Ol' Scrooge as you've never before seen him

Practically everybody who reads English has encountered Ebenezer Scrooge - that miser from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." He's the skinflint with a heart of gold buried deep inside, so deep that it took three ghosts to warm him up.

Sandi Scheer, of danceSpirit Performing Arts, decided to give ol' Eb a modern look and created "Ebenezer Scrooge - Jazz'd Up Like the Dickens." It opened Saturday at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City and plays again Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center.

In the past, danceSpirit has presented "The Nutcracker Ballet - All Jazz'd Up," and this production follows in its footsteps. Why?

"Because any show danceSpirit produces always involves a full spectrum of dance techniques, plus all ages, male and female, dancers and actors," Scheer said.

This year's show is more in keeping with the Christmas spirit, about compassion and redemption, said Scheer. It's based on the Dickens story, of course, and offers both narration and dance.

Scrooge will be played by Malcolm Hunt, of Virginia City. For a twist, Tiny Tim will become Tiny Tina, performed by Karenza Strode of Carson City. Marcus Quiroga and Allie Ezell are Bob and Mrs. Cratchet. The three ghosts are Alana Berning, Lindsey Wegener and A.J. Hamman.

And then there's the rest of the 44-person cast, all involved and talented.

Choreographers are Scheer, Staci Flatness Dunlap, Kathleen Barton and Robin Kato.

"The show is just one more step for me," said Scheer, "and because the story is so real and appropriate for this day and age, I hope people will come and see what the true meaning of Christmas is."

Tickets are $17 for adults, $10 for ages 8 and under and seniors. Seats are reserved only. Call 884-1066 of stop by danceSpirit at 951 Stewart St., Suite C for tickets.

If you go

WHAT: "Ebenezer Scrooge -

Jazz'd Up Like the Dickens," a dance and drama version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 16; and 1 p.m. Dec. 17

WHERE: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

TICKETS: $17 for adults, $10 for children 8 and under and seniors. Call 884-1066 or visit danceSpirit at 951 N. Stewart St., Suite C.