Nothing humbug about it

WHAT: “A Christmas Carol’’

WHERE: Trinity Repertory Company, Providence

You could easily watch a different version of “A Christmas Carol’’ every day of Advent. You’ve got the faithful movie adaptations, including the one with George C. Scott. You’ve got reinterpretations, like “Scrooged’’ starring Bill Murray, and various kid-friendly incarnations starring the Muppets, the Flintstones, the Jetsons, and Mickey Mouse. The new film version with Jim Carrey is getting rave reviews, but in our household there is no better “Carol’’ than the one that Trinity Repertory Company puts on every Christmas season.

This year’s is Trinity Rep’s finest in recent memory, with a stunning but efficient set, crafty use of lighting, wonderful musicians, and top-notch acting from a cast of two dozen. Our kids are not avid theatergoers yet, but they were riveted from the moment they sat down. It was one of the scarier versions we’ve seen, with a particularly chilling Jacob Marley and an absolutely creepy Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. In years past, Trinity has updated the story, setting it in downtown Providence, for instance, or in the present. The 2009 production adheres strictly to the text that Charles Dickens published in 1843, though Timothy Crowe, the excellent actor who plays Scrooge, throws in some amusing cadences and facial expressions that definitely weren’t in vogue back then.

The weekend performances are almost sold out at this point, but good seats (there are no bad seats here) remain for some weeknight shows and especially those taking place in the days after Christmas. Best of all, children’s seats are just $10 - not much more than you’d pay to see Carrey.

“A Christmas Carol’’ is at Trinity Repertory Company through Dec. 27. Tickets are $10 to $65 at www.trinityrep.com or 401-351-4242.