Bah Humbug in Cd’A

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) North Idaho, a nonprofit theater arts program, is opening its doors tonight for a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at the Salvation Army Kroc Center theater in Coeur d’Alene.

“I love the fact that this show is fun and bright and festive, but there are deeper aspects of it, too, that are a little darker,” said choreographer Charlsie Cartier. “Those aspects of the story are only darker so that in the end the redemption is so much brighter, and I think that is a beautiful picture of real life.”

The all-youth cast will take the audience on a journey through a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most popular story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others.

“I think this play gives us all a chance to view ourselves through the same lens, to let go of the moments which have hardened or changed us,” said Gage Uribe, 17, the actor playing Scrooge. “Just like Scrooge, we can take the opportunity to start fresh again.”

Through a visit with three ghosts on Christmas Eve, Scrooge visits his past, present and future, and is forced to face his selfish ways.

“I love to get to see the kids' growth from the very beginning with their audition till the very end with their performance in the show,” said musical director Beth Taylor.

Performance dates are tonight through Sunday, and Nov. 17 to 21. Show times are 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.

School performance times are 9:30 a.m. and noon, Nov. 17 and 18, sold in advance to classes from school and homeschool programs and not available to the general public.

Ticket prices are $16 standard, $15 for ages 12 and younger and seniors 65 and older, and $14 for groups of 10 or more at cytnorthidaho.org. Prices may vary by performance. The door price is $18.