A Christmas Carol -- yeah, that again -- was penned in the 19th century, but its themes are still pretty relatable. Grim economic times and, if you're lucky, an overbearing boss and a crummy dead-end job. If only the jerks in our own lives could experience life-changing paranormal intervention and visions of death. In lieu of that, the Artisan Center Theater presents Scrooge the Musical. Scrooge was adapted from Charles Dickens' tale by composer-lyricist Leslie Bricusse in 1970 for the hit movie musical of the same name. Bricusse's adaptation sticks to the original tale of morality, redemption and phantoms. Ebenezer Scrooge, the archetypal boss from hell, is personified by such songs as "I Hate People," in which he laments the drain on society that the riffraff are, and later by "I'll Begin Again," his profound pledge to stop being such a massive ass. The show runs through December 23 at the historic Belaire Plaza, 420 East Pipeline Road in Bedford. Tickets prices and show times vary. For more information, call 817-284-1200 or visit ArtisanCT.com.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m. Starts: Nov. 18. Continues through Dec. 17, 2011