Many are familiar with the classic tale of the cynicism, greed, and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Charles Dickens novel “A Christmas Carol.”

Many adaptations of the story take place on the silver screen, but this holiday season the Palouse community has a chance to see the timeless tale on stage at the University of Idaho’s Hartung Theater.

This will be the fifth time this production has been performed by UI Department of Theatre Arts.

Director David Lee-Painter has been part of the play for two years and said he considers himself lucky to be part of the experience.

With an ensemble of more than 30 people including students and staff, Lee-Painter mentioned the cast and crew’s excitement and commitment rejuvenates the production year after year.

Actor Daniel Haley, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge, said Lee-Painter has done a good job of creating a zero-judgment atmosphere in the rehearsal hall.

“I did several things that didn’t work, but I learned they didn’t work,” Haley said. “We all laugh about it and keep finding things that will work. When we eliminate those things, we start to get closer and closer to the solution that works best for us.”

Michael Brandt, the puppet designer, is in charge of bringing the past, present, and future Christmas spirits to life in their own quality.

As a theater company, Brandt said the puppets bring “a more bare bone” feeling to the performance.

He said constructing the puppets is all about finding what is needed to make the puppet, from bass wood, which is very light and easy to carve, to plywood, foam, and a bicycle helmet, which can all contribute to bring these characters to life. For example, he had to create 12 different levers for the hands of the ghost Jacob Marley.

Brandt said he had to create each puppet to characterize the human and supernatural aspects of the different ghosts who visit Scrooge.

“It’s a quintessential collaboration,” Brandt said.

There is a trial-and-error process with the design and how they can improve for the performers, while having fun problem solving, he said. Brandt said he works closely with the entire crew to make sure the puppets perform at maximum efficiency.

“The puppeteers who are manipulating the puppets are so skilled spending so much time getting to know another part of themselves that’s inanimate,” Haley said. “It’s remarkably easy to hold the scene.”

Haley, who directed the play six years ago, said it’s a different experience acting in the play rather than directing.

“Playing Scrooge has been great because I get to focus on my track,” Haley said. “The director has to have everybody’s  story line in mind at all times, how they intersect … Directors have to have a broad view of the play where I get to be very narrow.”

Haley said his own experience with personal loss helped him dig deeper for the role.

“I lost a friend this year, and I’ve been thinking if there is something I want to have the audience take away from this,” he said. “I think for those that we have lost, is to inspire people to be more generous. Be generous with your resources and with your time, thoughts, energy. Our generosity may become their legacy. ”

The story of Scrooge’s transformation is set in motion in a morgue, when his friend and business partner Jacob Marley dies. Scrooge at this point, is filled with greed and callousness that he doesn’t grieve for him. Yet when Scrooge is intervened with Jacob’s ghost and the spirits of Christmas, the dread of his own future he witnesses ultimately gives him the motivation to strive for redemption.

Lee-Painter said it’s the redemption, to be open and empathetic, that is something we all hope for.

UI’s “A Christmas Carol” will play Dec. 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 and 14^th at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are for $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and University of Idaho faculty and staff, and $5 for children.