Jonathan Winters' 'A Christmas Carol'

• Website: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4225458

Jonathan Winters' 'A Christmas Carol' is a reading of Charles Dickens's famous holiday story by comedic actor Jonathan Winters, who provides a variety of voices for the characters. The production also includes occasional music, sound effects, and performances by Mimi Kennedy. It is produced by National Public Radio and KCRW and available as streaming audio on NPR's website.

“Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail.”

So begins A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Some say this short story, first published in 1843, transformed Christmas into a major holiday. Before A Christmas Carol, there was surprisingly little celebration during the Christmas season. After its publication, the holiday became a high point of the year. The tale has inspired movies, operas, readings and countless stage performances around the globe.

Master comedian Jonathan Winters presents a distinctive reading of this holiday classic, using a special performing edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations. He re-creates Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit and the three Christmas ghosts: Past, Present and Future. Mimi Kennedy also performs.