SULLIVAN - An adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" begins a 13-show run today at The Little Theatre-On the Square.

The role of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Patrick McCarthy, who.;has appeared.;at the Little Theatre for the past 20 years. David Zarbock, who was last at.;the Little Theatre in 2001,.;returns as the narrator.

Kara Guy, who starred in the 2007 summer season, plays Belle. Tori Hicks, who last appeared in "La Cage aux Folles," plays Mrs. Cratchit.

Regina Harbour, last at the Little Theatre in 1999 for "Christmas From the Heart," is back to play Mrs. Fezziwig. Brenna Bradbury, who performed this summer, returns as Martha.

Alan Seales plays the role of Bob Cratchit, and Tom Zainea plays Jacob Marley. Both are Little Theatre newcomers.

Millikin University students Brian Harden and Steve Barnowski round out the adult ensemble.

The.;youth cast for "A Christmas Carol" is headed by Ross A. Metzger of Gays as Tiny Tim. Also performing will be Peter Borah, Meg Borah and Nathan Knuth of Charleston; Sophie Schwalbach and Kat Stowell of Decatur; Christian Clark of Mount Zion; and Morgan Beavers, Madison Milligan and Trey Skocy of Mattoon.

Many of the children are members of the Little Theatre's STAR Dance and Drama Program.

"A Christmas Carol" is directed and designed by Shawn Pryby, who last directed "The Honky Tonk Angels" at the Little Theatre.

Show times are 2 and 8 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday; 2 and 8 p.m. Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7; and noon Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets are $27, $25 for seniors and children. They can be ordered by calling 728-7375 or 1-888- 261-9675.