Everyone should take in this Holiday extravaganza and relive the story of Tiny Tim and Scrooge. Charles Dickens began writing A Christmas Carol in 1843, when he was badly in need of money to support his wife and 5 kids. Illustrated with four woodcuts and four hand-colored etchings by artist John Leech and a gold-stamped cover, Dickens' Christmas tale was published just before Christmas, selling for five shilling a copy.

This work has gained in popularity over the past 161 years. Alastair Sim in the 1951 film Scrooge brought the characters to life; live theatre is the venue to enjoy it. And none does it better than Kansas City Repertory Theatre, now in its 24th season. Gary Neal Johnson is Scrooge and Mark Robbins is Charles Dickens. It's a holiday extravaganza, directed by Linda Ade Brand.at 4949 Cherry Street on the UMKC campus.

Call 816-235-2700 for more information or visit www.missourirep.org