“A Christmas Carol” has a certain charm, and none more certain than in the Civic Theatre of Allentown production of the annual classic, through Dec. 17, Nineteenth Street Theatre, Allentown.

It’s the 31st production of the Charles Dickens’ tale adapted for the stage by William Sanders and Sharon Lee Glassman.

Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director Sanders, who again directs the show, with Associate Director JoAnn Wilchek Basist and Assistant Director Todd Croslis, tweaks aspects of the production each year.

“To begin with,” to quote Dickens, what’s wonderful about this most wonderful production at this most wonderful time of year is its size and scope. It’s huge. By my count, there are 92 in the Civic show. There are an additional 14 in one of the alternating supporting casts. Thus, there are, again by count, 106 actors involved in the production. This doesn’t include backstage, technical and house personnel. The Dec. 2 opening night production was seen for this review.

The Civic Theatre of Allentown production of “A Christmas Carol” is the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” of the Lehigh Valley.

Among the changes in the 2022 edition of “Christmas Carol” at Civic are several casting decisions by Sanders.

The Ghost of Christmas Past is played by a youth, Lukas Barnett, rather than a casting choice of an adult. Barnett is tremendous in the role. In clear voice and strong stage presence, he displays a confidence beyond his years. His costume, all in white, lends an angelic effect.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, often presented as a rotund person, is instead played with svelte gay abandon by Troy Brokenshire. A completely different take, sharp and wise, on the role is provided by Brokenshire, who retains the jolly countenance.

Brokenshire does double duty as The Ghost of Jacob Marley. In this role, he appears to be weighed down by the heavy chains that adorn his costume. It’s an amazing performance, telegraphed almost entirely by his physicality. The costume change by Brokenshire from Ghost to Ghost backstage must be interesting in itself.

Returning in the role of Scrooge is Bill Joachim. This time, Joachim seems to be giving a more muted and sensitive portrayal of Scrooge, without a lot of the histrionics often associated with interpretations of the role. Oh, yes, he jumps with redemptive joy during the play’s big reveal. But throughout, Joachim seems almost reverent in the role. His choice gives the entire play a more thoughtful sensibility, bringing into focus the effect of Scrooge’s transformation and its impact on those around him.

The actors in the play’s lead roles are excellent, including an enthusiastic Shaun Hayes (Bob Cratchit), a funny David Smith (Old Joe), a memorable Robert Wallace (Mr. Fezziwig), an impressive Susan Schlegel in a dual role (Mrs. Colby, Mrs. Fezziwig), a lovely Rachel Van Dyke-Stipick (Mrs. Cratchit) and a great Cashton Zisa Morrow (Tiny Tim).

“A Christmas Carol” at its heart is a Ghost story, or Ghosts Stories.

It’s also a cautionary tale. It’s akin to an old-time tent revival fire and brimstone sermon. After all, Scrooge does address a Ghost as “Spirit ... “

Scrooge escapes damnation by the skirts of his nightgown.

It’s a horror story, too. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come (George Kovaris) is scary enough. The effects are eerie.

The production values are excellent. Kudos to Lighting Designer and Costume Designer Will Morris, Scenic Artist Jan Joyce, Scenic Designer Luke Blomstrom, Sound Designer Randall Utsch, Hair and Makeup Designer Kim Danish, and Prop Master Jason Sizemore.

Oh, and by the way, lest we forget: Child Wrangler Dee Rhoads.

Seeing all the children, teens, young adults and families in the Civic Theatre “A Christmas Carol” makes the production bright.

If you want to add festivities to the holidays and get some seasonal tips on how to “keep Christmas well,” don’t miss this splendid production of “A Christmas Carol” at Civic Theatre of Allentown.

“A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 15, 16; 2 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 17. Tickets: Box Office, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. https://civictheatre.com/ ; 610-433-8903