On Theater: ‘Christmas Carol’ rings in the season again

There are several constants regarding the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” at South Coast Repertory. First and foremost, of course, is the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, played brilliantly for all 36 years by veteran actor and SCR founding artist Hal Landon Jr.

Secondly, the show has always been directed by John-David Keller, who also appears as Scrooge’s first employer, the ebullient Mr. Fezziwig. And third, the Costa Mesa production has always been reviewed for the Daily Pilot by the same critic, yours truly.

So what’s new or different this year? Precious little in this heartwarming classic from Charles Dickens, adapted for SCR by Jerry Patch. There’s a new Mrs. Fezziwig (Amelia White) and, of course, the kids change from year to year. But the major performers are all back for their umpteenth go-round in their signature roles.

What stands out this time is in more of a technical nature. Drew Dalzell’s throbbing sound effects set a festive — and often fearsome — tone to accompany the superb lighting design of Donna and Tom Ruzika, a fourth constant, since the couple have lit up all 36 versions of the holiday show.

Thomas Buderwitz’s scenic backdrops whiz on and off the stage as they’ve been doing for many years. And Dwight Richard Odle, another 36-year constant, again has created the show’s splendid period costumes.

Greg Daniel, in his sixth production, chills the blood as the ghost of Jacob Marley, joining the jolly spirits of Christmas past (31-year veteran Richard Doyle) and present (Timothy Landfield), along with the shrouded, mute Austin Springer as the eerie ghost of future holidays.

Director Keller once more jovially recreates the party host Fezziwig with a new partner, the equally jolly White. Daniel Blinkoff (13 years) and Jennifer Parsons (12 years) are quite at home in their roles of Bob Cratchit and his wife. William Francis McGuire again sets a holiday-loving tone as Scrooge’s nephew Fred.

Especially notable this year are the performances of Alex Knox as the young Ebenezer and Erika Schindele, particularly strong as his first (and probably only) love, Belle. In this segment, the sensitive young Scrooge is offset by a harder-hearted young Marley (Rosney Mauger).

December is barely upon us and “A Christmas Carol” has injected the spirit of the season into its receptive audiences, many of whom are repeat visitors to this familiar yet festive holiday package from South Coast Repertory.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater.

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IF YOU GO

What: “A Christmas Carol”

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and noon and 4 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 27

Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Tickets start at $47

Information: (714) 708-5555 or visit scr.org