Preparing for their roles in "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas," students at Donegal High School looked to the past. They wanted to learn as much of their characters' backstories as possible, said Elijah Barlett, a senior who portrays Ebenezer Scrooge.

"We all think of Ebenezer Scrooge as this grouchy old man, and sometimes people mistake that as a one-dimensional thing," he said. "For this show, I've tried to really dig deep into the psychology of Scrooge's past, which we explore in the show, and how that might have influenced how he acts in the present. Not that his actions are justifiable, but I've enjoyed digging into the 'why' behind the way he is."

Donegal Performing Arts will present "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, in the high school auditorium, 1025 Koser Road, Mount Joy. A free preview for senior citizens age 65 and up will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m.

In the stage adaptation by Michael Wilson, Charles Dickens' holiday classic comes to life with dancing ghosts, music, humor, mystery and theatrical spectacle. From the chilling arrival of Jacob Marley to visits from the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, audiences follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey of redemption.

Despite being written in 1843, the show highlights a theme that is still relevant today, Elijah said.

"I know it's a very famous story, and it's been told many times before, but I believe that its message can't be heard enough times," he said. "I believe that the message of this show is (that) no matter how broken someone might be, there is almost always something to be understood about that person. We should never give up on people, even if they don't seem to want help."

Jordin Meyers, a senior who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, said she has prepared for her role by watching different versions of the show and embracing a role traditionally played by a man.

"It's definitely a unique situation, because most of the time it's men who play the ghosts, so just seeing different people's choices and how they approach the character has been really helpful," she said, adding that each actor took time to research his or her character's motives and history. "We did a rehearsal one day where we answered a bunch of questions about our characters, and that was really helpful for me."

Noah Garcia, a senior who portrays Bob Cratchit, said he also watched various versions of the show while thinking about Bob's life.

"When it comes to me and approaching my character, I've been thinking about the context of the world he's living in - the time period, his financial situation, his relationship to others, especially to Scrooge," Noah said.

Jordin noted that Donegal's version of the play leans heavily into the spooky side.

"Ours adds four apparitions," she said. "Four actresses are playing those, and they are in a couple of scenes, giving spooky vibes."

She hopes her fellow students will come see the show.

"A lot of time and work has gone into this show. There's what you see onstage, but there is also a lot of behind-the-scenes work with the different crews," she remarked. "Come and see what your peers are doing, and come support the theater department."

Noah said audiences will be able to relate to the characters onstage.

"It's a very emotionally grounded story. Scrooge and Bob Cratchit are both relatable in their own ways. We've all been quick-tempered in certain situations, like Scrooge," he said. "We see how authentic a person Bob is and how that motivates Scrooge into changing his heart and trying to make amends. It shows that authenticity goes a long way and that it's important to be kindhearted even to people who are quick-tempered."

Jordin wants audiences to take away the message that change is possible.

"As the Ghost of Christmas Present, I'm saying to Scrooge, 'This is what is happening now, but you can change it,'" she said. "This is really just a story about a guy who learns his wrongs and realizes there is time to come back and be a better person. I think a lot of people can relate to that. The actions you make in the past, you can't change that, but you need to realize what you did so that in the future you can change it."

To purchase tickets for "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas," visit http://www.dpa.donegalsd.org.