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Santa, played by Douglas E. Stark, will host the 15th anniversary production of 'A Beef & Boards Christmas' this year. (Submitted by Patricia Rettig for The Star)

'Another season of "Ho, ho, hos!" and "Bah, humbugs!" is in store as theater companies offer holiday fare ranging from traditional to original.

A Christmas Carol

Dickens' classic tale of penny-pinching businessman Ebenezer Scrooge and his life-changing discoveries before Christmas has been recast many times. Indiana Repertory Theatre is known for its version debuted in 1980 by then-artistic director Tom Haas.

In the current production, Charles Goad plays Scrooge; with Robert K. Johansen as Scrooge's assistant, Bob Cratchit; Mark Goetzinger as the Ghost of Scrooge's partner, Jacob Marley; and Gerson Dacanay as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Priscilla Lindsay directs.

Featuring: A stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens story.
When: Various times, through Dec. 24.
Where: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
Tickets: $39-$54 for adults, $24 for students, with discounts for seniors, military personnel and groups of 10. Call (317) 635-5252 or visit www.irtlive.com.

A Beef & Boards Christmas

This year's holiday tribute consists of segments including "Winter Wonderland," "A City Christmas," "A Swingin' Christmas," "Ye Old Toy Shop" and "The True Meaning of Christmas."

Each features popular selections such as "Toyland" or "O, Holy Night." There will be 46 performances. Douglas E. Stark, Beef & Boards' owner, plays Santa. Eddie Curry directs.

Featuring: The dinner theater's 15th annual holiday show.
When: Various times, Friday through Dec. 31.
Where: 9301 Michigan Road.
Tickets: Generally $32.50-$52.50, including a buffet; $72-$85 for the New Year's Eve gala. Call (317) 872-9664 or visit www.beefandboards.com.

A Very Phoenix Xmas

The Phoenix's "Xmas" alternative will feature sketches and audience participation "game shows" by 10 playwrights. The various pieces were selected from about 50 submissions. Works range from the satirical "Christmas on the Island of Recalled Toys" to the humorous "Very Special Hanukkah Special." Bryan Fonseca directs.

Featuring: An "alternative holiday tradition."
When: Friday through Dec. 23. Shows are at 7.p.m. Thursdays, 8.p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2.p.m. Sundays.
Where: Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave.
Tickets: $25, $15 for those 24 and younger. (All tickets $15 Nov. 23-25.) Call (317) 635-7529 or visit www.phoenixtheatre.org.