The classic Christmas tale of the transformation of a cold-hearted man will come to life on the theater stage in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Wednesday.

The Victorian-era classic “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, will open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Doudna Theatre.

The play follows Ebenezer Scrooge through tests by three ghosts to abandon his cold nature and become a caring person.

Jean Wolski, the director of the play and a theatre arts professor, said the play is an adaptation of the book.

“What most people recognize, if they know the story, a lot of language is lifted directly from it,” Wolski said.

“This particular script is written so you have a company of actors play multiple roles, because otherwise the cast would be absolutely enormous,” she said.

She said the cast is made up of about 22 actors, including three children. 

“The first time they were on stage, they were so excited,” Wolski said. 

Wolski said this play has been performed in town, but has not been performed at Eastern.

“I love doing this because it’s a period piece, and for our actors, it’s nice to work with that kind of language and those costumes,” Wolski said. 

Andrew Swanson, a senior theatre arts major, said he likes the classic tale.

Swanson, who plays Scrooge’s nephew Fred, said this is a story most people know.

“I’m excited to see the audience reactions, especially the younger members, just to introduce them to the story and get them in the spirit of Christmas,” Swanson said. 

He said it is a transgenerational production.

“Regardless of how old or young you are, you can have fun and still take something away from the show,” Swanson said.

Wolski said the play gives a good message to audiences.

“It makes you want to go celebrate Christmas with your family,” Wolski said.

Alex Vokoun, a junior theatre arts major, said the story is about redemption.

“It gives off the message that no matter how bad your life can be, or how bad of a person you can be, you can change,” Vokoun said. “You can change any part of your life as long as you have the time.”

Wolski said there will even be a surprise during the play that audiences will have to wait for.

Performances will be Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 and at 2 p.m. Sunday. 

Tickets are $5 for students, $12 for Eastern employees and those 62 and older, and $12 for the general public.

Wolski said she was excited for the show because it is a classic.

 “I will watch every ‘Christmas Carol’ that comes on television, every old movie—it doesn’t matter how much I’ve seen it, I want to see it again,” Wolski said. “It becomes kind of a tradition for people.”

Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.