A Christmas Carol: Here come those ghosts!

MCT Community Theatre offers a musical version of the Christmas classic Nov. 30-Dec. 17

On Stage
Missoula Community Theatre's "A Christmas Carol"
“A Christmas Carol”: Ian McLean is Tiny Tim, and Thain Bertin is Bob Cratchit.Photo © Director Joseph Martinez

When the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future come knocking, where will you be? Those ghosts will visit Ebenezer Scrooge Nov. 30-Dec. 17 when the Missoula Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol: The Musical.” The classic story by Charles Dickens, accompanied by the glorious music of composer Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”), has become a new holiday favorite.

It’s that music, says director Joseph Martinez, and “the beauty of the telling of this version” that drew him to the show. Martinez has directed this show five times, but he still loves the story.

“This script and production have elements of surprise that you don’t see in other versions,” he notes.

While this is definitely a Christmas show, Martinez feels this version has a Halloween feel to it because of Ebenezer’s journey with the ghosts. Those ghosts may provide occasional scary moments for younger children, but this family-friendly production is predominantly brimming with humor, warm sentiment, and festive holiday cheer.

Martinez has also confirmed that Santa Claus is planning to visit the theatre prior to each performance. The jolly man in red is looking forward to chatting with as many children (and adults) as he can!

Santa also told Martinez that the song “Christmas Together” from “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” is currently his favorite holiday tune; Santa’s been listening to it on repeat on his phone. ’Tis the season!

The show opens Thursday, Nov. 30, with Premiere Night, featuring a reception at 6 p.m. and dessert at intermission ($50 for children 12 and under and $125 for adults). This special holiday production continues 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 1-17.

Tickets are $20-$25, and available at MCTinc.org; by calling 406-728-7529; or at the MCT Box Office, which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.