Sunday’s performance left not a nickel’s worth of doubt that after 33 years, ACT, A Contemporary Theatre, owns “A Christmas Carol.”

From the opening snowy scene of carolers singing “tidings of comfort and joy,” to the scary sight of Jacob Marley, to the heart-wrenching hug between a repentant Scrooge and an adorable Tiny Tim, ACT presented the spirit of the holidays like a gloriously dressed Christmas goose at a festive dinner party.

The result: ACT kept its packed audience infatuated. We felt giddy with the prospect that there was still time to change, just a little, for the better, and we were moved that we got to watch such a change unfold before our eyes.

That change is so marvelously shown in Ebenezer Scrooge, a tightwadish symbol of the societal injustice of London back in 1843. Times were really tough and Scrooge claims he couldn’t “afford to make idle people merry.” He believes that anyone having a merry Christmas “should be boiled with his own pudding.”

Pretty foul stuff, but the scene is aptly set: Scrooge has a long way to climb. With the help of the spirits of Christmas past, present and future, he hoists himself up.

Scrooge changes from scoundrel to saint, a transition made flawlessly smooth by the fine acting of Sean G. Griffin, whose performance changed our hearts from being filled with hate for Scrooge to acceptance and, in the end, warmth. Griffin will alternate the role of Scrooge with Allen Fitzpatrick.

The helpful spirits were played wonderfully by Sylvie Davidson, totally divine in all white as Spirit No. 1; Charles Leggett, all boisterous and barrel-chested as Spirit No. 2; and Todd Licea, as the black-caped Spirit No. 3. Licea was also the incredibly acrobatic Ali Baba.

A special congratulations goes out to David Pichette. Though this was his 10th year in “A Christmas Carol,” it was also Pichette’s debut as Marley. His stunning portrayal of Scrooge’s tortured and suffering partner, complete with chains and a spine-chilling howls, caused my 5-year-old son to utter “Mom, I’ve got to get out of here.”

“A Christmas Carol” is recommended for ages 5 and above. And yes there are certainly some scary parts for youngsters unfamiliar with the story. But really, what better way to be introduced to the true theme of Christmas then a live show that wraps up in a happy ending filled with redemption and cheer? ACT’s 33rd year of “A Christmas Carol” marked the first for my son, but it will definitely become a tradition.

Reporter Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424 or goffredo@heraldnet.com