THEATER REVIEW / ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ : Straight and True : It’s a traditional interpretation of the Charles Dickens favorite, done well.

For those who prefer Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic “A Christmas Carol” played straight, there’s no better version in Ventura County than the one being presented by the Santa Susana Repertory Company.

Of course, there’s no other production, either. But the Santa Susana group’s version would probably stand out against the competition. Relocated to Thousand Oaks from its former Simi Valley home, the group is presenting the Dickens classic for the fourth consecutive year; this one is the same George T. Mitchell adaptation as last year’s, with the same director, John Garrick.

Several cast members are appearing for at least their second time around. New to the company is Eric Christmas--they swear that’s his real name--portraying Ebenezer Scrooge, the literary antecedent of the Grinch and Oscar the Grouch. A compact, chisel-featured man, Christmas is a sort of male equivalent of Margaret Hamilton in “The Wizard of Oz.” As bilious as could be, he undergoes a particularly delightful transformation after being visited by the three Spirits; the children in Sunday night’s audience found the new and improved Scrooge especially amusing.

The show looks good, and the ghostly appearance of former partner Jacob Marley’s face on Scrooge’s door-knocker is especially nicely realized. Those not persuaded by the three Spirits and still in a “humbug!” state of mind can avoid a Christmas sing-along by leaving before the curtain-call.

* WHERE AND WHEN

“A Christmas Carol” continues through Dec. 20 at the Conejo Community Park theater, where Hendrix and Dover streets intersect in Thousand Oaks. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8; and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Several performances are already sold out. Tickets are $10; $7 seniors and students and $5 for children, with special rates available for groups of 10 or more. For reservations or further information, call 374-8282.