A Christmas Carol, starring Jonathan Gillard Daly, will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Clarence Brown Theatre.

Originally written by Charles Dickens in 1843, A Christmas Carol tells the story of the greedy and bitter Ebenezer Scrooge. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by several ghosts who show him a path to redemption.

Since its original publication, A Christmas Carol has remained widely popular and has been adapted into plays, operas, films and more. Director Edward Morgan believes the story's message has allowed it to withstand the test of time.

"It celebrates family and it affirms the hope and belief in the power of redemption, and change. What could be more heartwarming?" he wrote on the theatre's website.

The Clarence Brown Theatre' adaptation includes a cast of more than 30, made up of mostly UT students, professors and community members. Edward Morgan, who also directed The Flu Season earlier this semester, is back to direct for the third year.

It celebrates family and it affirms our hope and belief in the power of redemption, and change. What could be more heartwarming? Director Edward Morgann

The play is becoming quite a tradition at UT, and this year there will be cast members in the lobby singing carols before the show.

Morgan also promises that this year's play won't disappoint for those who have previously seen it.

"The script feels authentic to the book...the music is engaging and moving, the designs are theatrical and extremely well done, and the performances are strong...It's so rich and detailed that there's always more one could take in," he wrote.

Wednesday night's show will be a preview, and UT students can get in free with their ID. The play officially opens Friday night and will run through Dec. 20.

For tickets, call the Clarence Brown Theatre box office at 865-974-5161 or Tickets Unlimited at 865-656-4444. You can also go online at www.clarencebrowntheatre.com.