PENSACOLA, Fla. — Charles Dickens’ classic novel about a miserly businessman whose encounters with four ghosts change his attitude and his outlook on life is coming to Pensacola Little Theatre.

The Andrews Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center and PLT will present “A Treehouse Christmas Carol” for two weekends in December.

Adapted for the stage by Pensacola playwright Stephen C. Lott, this production uses life-sized puppets to create the otherworldly Christmas spirits. This production is co-sponsored by Karin A. Garvin, attorney.

Lott is also starring in this production as Ebenezer Scrooge, the penny-pinching businessman who gets an eye-opening look at his life as presented by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

Also in the cast are Blake Barclay, Nathan Barnes, Colton Cash, Tim Chaney, Shelby Drummond, Hannah Kimball, Anna Kirkpatrick, Amber Layun, Angela Longton, Caroline Pierce, Alexander Reilly, Thomas Summerford, Raymond VerVoort and Dorie Waters.

Director Austin Holt believes that Dickens’ story is so enduring and popular because it carries a message that all audience members can understand and relate to. He also has high praise for the playwright.

“This adaptation of the story was written about five years ago by Dr. Lott, and it takes a unique spin on the story,” Holt says. “The original, period vibe of Christmas Carol is still intact, but there are some differences.”

Certain scenes have been rewritten with a brand of one-line humor that appeals to both children and adults. The parts will be performed by people of all ages, from young children to adults.

But one of the most outstanding things about “A Treehouse Christmas Carol” are the puppets. Whereas most of the characters will be performed by people in costume, the ghosts, namely Marley, Past, Present and Future will be portrayed by puppets that range in size from very small to massive.

“A Treehouse Christmas Carol” will be performed Dec. 5-7 and 12-14. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees start at 2:30.

Tickets are now on sale through the Pensacola Little Theatre Box Office or by phone, (850) 432-2042.

Adult ticket prices are $18, $16, $14 and children 12 and younger are admitted for half price. A $1 handling fee is assessed on all ticket sales.

Pensacola Little Theatre is celebrating its 72nd Season of entertaining northwest Florida. The Andrews Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center is the Treehouse 2008-2009 Season Sponsor, presenting “A Treehouse Christmas Carol” in December 2008, “Go, Dog. Go!” in April 2009, and Disney’s “High School Musical” in July-August, 2009. Tickets for all shows are on sale now at the Pensacola Little Theatre Box Office or by phone at 850.432.2042. For details, visit PensacolaLittleTheatre.com.

Treehouse Theatre also offers a full slate of acting and drama classes for children and adults. For information, contact Education Director Joe Tomko at (850) 434-0257 or joe@pensacolalittletheatre.com.