The Morrisville-based Actors’ NET of Bucks County promises a “Dickens of a good time” Dec. 4-20, presenting both a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol" and a 1996 satirical spoof, titled "The Christmas Carol Conspiracy: Scrooge’s Revenge."

NET co-founders Cheryl and Joe Doyle adapted the Dickens’ holiday classic for the intimate Heritage Center theater stage in Morrisville. The reverent adaptation alternates with Joe Doyle’s lampoon, which details how Scrooge’s nephew Fred and the Cratchits might have conspired to trick the old miser into becoming soft-hearted. Doyle’s spoof debuted in Morrisville in 1996 and a year later enjoyed an off-off-Broadway run, garnering critical acclaim.

“This may be our most daunting project yet,” NET Artistic Director Cheryl Doyle said. “Our principal actors play the same roles in both shows, one night straight and the next strictly for laughs. We play 'A Christmas Carol' simply, with the reverence and respect it deserves. Unlike some big-budget, special effects-laden versions of late, we allow Dickens’ memorable characters and masterful dialogue to speak for themselves.

“In 'Scrooge’s Revenge,'” she continued, “my husband Joe has fashioned a wicked comedy in the style of the old BBC series ‘The Black Adder.’ It is a year later and Scrooge learns he was conned by nephew Fred and the Cratchits. In this tale, we learn the ghosts were fake and Tiny Tim isn’t even a cripple! It was all a ruse to separate the old miser from his money. Realizing he’s become the laughingstock of London, Scrooge plots his revenge.

“A Christmas Carol is suitable for all ages, but we’re rating 'Scrooge’s Revenge' a PG-13 due to some mature content – mature, that is, in a silly and sophomoric way,” Doyle noted.

Both "A Christmas Carol" and "The Christmas Carol Conspiracy: Scrooge’s Revenge" star James Banar, of Newtown, as Scrooge; Ken Ammerman, of Browns Mills, N.J., as Bob Cratchit; Kelly Allen, of Arneytown, N.J., as Mrs. Cratchit; Ed Patton, of Fairless Hills, as Marley; John Bergeron, of Morrisville, as nephew Fred; Tess Ammerman, of Arneytown, N.J., as Fred’s wife Bridget; and Adam Juraga, of Morrisville, as Tiny Tim. Dozens more appear in supporting roles. John Pinto, of Yardley, narrates both shows.

Both shows perform weekends Dec. 4-20 at the Heritage Center (635 N. Delmorr Ave. [Route 32], Morrisville). Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (over 62), $10 for children (12 and under) and $15 for WHYY card holders.

"A Christmas Carol" will be presented Dec. 4, 12, & 18 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 & 20 at 2 p.m.

"The Christmas Carol Conspiracy: Scrooge’s Revenge" will be presented Dec. 5, 11 & 19 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 13 and 19 at 2 p.m. Due to the limited seats available, reservations are strongly urged.

For reservations or more information, call the nonprofit Actors’ NET at 215-295-3694 or visit www.actorsnetbucks.org for a link to purchase tickets on-line.