While North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) in Beverly, MA opens their eighth annual musical production of A Christmas Carol, GeVa Theatre of Rochester opens an all new adaptation of their musical staging of the Dickens classic. Both shows open Dec. 6 ; NSMT's Carol runs through Dec. 22, GeVa's runs through Dec. 29.

The NSMT production is based on an original concept by Jon Kimbell and NSMT staff members David Zoffoli and David James. With a slightly different production each year, Carol remains the company's most technically complex production. Music includes original compositions by James Woodland, whose whole concept, according to Kimbell, "was to keep the music consistent with what Dickens could have heard during his lifetime."

The production is directed and choreographed by Greg Ganakas, who directed productions in 1992, 1994, and 1995. Returning for the fifth year as Scrooge is NSMT favorite David Coffee . George Dvorsky returns for his sixth year as Christmas Present.

Mark Cuddy, former Artistic Director of the Sacramento Theatre Company, brought his favorite Carol cross-country to his new home at GeVa, where he is serving his first year as Artistic Director. The version that originated in 1987 in Sacramento and played there for five seasons is completely new in text, set, and costumes to Rochester audiences.

Richard Hellesen adapted the book, with new music and lyrics by David de Berry. The 13 songs in the score feature some lyrics originally written by Dickens. Tim Ocel hails from the Sacramento production to direct, and brings with him John Pribyl to recreate the role of Scrooge. For tickets and more information, please refer to the regional listings for the GeVa and NSMT theatres.

--B y Blair Glaser