A Christmas Carol

Opens Wednesday: J.C. Cutler starts his fourth go-round as Ebenezer Scrooge when the Guthrie launches its holiday favorite this week. "I read the book every year, that's the key," said Cutler. "The lines I don't worry about. When I get into rehearsals, I like to find a way to rediscover them and read it fresh." Cutler will be working with some new mates this year, including Robert O. Berdahl as Jacob Marley and Tyler Michaels as Dick Wilkins. Kris L. Nelson plays Bob Cratchit with Virginia Burke as Mrs. Cratchit. This is the 40th year for the Guthrie's "Christmas Carol" — though this version (adapted by Crispin Whittell and directed by Joe Chvala) is rather recent. "There are few roles you get to play that have such a broad scope of emotional change," said Cutler. "I was really excited to be asked back." (Previews 7 p.m. today; 10:30 a.m. Tue., 1 & 7:30 p.m. Wed. and Sat.; 7:30 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 1 p.m. next Sun. $17-$34. Ends Dec. 28. 818 S. 2nd St., Mpls. $34-$116. 612-377-2224 or guthrietheater.org)

Graydon Royce