Santa is not the only Christmas icon visiting town this holiday season, as Ebenezer Scrooge and the rest of the cast of “A Christmas Carol” come to the Ames Community Theater.

An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Christmas is being jointly produced by Ames Community Theater and Ames Childrens Theater.

The version of “A Christmas Carol,” which originally was produced for the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minn., was written to preserve the spirit of the story, while also offering additional insights and understandings. The adaptation includes Dickens as narrator.

“He fills in the little corners of the play that aren’t explained,” Keith Wirtz, co-producer of the show, said.

Carole Horowitz, also a co-producer, said the show is enjoyable for everyone involved. “It’s a delightful experience for both the people on stage and the audience,” she said.

The cast of both children and adults has become its own family and enjoys spending time together. When the show finished its first weekend last Sunday, a few members of the cast were reluctant to go home, she added.

“After the show the cast was still sitting on stage in costume. These people want to be together. Maybe we’ve made some lifelong friends,” Horowitz said.

“A Christmas Carol” is the story of a grumpy old business man, Ebenezer Scrooge, who has forgotten the joy of the holidays. Scrooge has spent his entire life alone, with only his money as a companion. After the death of his partner, Marley, he continues to become more greedy and secluded.

“Scrooge thinks anyone who says ‘Merry Christmas’ should have a stake of holly driven through their heart,” Wirtz said.

Mr. Cratchit, one of Scrooge’s employees, is trying to make the holidays joyful for his family.

However, because of the minuscule wages he is paid, there may be little to celebrate.

Cratchit’s crippled son, Tiny Tim, is continuously getting weaker despite all the hope he has in his young heart.

While he’s aware he could help the Cratchit family, Scrooge stays bitter and alone until an unexpected visitor from his past comes to visit. Marley’s ghost tells Scrooge of three other visitors that will soon be coming and warns him to heed their advice.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future take Scrooge on a journey he will never forget.

As he watches his childhood take place before his eyes, the secluded old man sees himself grow into the young man that put more emphasis on money than on happiness.

As he watches the only woman he ever loved leave him because of his dedication to his pocketbook, he tells the vision to go after her.

Scrooge then visits the home of the Cratchit family and he sees the pain and suffering his greediness is inflicting upon an otherwise joyful group of people; he also sees himself alone, suffering because he has no one to call a family.

“Life is not easy for Scrooge. They do not lighten up on him,” Horowitz said.

The final journey Scrooge takes is perhaps the most frightening one — to the future. Coffins suggest not only the death of Tiny Tim, but also that of a tight-fisted old business man. These images awake him from his dreams and bring him back to a reality where he has the potential to change.

“You can really see the transformation take place. He keeps Christmas in his heart again,” Wirtz said.

Wirtz said the message Scrooge’s story offers is perfect for the holiday season. “It’s just that time of year — for change, for giving,” he said.

ACTORS also produced “A Christmas Carol” in 1985. Only Zivko Nikolov, a violinist, returns from the original cast. However, Horowitz said this year’s cast is marvelous.

“We were very fortunate with the people who came and accepted the roles,” she said.

The cast includes local actors of all ages. All shows will be held at the ACTORS studio, 120 Abraham. The play will be performed Dec. 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 13 and 14 at 2 p.m.

A preshow music performance by Reggie Greenlaw will also take place on Dec. 12 and 14.

Tickets are available at John Huber Clothing or at the ACTORS Studio the day of the show and are $9 for adults and $6 for children under 12.