It really is extraordinary how well Charles Dickens’ classic holds up after more than a century. So many filmmakers, animators and playwrights have put their own stamp on it, while preserving the spirit of the original.

The Historic Everett Theatre is showing its production of “A Christmas Carol” now until Dec. 16. The show is a fundraiser for the theater.

In Historic Everett’s abbreviated version, adapted by Cora Wilson Greenwood, “A Christmas Carol” is performed in just over an hour. And ALL of the roles are played by no more than 10 actors.

There is also a brief one-act play preceding it called “A Blessed Life, ” written by local actor Asa Sholdez. It shares the back story of how the Cratchit family came to be, before their association with Scrooge. It’s a nice sideshow that adds onto rather than takes away from the Dickens tale.

It’s almost impossible to imagine anyone not knowing the story, because – even without the very famous miser Ebenezer Scrooge – it’s such a universal tale. Maybe we’ve never been financially rich, but we’ve all been let down by family members.

Most of us also know about the loss of loved ones, whether it a choice or fate that takes them away from us. We know about passing up opportunities for the benefit of our fellow man.

And we would like to think our friends who’ve gone before us would care enough to come back and try to save us, if they could.

Though most of the parts are played by the same people in this version, it’s still surprisingly effective. The performers step into their roles with ease. Scrooge is played by Historic Everett Theatre veteran Tom Cook.

Michael Hunter is fantastic as the long-suffering Jacob Marley. Considering the fact that he hasn’t been on a stage for 20 years, it is a remarkable comeback.

Historic Everett Theatre favorite Asa Sholdez plays the good-hearted Bob Cratchit. In the past, Mr. Sholdez has played Scrooge as well. The other play, “A Blessed Life,” gives him more to do.

The other parts (from the Cratchit family members to Belle and the Christmas ghosts) are well-played by Annie St. John, Carissa Meisner Smit, Charlie Lonac, Dawn Cornell, Elizabeth Sholdez, Markus Sholdez and Katie Jones.

“A Christmas Carol” is playing at the Historic Everett Theatre for one more weekend only – there are just three performances left. (My apologies for the lateness of this column. It couldn’t be prevented. ) So please don’t miss your chance to see it, while there’s still time!

The shows are: Thursday, Dec. 13, and Friday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students, seniors and military.

Tickets are available through the box office in person or by telephone at 425-258-6766 - or online at www.etix.com. For more information, call 425-258-6766.