It is that time of year again, Christmas, and the Fox Theatre is providing an opportunity to get in the holiday cheer with “A Christmas Carol,” showing from Dec. 9-12.

According to cast member Adam Lloyd, it is a play that pulls at the heartstrings, with a mix of comedic and tender, serious moments.

“You get wrapped up in the lives of all the [characters]…It is a feel good show,” Lloyd said.

This classic Christmas story, written by Charles Dickens, was originally meant to be a tale of the unfairness of the Industrial Revolution and the need for compassion. It follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts and goes through a personal transformation from greedy and cold to compassionate.

This adaptation of the play will be directed by Charles Jones and performed by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan.
The caravan has been touring across the country performing Jones’ adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” since 1979.

Lloyd, who is part of this caravan, will be playing the character of Topper, who is the best friend of Scrooge’s nephew. Lloyd described him as a ladies man.

“He is an all around good guy,” Lloyd said.

One of Topper’s biggest scenes in the play takes place during the Christmas Present sequence. He is at a party with Scrooge’s nephew and friends. During the party he leads a discussion about Scrooge and pokes fun at him.

Although the play has been performed countless times and has been adapted in different ways, Lloyd said that what sets this adaptation apart is the fact that it closely follows the original.

“It is the same show that has been produced for the past 30 years,” Lloyd said.

He explained that it also closely follows the novel.

“You can go through the novel and take it word for word,” Lloyd said.

For Lloyd, being a part of “A Christmas Carol” is nothing new. He performed in the play once in middle school and three times in college.

Not only is he not a stranger to the play, but he is also not a stranger to the acting business. He said that his interest in acting goes back to the seventh grade.

“I saw my brother in a musical and was very jealous that he was getting all the attention,” Lloyd said.

It was from a desire to receive the same attention that he decided to audition for a play in junior high. He got a part and has been acting ever since.

Since then he has performed in multiple productions, such as “Into the Woods,” “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Zoo Story” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” However, touring with “A Christmas Carol” has been his first professional tour.

He auditioned for “A Christmas Carol” last February in Memphis, was cast in April and started rehearsal in November. At the time he auditioned, he had already received a BSA in acting and a BA in education and was student teaching.

He explained that although the cast has only been practicing for three weeks, they already have great moments together on and off stage.

“This is probably one of the most talented casts that I have worked with,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd, who grew up and went to school in St. Charles, MO, will be returning close to home for the show’s run at the Fox Theatre.

“It is a dream come true to be performing on the Fox stage,” Lloyd said.

For more on show times and ticket information visit fabulousfox.com.