THEATER REVIEW ‘CHRISTMAS CAROL’ : Hardly a Humbug : The Simi Valley production offers new musical numbers along with great sound and lighting.

It’s unlikely that anybody doesn’t know the tale of how miserly, crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge underwent a severe attitude adjustment by three spirits who walked him through the past, present and future.

Still, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is a hardy Christmas tradition, and a solid production is still capable of evoking both laughter and tears.

The Santa Susana Repertory Company is presenting its third production of the classic and in several ways, this effort varies from earlier ones.

The troupe has moved into the new Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, a former courthouse now equipped with a handsome stage, and a sound and lighting system. That’s a welcome present for the repertory company’s fans, who have previously seen productions in a church and a tent, among other unconventional venues.

The present version of “A Christmas Carol” was adapted by George T. Mitchell, with a couple of original songs by director John Garrick. Other than those songs (though it’s not really a musical) and a voice-over narration by Marley’s Ghost, Mitchell’s script is reasonably traditional. The production is first-rate.

Everett (Woody) Skaggs, last seen locally in the Santa Paula Theatre Center’s production of “Deathtrap,” plays Scrooge with great zeal, settling just short of parody. He’s a joy to see in the part, having as much fun as a misanthrope as he does as the new, improved Scrooge.

The 15 other players, some assaying a number of roles, are all excellent. In the most straightforward roles, James Egan is Scrooge’s nephew, Fred (“I’d like you to meet Fred Scrooge. . .”), and Richard Livingston is the elder Scrooge’s beleaguered but cheerful employee Bob Cratchit.

Most of the other parts are character roles, all consistently well-played by the large ensemble. Of particular note is Heather Viau, who plays one of the Cratchit daughters and sings a lovely solo during the family’s caroling.

The theater’s Cerwin-Vega sound system might be the best in the county. Crys Forsyth-Smith’s atmospheric lighting is excellent, and the musical numbers include some quite sophisticated arrangements. Brian Mitchell is credited with orchestrations and incidental music.

The company’s artistic director, Lane Davies, reports that most of the remaining shows are nearly sold out, so reservations are recommended.

* WHERE AND WHEN

“A Christmas Carol” continues through Dec. 22 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3190 Cochran Street. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 8; Sunday performances are at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $7.50 students and senior citizens, $5 children. For reservations or information, call 582-9000.