For the last 30 years, Meadow Brook Theatre has performed “A Christmas Carol” — the play based on the novel by Charles Dickens — for the holiday season.

Many local actors and actresses have been employed this year, including some Oakland University students, faculty and alumni.

Thomas Mahard, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge for the fourth year in a row, has performed in the production for 20 years.

“I understudied the role (Scrooge) for quite a few years,” Mahard said. “It’s exciting to get to play a role that I’ve been studying for 20 years.”

Originally from Boston, he relocated to Michigan 30 years ago and currently resides in Flint.

Diana Turner, an OU alumnus, is also cast in the play.

Aside from Turner, five other OU alumni, a student and a professor will perform in the play.

“This is my first year in the production and I play one of the carolers,” Turner said.

Carolers are required to sing a half hour before the show, as well as during the party and street scenes.

Turner said a standard rehearsal runs about five to six hours at a time and often six days a week.

Turner said “A Christmas Carol” is now at the top of her list of favorite productions that she’s been in.

“I’ve done a lot of theater in the area, in the last three years,” she said.

In her spare time, Turner performs as a backup singer in a Pink Floyd tribute band.

“I’ve never sung in a rock band before,” Turner said. “I’m classically trained, so I’m actually really having fun with this.”

Mahard refers to the play as very well constructed, with an interesting protagonist who goes through a remarkable journey.

“The production value of this particular play is very high,” Mahard said. “The set is extraordinary and the lighting designer has been designing this play for 31 years — he does a magnificent job.”

Mahard said many of the actors and actresses come back every year.

“The audience will get good quality from local actors,” Mahard said.