is a play but with a few musical performances (caroling) built into the show, Cade added.

Noelle Ledford is the musical director, Andrew Stirling MacDonald is the ensemble director, and Bryleigh Barnhart is the stage manager for the show, Cade said.

Cade comments on the play.

“Ebenezer Scrooge has seen much of the darkness of the world, and finding himself helpless to it, he found his refuge in his wealth. There, he finds control and safety, but it is a false safety, and on the holiest nights of Christmas, the spiritual realm endeavors to reveal this to him,” she said. “Spirits take him through the circumstances of what made him and showing him the outcome of his fear and idolatry, he is forced to decide if he will continue in his stubbornness alone or if he will embrace the light and allow his fear to give way to hope.”

Cade added, “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless classic, a story full of lessons that will never cease to be relevant.

“This beautiful celebration of the Christmas Spirit is just what people need this time of year, and Players of the Stage has a tradition of doing this story every five years,” Cade said. “This is our 25th anniversary since our founding and as an organization that strives to lifting up others in our community, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate.”

“A Christmas Carol” will be performed onstage at 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13 at Citylight Bible Church, 1921 Union Blvd., Allentown.

In lieu of an admission fee, a freewill offering will be taken to benefit Players of the Stage.

Cade comments on why she chose to raise funds for Players of the Stage.

“To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we have decided to raise funds for Players of the Stage to continue serving our community,” Cade said. “We are in need of a new stage and microphones, and we will use the funds raised during this show to help in these purchases that will enable us to continue to educate youth in the beautiful art of theater.”

Reservations are required for all performances.

To reserve tickets to this show, go to playersofthestage.org.

For more information about Players of the Stage, visit playersofthestage.com.