BELFAST – Jacob Marley’s ghost will haunt the Troy Howard Middle School ‘cafetorium’ this December as John Bielenberg’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol comes alive, courtesy of the Midcoast Actors’ Studio.

I was able to join Director Jason Bannister and the cast for part of a recent dress rehearsal, arriving just in time to catch the end of the play.

I expected something akin to my past theater experiences: frantic directors pacing around and tugging at what little hair they have left while actors stutter through half-memorized lines and trip over each other in shoes that don’t fit.

The scene in the cafetorium was nothing like that. Bannister laughed and nodded approvingly as we watched the cast glide through the second act of the play with ease.

“We’re ready, man,” he said.

Bannister has worked with the cast since late October. The shows later this month will be the fourth time Bielenberg’s adaptation of the Dickens’ tale has been staged in the Midcoast.

A few members of the current cast have acted in previous productions of this adaptation, which Bannister says has helped rehearsals tremendously.

Bannister founded the Midcoast Actors’ Studio two years ago and works as its artistic director, as well as handling the many other facets of production and promotion. He has tried to be selective in who he works with, handpicking actors who are dedicated to thorough character development and understanding of the material.

The studio has received two grants from the Basil Burwell Foundation and the Maine Theater Fund, and is working towards becoming a registered nonprofit.

Bannister has big goals for the company’s next season. The slate of seven productions includes musicals, three-act plays, and a Maine playwright showcase.

It’s a seemingly daunting task, but Bannister has a casual attitude about it.

“You only live once, right?” he says.

Midcoast denizen John Bielenberg’s adaptation adds a musical element and a fresh twist to the classic Christmas tale. The story takes place in the bedroom of a young, ill girl. A company of actors visits the bedridden child and decides to hold an impromptu performance of A Christmas Carol.

The play features singing and dancing, with accompaniment by musical director Lila Nation.

A Christmas Carol premieres this Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at Troy Howard Middle School. Additional evening performances will be held on Dec. 7 and 14 at 7 p.m. There will also be two matinee performances, on December 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.

The Midcoast Actors’ studio will be hosting a special lasagna dinner ($20 for students/$25 for adults) before the Dec. 14 performance. Reservations must be made by Dec. 9.

FMI call 370-7592, or visit www.midcoastactors.org

Contact Wes Sterrs: wes.sterrs@gmail.com