Jay Berkow shows versatility in CAST''s ''Carol" Ruby Nancy He's playwright, director, Cratchit Very few Decembers pass without some version of the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol," being performed somewhere nearby, and this year is no exception. The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is where you can find the grumpy Scrooge and sweet Tiny Tim this season, and the charming new adaptation being performed is great fun for all ages. Jay Berkow, CAST's artistic director, is also a playwright, and this stage version of the beloved tale is his work — and he also directs it and plays the role of Bob Cratchit. This time around, Ebenezer Scrooge (the irrepressible Colin Douglas) is more crotchety (and even then in a loveable way) than he is mean, and even at his worst this character is believably redeemable. These is more humor in this "Carol" than in most, too, and this slant has puns and jokes every so often, which keeps the tone of the show light. My favorite laugh — hands down — is the apparition (Berray Billington) who calls himself the "Christmas Present Ghost," complete with appropriate wrapping. (Billington is also the costume designer, so he — cheerfully, no doubt — got to put that one together himself). A large cast fills the small stage for a good portion of the show, and many fine performances by the ensemble help make this production very nice. Ann Schneck's roles include that of a loud and irritating party guest that will have you in stitches as well as a caroler you might never forget, and many other performers play from three to five roles each. As a whole, this work is all quite good. Douglas is particularly wonderful in the lead, and his enthusiastic embrace of the multifaceted old geezer is just great. From grumpy and silly to overtly exuberant, Douglas infuses the part with humor and a smidgen of grace, and this is an adorable performance too good to miss. Berkow's Cratchit is cute, too, as is so much of this play, and fans of local actor Jack Braden will enjoy his appearances as everything from Marley's (sardonic) Ghost to Fezziwig and a Blind Beggar. Shane Miller, who plays Tiny Tim, also does excellent work, especially with a solo version of "Silent Night" that is absolutely stunning." Some of the special effects are kind of dorky — which actually works in this humor-laced "Carol" — and there are several renditions of Christmas carols that showcase the many wonderful singing voices found in this familiar cast. This "Christmas Carol" is a holiday treat you don't want to miss.