Large regional houses present Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol every holiday season without fail, so why shouldn't a small Off-Broadway troupe get in on the action? Of course, a New York company would have to do the yuletide chestnut with a twist, and that is just what the venerable Jean Cocteau Repertory has done.

The version of Carol that will appear on the Cocteau stage on Dec. 15 will be a radio play, concocted by JCR producing artistic director David Fuller. Live Foley Sound Effect will provide the creaking doors, rattling chains and other assorted noises, while audiences will be encouraged to participate in the proceedings.

The show will take place at 2 PM. Holiday refreshments will follow.

Acting out the perennial favorite will be Mark Rimer, David Fuller, Jeffrey Eiche, Judith Jarosz, Amy Stoller and Jenny Gammel. with Allen Hale at the piano.

Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Coral S. Potter Fund, named after a former Jean Cocteau member. Potter acted in more than 70 different productions at JCR over an eighteen year period. He died in 1990. The fund's monies are to be used by resident acting company and staff "in times of personal or family emergencies and is made available to them on an interest-free loan basis." Single tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children (under 12) and may be purchased by calling (212) 677-0060 or on-line at HYPERLINK "http://www.jeancocteaurep.org" www.jeancocteaurep.org.

—By Robert Simonson