Actor James A. Stephens will reprise his role as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the area theatre center’s 29th annual production of Dickens’ classic tale.

Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic returns to Princeton with McCarter Theatre Center’s 29th annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” playing Dec. 6 through Dec. 27 in the Matthews Theatre. The production, featuring an adaptation by David Thompson and direction by Michael Unger, will begin previews Sunday, Dec. 6; hold its opening night on Friday, Dec. 11; and run through Sunday, Dec. 27.

“A Christmas Carol” is Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his magical journey into Christmas past, present, and future. McCarter’s critically acclaimed production has been called “a must-see” by The New York Times and “a glorious two hours of spectacle and joy” by The Princeton Packet.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of this particular production of “A Christmas Carol,” which features an accomplished creative team including Tony Award winners Ming Cho Lee (set), Jess Goldstein (costumes), Michael Starobin (music), and Rob Ashford (choreography), as well as Stephen Strawbridge (lighting), Brian Ronan (sound), and Charles Sundquist (musical direction).

The 2009 production welcomes back a critical and audience favorite as Ebenezer Scrooge: James A. Stephens. Stephens played the role to great acclaim in 2007, at which time The Princeton Packet wrote: “James A. Stephens is simply the best Ebenezer Scrooge we have ever seen!” His other credits include McCarter’s “The Birthday Party”; the Broadway productions of Neil Simon’s “45 Seconds from Broadway,” Alan Ayckbourn’s “House and Garden,” and Sir Peter Hall’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” He has also appeared in numerous productions at London’s Old Vic and on the West End, and he can soon be seen in the upcoming film “Sherlock Holmes.”

In addition to Stephens, this year’s “A Christmas Carol” cast welcomes back a number of returning players. Lisa Altomare (Mrs. Dilber), Richard Gallagher (Young Scrooge), Karron Graves (Fan), and Janet Metz (Mrs. Cratchit) all appeared in last year’s production, while Angela Lin (Lily/Belle) and Ronica Reddick (Christmas Present) reprise their roles from 2006 and 2007, respectively. Finally, Simon Kendall, who has twice played Young Scrooge in previous productions, returns to take on the roles of Fred and the Undertaker.

However, the cast will also introduce a few new faces making their first appearances in “A Christmas Carol,” including Justin Blanchard (Jacob Marley), Bill Buell (Mr. Fezziwig), David Furr (Bob Cratchit), and Michele Tauber (Mrs. Fezziwig).

Director Michael Unger directs McCarter’s acclaimed production of “A Christmas Carol” for the 12th year and the 10th with this production. His recent credits include: “The Happy Time” (Signature, D.C.), “Tiny Dancer” (Prince Music Theatre), “Behind the Limelight” (NYMF), “Die Fledermaus” (Sarasota Opera), and “The Rink” (Cape Playhouse). Mr. Unger has directed many regional productions, including the world premieres of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Still,” “Haven,” and “Caligula,” which won New York Musical Theatre Festival’s Audience Favorite Award in 2004.

“A Christmas Carol” features a young ensemble made up of children from the Princeton area. The children’s ensemble is comprised of Lindsay Gloriana Bohon, Andrew Chamberlain, Hayden Clark, Mariel Edokwe, Alex Fasolo, Annika Goldman, Danny Hallowell, Emma Kilyk, Anna Kralik, Matthew Kuenne, Lauren Lynch, Asher Muldoon, Elsa Rodriguez, and Reed Christine Schmidt.

The adult ensemble includes Brittany Beatty, Eric Carsia, Andrew Chappelle, Lauryn Ciardullo, Judah Gavra, Shanna Heverly, Alex Jorth, Will Porter, Trina Shumsonk, Louise Stewart, and George Tobey.

Performances of “A Christmas Carol” in McCarter’s Matthews Theatre are Thursdays through Sundays, with additional performances on Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Performances on Thursday, Dec. 24 will take place at noon and 4 p.m. There are no performances on Dec. 25. For a complete performance schedule, visit www.mccarter.org.

Tickets to “A Christmas Carol” start at $33 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by contacting McCarter Theatre’s Ticket Office at 609-258-ARTS (x. 2787) or online at www.mccarter.org.