BUTLER TWP — The first production of the hobnob theatre company, “A Christmas Carol,” debuts this weekend at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

The production looks to be a rousing success.

A combination of talent and professional staging with a few high and low tech effects make for an enjoyable evening of theater.

Director Elizabeth Smith has a few technological kinks to iron out before opening night, but her actors hit their marks at a preview showing Wednesday.

The show opens with the lamplighter played by Kenneth Smith clueing us in on the man who is Ebenezer Scrooge. As he lights the lanterns, the plight of Scrooge is illuminated.

At the outset, Scrooge, played by Scott Winter, is not the geezer that we’ve come to know throughout the years. He’s a younger and possibly angrier Scrooge, but he also has moments where he is more delightful than most of the portrayals.

Recently Winter has played comical characters, but showed his chops in this more compelling role.

The simple sets gave way to some special spirit performances.

The Ghost of Christmas Past was played by the adorable Isabelle Davidson with a ballerina theme. She gracefully and gently led Ebenezer through the joyful memories — those he was part of and those he missed. One of those stops was his mentor Fezziwig’s Christmas Party. Fezziwig and his zany wife were played by Brian Ellis and Stephanie Kobil.

He was then escorted by the sassy Spirit of Christmas Present, played capably by Lori Barrage. Her accent and feisty delivery kept both Scrooge and the audience on their toes.

The tall silent spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Future, was played by the commanding Henry Marquiss who conveyed the message of Scrooge’s bleak future with nary a word or a nod.

The time travel was enhanced by a few techie treats and some eerie sound effects.

The Cratchits were played by the Tillotson family with the smallest, Hunter, portraying a darling Tiny Tim. Some King children, Lachlan and Lydia, completed the clan.

One of the most delightful scenes was the Christmas party complete with games, flirting and frolicking fun. The Victorian party dresses and caroling costumes were impeccably done.

“A Christmas Carol” is a fun classic and a good way to get into the holiday spirit. Kudos to Hobnob for a first-class first show.

Remaining tickets will be available at the door before the Friday and Saturday performances.