An annual holiday classic returns to Civic Theatre of Allentown and The Pennsylvania Playhouse stages an adaptation of a beloved Louisa May Alcott story.

Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 5 to Dec. 20, Nineteenth Street Theatre, Allentown

Pennsylvania Playhouse presents “Little Women,” Dec. 5 to Dec. 21 at the Bethlehem playhouse.

Civic Theatre’s beloved production of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption returns for its 34th year, inviting audiences once again to experience the heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his unforgettable journey through past, present and future.

The show, which tells the tale of Scrooge and his redemption, has included thousands of Lehigh Valley children over the years. More than 70 children in two casts will fill the stage this year with urchins, carolers and party children, among other roles.

The Civic production is adapted by Civic Theatre of Allentown Managing Artistic Director William Sanders and Civic Theatre of Allentown Board President Emeritus Sharon Lee Glassman.

The journey takes Scrooge through Victorian London as Dickens spins his magical tale about the true spirit of Christmas.

Sanders directs the Civic show, which features Jarrod Yuskauskas returning to play Scrooge. Yuskauskas is a familiar face on Civic’s stage, most recently portraying the height-impaired Lord Farquaad in “Skrek The Musical.” It’s the second time Yuskauskas is playing Dickens’ “covetous, old sinner” at Civic Theatre.

The production, filled with Victorian atmosphere, familiar music and dazzling stagecraft, celebrates kindness, compassion and the joy found in community.

Civic offers a “pay what you can” performance Dec. 6.

“A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 10, 12, 18, 19; 3 p.m. Dec. 7, 14; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, 20, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610-433-8903, https://civictheatre.com/

Pennsylvania Playhouse is celebrating the holidays with Kate Hamill’s feminist-friendly stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 19th century coming-of-age novel “Little Women.”

The story follows the lives of the four March sisters, Meg (Bryanna Pye), Jo (Mia Zappacosta), Beth (Emma Funderburk) and Amy (Angella Brown) in their passage from childhood to womanhood.

The adaptation centers on the tomboyish Jo, who isn’t a typical Victorian lady. She is headstrong, independent and determined to become a great American novelist.

As Christmas approaches in the midst of the Civil War, the March sisters come together to celebrate and support one another. Growing up in a world defined by gender, class and personal tragedy, they strive to be brave, intelligent and imaginative young women. As adulthood looms, each sister must balance her private ambitions with society’s expectations.

The cast includes Alec Gould, Nana Abenaa Nyanor, Amy Oselkin, Krista Metter, Charlie Dalrymple, Shawn McCoy and Daniel VanArsdale.

The Dec. 12 performance will feature understudies Sarah Wright (Jo), Gianna Kegler (Beth) and Seye Dada (Laurie).

Melissa Miller directs the Pennsylvania Playhouse production. Safran Astra is costume designer. Brett Oliveira is scenic designer.

The Playhouse offers “pay what you are able” for the Dec. 13 performance.

“Little Women,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, 21, The Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com