I have long avoided seeing A Christmas Carol — at Hartford Stage and elsewhere —  because I don’t care for parts of the story. The Tiny Tim angle is a bit much. Do people ever even have overnight transformations? And, why am I expected to relate most with the people who mock Scrooge? He’s stingy and needs to work on that, sure, but I can’t entirely fault someone who just wants to be left alone to his work instead of hassled by endless displays of holiday cheer.

So, when several friends have children who are in the play, at some point, you have to suck it up and just go.

I can’t say that I have a new appreciation for Dickens’ work, but I am glad to have seen a production that did something other than present a contrived pulling of the heartstrings.

Dancing ghosts make full use of the space, bringing a creepy Halloween skeleton edge to the play. This tone continues with characters hawking doll parts and steampunkish wares. A highlight: Noble Shropshire’s Mrs. Dilber — Scrooge’s maid — who is terrified of and devoted to him simultaneously. This, and a sight gag following Scrooge’s awakening, make for a more palatable holiday story than had been expected.

It all ends with an immersive experience. Pro Tip: If you’re still nursing your drink, cover it by the time the story begins to wind down.

A Christmas Carol runs through December 29, 2018 at Hartford Stage. Hartford residents can reserve free passes through the Hartford Public Library.