Beginning Nov. 17, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by playwright Barbara Field, lights up the Guthrie stage in a joyous holiday celebration for the entire family.

Presented by Dayton's, the Christmas classic officially opens on Nov. 24 under the direction of Sari Ketter. Celebrating 26 years of enchantment, A Christmas Carol will play 52 performances only, marking a holiday tradition that has touched the hearts of more than a million Minnesotans.

Kelsey Grammer's voice joins the cast in the role of the narrator, previously held by legendary actor John Gielgud, who passed away on May 21, 2000 at the age of 96. Grammer, who is best known as Frasier on the NBC sitcom, is no stranger to the Guthrie stage, having last appeared in the 1980 production of Mary Stuart.

Guthrie Theater Artistic Director Joe Dowling said, "Kelsey's voice brings a dramatic resonance and vibrant quality very much in tune with the play." A Christmas Carol director Sari Ketter, along with resident sound designer Scott Edwards, worked with Grammer in Santa Monica, Calif., where the final recording for the production was recently completed.

In keeping with the play's spirit of sharing, theatergoers are invited to bring a non-perishable donation of food to be collected for the Twin Cities Emergency Foodshelf Network.

A Christmas Carol brings together the largest cast of the entire Guthrie Theater season­an ensemble of 45 actors, which this year includes 15 children, the youngest being six-year-old Jordan Cunningham-Folger of Minneapolis in the coveted role of Tiny Tim.

Guided on an unforgettable journey by three ghosts on one magical Christmas Eve, the role of Ebenezer Scrooge is performed by Guthrie veteran actor Charles Janasz. Last seen in Molly Sweeny at the Guthrie Lab, A Christmas Carol represents his 37th appearance on the Guthrie stage.

-Guthrie Theater