STAGE REVIEWS HOLIDAY SHOWS : Lots of Good Spirits in ‘A Christmas Carol’

The Times’ Drama Department recently visited a smattering of holiday shows open for business. Here’s a sampling of what’s in and around town .

If an Orange County theatergoer were to time-travel with the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future, South Coast Repertory’s “A Christmas Carol� in Costa Mesa would be a highlight of all three tours. And the three visions would look alike, for the most part.

This year’s rendition is the 12th. Adapted by Jerry Patch and staged by John-David Keller, it features elaborate scenery that whooshes on and off stage like magic, colorful costumes, a somewhat multicultural cast sprinkled with plenty of SCR veterans, a couple of mildly scary moments, some well-timed laughs and lots of good cheer.

At the center, as usual, is Hal Landon Jr. as Scrooge. He looks almost as spectral as his nocturnal visitors at the beginning, but by the end he’s a puppy dog, scampering around the stage, cuddling his blanket like Linus.

Before or after the show, you can admire a spectacular Christmas tree, a few steps to the south, in front of the nearby Westin Hotel.

* “A Christmas Carol,� South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday matinees, 2:30 p.m.; Sundays, 12 and 4 p.m. Ends Dec. 24. $22-$25. (714) 957-4033. Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes.