Being a child of the ’80s, I always pictured Charles Dickens’ Tiny Tim as the spry Mary Lou Retton—throwing off those burdensome crutches in an amazing floor routine. While Scrooged forever altered my idea of what A Christmas Carol should be like, Portland Center Stage’s current adaptation of the Dickens holiday classic set me straight.

While bereft of gymnastics and Bill Murray, the Center Stage’s production is chock a block with talented local actors faithfully reproducing the novella, and all shining in a fresh take on the story. Yet, without a doubt, the biggest star is the set design. With swiveling sets, strobe lights, and William Castle-esque theater ghosts, it’s nigh impossible not to be impressed by the level of detail that went into the production. All four ghosts (including Jacob Marley—played by the impressive Ted Roisum) are at turns hilarious, scary, and creepy (in particular the band of Christmas Past Ghosts with their glowing red eyes). And lest I forget Scrooge, Wesley Mann nails it.

It’s definitely worth checking out, and I know tickets are going fast. The experience made me a feel a little more Christmas-y, especially after the holiday shopping shove at Powell’s.

A Christmas Carol
Portland Center Stage at the Gerding Theater
128 NW 11th
Tues-Sun 7:30 pm (plus Thurs noon; Sat & Sun 2 pm), through Sun Dec 23
$15-58