From the opening words of "Marley was dead, to begin with" to the final "God bless us, everyone," Ford’s Theatre breathes life into the Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale in this Washington holiday tradition. This year’s production of "A Christmas Carol" doesn’t disappoint as Director Matt August creates a memorable experience for the whole audience.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Martin Rayner) starts out as the cold, unloving man who says "bah humbug" to even the smallest bit of Christmas cheer. He takes what he can from his debtors and shoos his nephew Fred (Clinton Brandhagen) out of his office. But little does he know that the heavens are about to show him mercy.

He is visited first by his old partner in crime, the ghost of Jacob Marley (Michael Goodwin), in a scene that may frighten children. This is followed by visits from the Ghost of Christmas Past (Suzanne Richard), the Ghost of Christmas Present (Elliot Dash) and the Ghost of Christmas Future (Carlos Gonzalez).

These visits remind Scrooge of his lost love, Belle (Kimberly Parker Green), and introduce him to the family of his accountant Bob Cratchit (Michael John Casey). He learns that the youngest, Tiny Tim (Kent Kenkins), is crippled and may not live much longer.

These visions change Scrooge, and as the curtain falls, Scrooge decides to make the best of this second chance he has been given.

Every year there are slight changes to the production. A scene with Scrooge’s sister, Fan (Anna Zimmerman), was very heart warming and helped explain why his nephew Fred never gave up on him. However, Tiny Tim’s role seemed a bit diminished in this year’s performance.

Rayner is supported by a talented cast including a handful of young actors who provide a charming performance. Dash (the Ghost of Christmas Present) shows some extraordinary talent as he struts about the stage on stilts.

Costumes, designed by Fabio Toblini, are exaggerated and creative. Jacob Marley wears long fingernails that could scare any child and the women at Fezziwig’s party wear large hoop skirts. The real gem was the costume for the Ghost of Christmas Present that doubled as a Christmas tree in one scene.

Sound effects by Michael Creason enhance the mood throughout the play. Lighting Designer Pat Collins did an excellent job creating the ghostly happenings. The image of Jacob Marley that first appeared in Scrooge’s door was especially remarkable.

Sets, designed by G.W. Mercier, were simple yet elegant. The creative use of curtains during Fezziwig’s party and the Ghost of Christmas Future scenes were impressive.

"A Christmas Carol" runs through Dec. 31 at Ford’s Theatre. For more information call 202/347-4833 or go to www.fordstheatre.org.