Dickens true star of ‘Carol’

Here’s what’s magical about Charles Dickens’ classic tale “A Christmas Carol,” which Penobscot Theatre opened Thursday at the Opera House. You can see a good production of it. You can see a bad production of it. You can see a modern revision of it (such as the 1988 film “Scrooged”). And it all hits you in the heart.

That’s the joy of great literature, which “A Christmas Carol” assuredly is. Mark Torres’ production, which features professional as well as community actors, is an even-handed rendition of Scrooge’s one-night odyssey with ghosts. It’s not as scary as past shows. Nor is it as complicated and clunky. It’s a minimalist approach as far as the sets go, and the music is eerily synthesized rather than live. While “A Christmas Carol” always has a certain charming intimacy, this year there are times when the largeness of the Opera House seems to swallow the actors — or at least their voices.

But halfway through the production, when Scrooge becomes a ghost himself and watches the Cratchitt family toast him despite his miserly ways, there’s that reliable punch of emotion that Torres, who adapted the story, has a knack for throwing. When Tiny Tim utters “God bless us every one,” it’s a sure thing that your heart will get stuck smack in the center of your throat.

Ah, Dickens. He takes us to the soul of it all like no other writer, and right there on the wings of his words is everything we need to know about the spirit of human kindness. Scrooge starts with “Bah! Humbug!” and before the night is over — in just over 60 minutes of theater — he’s singing a new song. “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!” Scrooge shouts giddily at the end of the show. “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

The transformation is chillingly joyful, and is made all the more poignant by yet another winning performance by Ken Stack, who has created the role of Scrooge in nearly 10 productions. When he’s done hopping about town delivering gifts and making amends, Stack’s Scrooge stands silhouetted, his back to the audience and a cool expanse of light behind him. He raises his hands skyward and praises the heavens in a quiet, private moment of understanding.

While the image looks more like Jay Gatsby than a character from Victorian England, the moment is clear and powerful. It softly suggests: Give of yourself so that you may belong more fully to the universe.

OK, maybe that’s being a bit profound. But truly, “A Christmas Carol” is a delightful and instructive respite from the commercialism and frantic rush of the holidays. The youthful cast (which also includes some who are young at heart) is charming and diligent. Lynne Chase’s lighting design is festive. And Ginger Phelps’ costumes are attractively dark.

But it’s Dickens who shines here, shines right into your life and reminds you that the secret of Christmas isn’t underneath the tree.

Penobscot Theatre will present “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 23 at the Opera House on Main Street in Bangor. For tickets, call 942-3333.