Annoyed by Christmas merriment, cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge growled “Bah, Humbug!” at anyone who dared to step in his path and was haunted by three ghosts in return: the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future. 

‘A Christmas Carol’ performs at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Fisher Theater.

“Most of the people who will come have already seen it in some form or another…they know the story and they like it so much they want to see it again,” said Jane Cox, theater professor and director of the play. “It really gives a wonderful feeling to audience members, I think, about what the true Christmas spirt is, and that’s always happy when you can feel that in your heart.”

In order for Scrooge to feel the “true Christmas spirit,” he has to be reminded of what to be thankful for.

Asleep on Christmas Eve night, Scrooge, played by Christopher Priebe, senior in performing arts, is awakened by the Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Kim Paul, senior in performing arts.

The Ghost of Christmas Past visits memories from Scrooge’s childhood and a terminated engagement, making him realize he lost what he will never find again: love. Unless he chooses to change.

After Scrooge has returned to his bed, the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Joseph Smith, senior in performing arts, wakes him again.

“I’m all about living here in the present and trying to do what you can while you’re here, and that’s kind of what this ghost does,” Smith said. “He tries to push Scrooge to open his eyes more.”

Displaying before Scrooge’s eyes, the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals how other families are celebrating Christmas through their traditions, making Scrooge realize he is not a part of any tradition.

“Christmas is an important time to be with others, and if you shut other people out, then there’s no point to life pretty much. You’re not living if you don’t have friends and family,” said Andrew Smith, freshman in graphic design, portraying Narrator I.

The Ghost of Christmas Future, played by Jack Christensen, freshman in electrical engineering, arrives soon after the Ghost of Christmas Present in order to make Scrooge choose his fate: to die or to live.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $11 for students. Tickets can be purchased through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office or ticketmaster.com and at the door prior to the performance.