STAGE REVIEW : SCR’s Dickens Softens the ‘Bah. Humbug!’

Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has had many incarnations, from film to cartoon, but there is nothing quite like a live performance to lock in that holiday glow.

Right now, “Bah. Humbug!” is resounding from stages all over the Southland. Among those making it a savory family treat is South Coast Repertory’s ninth annual Christmas card offering.

Purists, beware: You won’t find much of Dickens’ dark side here. The production, directed by John-David Keller, seems refreshingly new, but time may have softened any sharp edges. Despite foggy special effects and ghostly reverberations, children are more apt to giggle than to shiver at Jacob Marley’s ghost (played by Don Took).

The “poor” simply appear to be dressed down for the occasion, and Scrooge’s willingness to be redeemed comes prematurely.

These Scroogelike observations made, there is still plenty left to revel in. Jerry Patch’s generous, eye-filling adaptation offers a veritable cornucopia of rollicking Fezziwigs, humble Cratchitts, merry relations, jigs, reels and sweetly sung carols, benign spirits and--above all, despite his easy conversion--a first-rate Scrooge.

Once again, Hal Landon Jr. captures the image of miserly Scrooge so thoroughly that he makes it difficult to picture anyone else in the role. Everything about him is stingy, from his thin-lipped scowl to his sharp, disapproving nose and hunched shoulders. His black coat flaps like crows’ wings as he strides uncharitably past the poor.

After the nocturnal visits from the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future (well played by Richard Doyle, Ron Michaelson and Took, with varying degrees of humor and gravity), Landon’s frolicking joy at becoming a changed man is pure delight, from his spry somersault into his hat to an affecting reunion with nephew Fred (Howard Shangraw).

Shangraw is another pleasure--an actor whose casting couldn’t be more felicitous. His kindhearted, simple Fred is all Dickens.

Everyone else does his and her part, on stage and off. Cliff Faulkner designed the pleasing set, Dwight Richard Odle lent his deft touch to the picture-perfect costumes, while Donna and Tom Ruzika’s lighting and Stephen Shaffer’s sound amply suits the mood.

At 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa through Dec. 24. Curtain times: Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18-24 at 5 p.m.; matinees Saturdays and Dec. 20-23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sundays and Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. Tickets: $18-$20. Information: (714) 957-4033. Note: The show is sold out; call for cancellations.