Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol has always been a favorite of mine, though the new animated film version of the tale with Jim Carrey looks a little too freaky for my taste. Luckily, Theatre Charlotte is bringing the classic -- adapted by John Jakes -- to its stage for a series of performances through Dec. 13. Stop in to see the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge turn into a softie with Christmas cheer, as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas' past, present, and future. For tickets, call 704-372-1000 or visit www.carolinatix.org. $7-$20. Dec. 3-5, 7 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 9-12, 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 704-376-3777. www.theatrecharlotte.org.