It’s a timeless story of love and magnanimity overcoming greed and flint-heartedness with the power of the Christmas spirit.

Civic Theatre of Allentown’s “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, adapted by William Sanders and Sharon Lee Glassman and directed by JoAnn Wilchek and William Sanders and Assistant Directors Patricia Welle and Giovanni Marsh, continues through Dec. 21 on the Main Stage.

This review is based on the Dec. 10 performance.

Bill Joachim (Ebenezer Scrooge) is masterful as the miserly bean-counter in this first-rate production of the classic Christmas tale.

Mark Ingram (The Storyteller) has the perfect voice and pitch for keeping the action moving and setting the scene for the characters.

Christopher Pizolato (Bob Cratchit) is convincing as a poor, but hard-working cog in the wheel of early industrial England. Virgina Hahn is noteworthy as Mrs. Cratchit, bringing sparkle to her part.

Todd Croslis’ (Fred) cheerfulness is contagious as he contrasts his attitude with Ebenezer Scrooge’s dour persona.

You are a humbug if you can’t sympathize with Cashton Zisas Morrow as Tiny Tim. Morrow is wonderful in the role.

Remy Kayal (The Ghost of Jacob Marley) is impressive as Scrooge’s dead business partner who comes back in a dream.

Moriah Faith (Ghost of Christmas Past) is great as she helps Scrooge understand he has transformed from the boy he was into who he is now.

Deven Windisch (The Ghost of Christmas Present) is enchanting as he shows Scrooge the true joy and love embodied in the Christmas season.

Patricia Welle (The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) is scary as she helps the miserly Uncle Scrooge see his possible future if he doesn’t mend his ways.

Jay David (First Solicitor), Ryan Dennis (Second Solicitor, Doctor Redlaw) and Jenna Galligani (Third Solicitor) shine as they make charity pitches to Scrooge.

The Fezziwig family makes a splash as a happy family intent on enjoying Christmas. Robert Wallace (Mr. Fezziwig, Durdles), Susan Schlegal (Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Colby), and their Daughters Lila Furst (Bonnie), Ellie DiFuvia (Becky), Megan Steckel (Berti), Cameron Brosious (Beth), Harper Cocca (Beatrice) and Edie Hayes (Biddy) make up the family.

Christina Freeman (Belle Fizziwig) wonderfully represents what happiness could have been.

Daniel VanArsdale (Scrooge, age 21) is outstanding as the epitome of a young man who lets ambition get in the way of happiness.

The large cast is populated with notable talents who do wonderful jobs: Kate Orellana (Begger Woman), Grace Orellana (Begger Child), Carter Searfoss (Dick Wilkins). Others include Kaylee Reed (Fan, age 20, Fred’s Maid), Johanna Snyder (Nancy) and Kiernan Ward (Topper).

Also adding to the warp and weft of the beautiful fabric of the story are cast members Bowie Green (Mrs. Dilber), David A. Smith (Old Joe), Sam Smith (Lamplighter), Jada Luckenbill (Liz), Lilly Anderson (Mary), Daisy Grather (Belinda), Ada Hendershot (Martha), Alexander Pizolato (Peter), Connor Simmons (First London Boy), Xavier Hetrick (Second London Boy), Asher Bristol (Scrooge, age 6) and Owen Lasko (Scrooge, age 13).

The supporting cast includes Emilee Gelles (Young Fan), Ignorance (Asher Bristol), Ellie DiFulvio (Want), Wilder Dean (Turkey Boy), Colton Shupp (Small Child), Cyrus Long (Decimus Barnacle), Jaycie DiFluvio (Flavia Twist), Savannah Brown (Dora Chuzzelwit), and Addy Campbell, Simon Keane, Violet Keane and Abigail Murphy (Past Heralds).

A large cast of adult and young actors comprise the ensembles integral to the story. Much credit for their success must go to the adults that keep track of the youths: Head Urchin Wrangler Dee Rhoads and Assistant Urchin Wranglers Hope Croslis and Tara Grather.

The lighting and sound for the production is highly-effective thanks to Lighting Designer Ellen Schmoyer and Sound Designer Randall Utsch.

The props fully support the story with believable scene settings. Credit for Props goes to Jason Daniel Sizemore.

Set Designer Luke Blomstrom did a superb job in surrounding the action with the atmosphere of a cold, drafty, foggy London.

The costuming of the 1800s’ England-set play is spectacular. Kudos to Costume Designers Rae Labadie and Anissa Robertson, Assistant Costume Designer Rigby Maiatico, Scaramouche Costumes and Hair and Wig Designer Kim Danish.

“A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 11, 13, 19, 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15; 2, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 21, Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. 610.433.8903, https://civictheatre.com/