Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by William Sanders and Sharon Lee Glassman for the stage and directed and choreographed by Sanders at Civic Theater Of Allentown, is a terrific production, through Dec. 18, Main Stage, Nineteenth Street Theatre.

It’s the 30th anniversary production of the play at Civic Theatre.

If we need reminding that we can be more gentle and kinder to one another, the Christmas season message fills the bill.

The acting is superb on all levels from the youngest child to the eldest veteran, but special mention goes to the costuming, set design and lighting, which are all of the highest quality. Kudos to Will Morris, costume and lighting, and Kim Danish, hair and wig designer.

Scenic artist Jan Joyce’s vision unites the production and the talents of Sound Designer Randall Utsch, Scenic Designer Joshua DeRuosi, Propmaster Jason Daniel Sizemore and Technical Director Alex Sharkey, making for a seamless production.

Considering the number of children who all seem to be in the right place at the right time in the huge cast, Child Wrangler Dee Rhoads earns her spurs and a hats-off for a great job.

The opening scene featuring chilly, fog-shrouded Elizabethan London is outstanding as it evokes cold feet and frosty breath.

As Ebenezer Scrooge, Bill Joachim’s talent comes to the fore as he ranges from arrogant and cynical with his colleagues, to fearful desperation when confronted with the “ghosts” of Christmas.

As Bob Cratchit, Jesse Lichtenwalner, who bears the brunt of Scrooge’s indifference to Cratchit’s penury, is superb as he goes from kowtowing as Scrooge’s clerk to a cheerful and responsible family man who struggles to keep his large family together.

As Mrs. Cratchit, Gloria Millheim is the epitome of a loving mother whose children, Martha (Fiona Clifford-Fotapoulos), Liz (Arianna Millheim), Mary (Daisy Grather), Belinda (Madelyn Haupt) and Peter (Jordan Silver), provide a wonderful ensemble supporting an outstanding character of the play, their crippled little brother, Tiny Tim Cratchit (Liam Griffith).

Griffith masters the pathos that inspires hope for the future and a belief in the human spirit.

As Scrooge’s nephew Fred, William Elston is the epitome of genial warmth and Christmas good cheer, but his unflagging efforts to include Scrooge in the family festivities are met by “Humbugs!” from his uncle.

As The Ghost of Jacob Marley, John Bracali is spell-binding.

Kevin Browning’s performance as Ghost of Christmas Present is wonderful as he brings the Christmas message to the wealthy, but stingy Scrooge.

As Ghost of Christmas Past, Ainsley Quay is especially powerful, performing with charm and grace.

As Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Anthony Sanchez is terrific.

The Scrooge character is taken up by several young actors. He is ably depicted at age 21 by Anthony Kompa and at age 13 by Matthew Hauck. Otto Kneller’s portrayal of Scrooge at age 6 is delightful.

The Fezziwig family is magnificent. Mr. Fezziwig is played with humorous authority by Brian Walsh. As Mrs. Fezziwig, JoAnne Wilchek Basist is the essence of motherly charm. The family is especially enjoyable as they appear in multiple scenes in the classic story. Wilchek Basist is also featured as Mrs. Dilber.

The charming Fezziwig children animate their scenes with spirit-lifting Christmas song. The children, Belle (Elyn Millheim), Bonnie (Ava Grace Saab), Becky (Cadence LeBlanc), Bertie (Mackenzie Easler), Beatrice (Gabriella Montero) and Beth (Anna Mello), perform well as an ensemble, providing carols to complement the Christmas season.

The Story Teller’s (Todd Croslis) commanding narration keeps the story moving in smooth segues.

First Solicitor (Diego Subero) and Second Solicitor (Owen Wilburn) share comedic skill as they deal with Scrooge’s skinflint personality.

The Urchins played by the Holly Cast (on the opening night Dec. 3 performance seen for this review) of charming youngsters provides kid power to the production.

Beggar Woman (Claudette Nia) steals her scenes. She is superb.

Every aspect, from acting to production, is of the highest standard. For quality of this scale, acknowledgment must be given to the show’s Associate Director JoAnn Wilchek Basist for a job well-done.

Tickets: www.civictheatre.com; 610-433-8903