In what has become a lovable tradition, Vienna's International Theatre is putting on A Christmas Carol for the 14th year in succession.

It all started in 1984, when two of the IT's actors, homesick for Christmas at home, asked if they could put together a few performances of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

These few performances were neither expensive nor elaborate, but have multiplied, seen by audiences in Austria as well as Germany.

Four years ago, the IT transferred the production from its main stage to its second playing space, the Fundus. The Fundus is a picturesque courtyard of a nearby church, the Servitenkirche, which provides enough space for Mrs. Cratchit's Bazaar as well as seasonal parties held in the Fundus- Bar.

As for Vienna's other foreign-language stage, the Vienna's English Theatre, all performances are in English. Jack Babb is Ebenezer Scrooge, Bronwynn-Leigh Mertz, Laura Mitchell, Bruce Sherwood, Jeff Sturgeon (who also directs), Don Fenner, David Lagle, Marilyn Close, Tom McIntyre and Marissa Afton have taken over the other parts in Charles Dickens' Christmas classic. Performances run till Jan. 3 from Monday to Saturday. The theatre is dark on Dec. 24, 25 and 29.

Tickets for the IT (Muellnergasse 6a, A-1090 Vienna) can be ordered at +43-1-319 62, 72, fax +43-1-310 89 97.

- By Bernd Freimueller

Austria Correspondent