By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Alabaster’s Kingwood Church is gearing up to present a longstanding Christmas tradition with the production of “The Gospel according to Scrooge.”

Now in its 29th year, the production will be held Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11 at the church, which is off Industrial Road near its intersection with Shelby County 95.

Doors will open each night at 5:30 p.m. and the shows will begin at 7 p.m.

The production typically draws large crowds with each performance, packing the church’s auditorium with more than 1,000 visitors each night.

Shari Rettig, the director of the production, said last year’s performances drew 6,625 visitors.

“It has definitely become a tradition for a lot of people in this community,” Rettig said.

Rettig, who has directed the play for three years, said the performances aim to present a different version of “A Christmas Carol,” focusing on redemption and presenting a message of faith.

“This is a ministry of the church so it is a way we can present the Gospel in a different way,” Rettig said. “It is non-threatening, and a lot of people enjoy it because it is entertaining, funny, and we use a lot of pop culture references. Our primary goal is just to give people hope that no matter what their past might be, their future is still unwritten, and with Jesus you can become the person you were meant to be.”

While many “regular” attendees of the production might notice similar characters or scenes, Rettig said there is always something different added each year.

“We like to keep it interesting for those that have come for multiple years,” Rettig said. “Some years it may be something subtle, or we may change an angel’s personality completely. We have written in new characters and sometimes add new scenes, but there is always something different to enjoy.”

Those putting on the production started rehearsals as early as mid-October, for the roughly 150 cast and crew.

“We realize that this is a busy time of year for everyone with the holidays so we try to be respectful of everyone’s time,” Rettig said. “We limit rehearsals, but the rehearsals we do have everyone comes and puts a lot into it. Somehow it always works and comes together.”

The shows are free, but seating is limited. Groups of 10 or larger can make advance reservations by calling the church’s office at 663-3933 or by visiting Kingwoodchurch.com.