In the annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” which opened Wednesday night at Penobscot Theatre in Bangor, Ebenezer Scrooge takes just a little over an hour to let his spirit go forth generously in life rather than wear the chains of greed for eternity. Not bad for a man who, in the beginning, is unwilling to add an extra coal to the fire even on Christmas Eve.

Although Scrooge’s lesson — whether on stage or in written form — goes by quickly, it has a long reverberation. That’s why we love seeing it year after year, and why the Opera House was abuzz Wednesday night with children and adults alike seeking a sliver of Scrooge’s epiphany. “I shall live in the past, the present and the future!” he exclaims at the end of the story. Pity, really, that we pay attention to this promise only once a year.

Lucky for us, director Mark Torres is unflagging in his commitment to Charles Dickens’ splendid script, which Torres has adapted to fit the vastness of the larger space. As in past years, he sticks to a stark stage with movable set pieces (conceived by Jay Skriletz), and nicely drab costumes (constructed by Ginger Phelps). It all underscores Victorian England and the bleakness from which Scrooge emerges.

Although this production is not darkly constructed thematically, it is darkly lit. Lighting designer Lynne Chase sometimes forgoes illuminating the facial expressions of actors in favor of the dusky mood. She also creates the dreaminess of Scrooge’s journey, as well as the sparkle of his salvation, but you may find yourself straining toward a shard of light.

No one contributes more to this production than Ken Stack, who has played Scrooge, lo, these many years. And all the better for us. His Scrooge is, indeed, a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner. But he is also, finally, ebullient and kind. Stack can hunch, dance, threaten, whoop, and even do a kind of theatrical moon walk (to simulate his trip home in the snow) without ever laying it on too strong. He makes us fly with him, and it’s a pleasure.

Stack’s easygoing talent is the right leadership for this community cast, which includes Andrew Lyons (Bob Cratchit), Ron Adams (Marley) and, in a variety of roles, Michael Weinstein, Mike Abernethy, Alison Cox and a large ensemble of young actors. The show has many moments that are sweet or funny or poignant, but none is so beautifully orchestrated as the flashback to a night of dance in the shop of Old Fezziwig. The music provided by a live youth group of string players, led by music director and pianist Joseph McGuire, combines tenderly with the warmth and jollity among the actors, and the outcome is simply charming.

The show would benefit greatly if the community actors were more vigilant about volume. It’s entirely forgivable if a cellist hits the wrong note, the lighting cue is sloppy, the acting is underinspired (as in the engagement breakoff scene between the young Scrooge and Belle) or overinspired (as in the screeching and violent Old Joe scene). Even when the acting is inexperienced, Dickens’ language can carry this show. But if you can’t hear the words, or if they are distorted (by shouting or whispering), then the magic doesn’t get the chance to work its full measure.

Yet magic there is among these giving performers who bring this tale back to us once again with song, special effects, and good cheer. So go ahead and call “A Christmas Carol” an exaltation of the holiday season. It is. But bear in mind, also, that it’s not a bad move to make humankind your business and to beware of ignorance any time of year.

Penobscot Theatre will present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 16-23 at the Opera House on Main Street in Bangor. Evening performances are at 7 all nights except Friday, when the show is at 8 p.m. Matinees are 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For tickets, call 942-3333.