For two decades it has been tradition for M&M Productions and Ross Music Theatre to stage a holiday favorite in Merrillville.

“Scrooge the Musical” returns to Merrillville High School's Reinhart Auditorium Nov. 26 through Dec. 4.

“We always like to say it's been 20 years in the making because we've done it so many times,” said Mike Reinhart, director of “Scrooge the Musical,” which has been presented most years since 1996 and annually since 2005.

“We just keep making the sets bigger, changing the lighting and adding special effects. Every year it's a little different. It grows a little bit. The show just builds from one year to another.”

The cast of approximately 70 includes Crown Point, Highland, Hobart, Portage and Valparaiso residents and Merrillville High School Choir members.

“A lot of them are family members. It's almost as big a tradition for them to be in it as it is for people to come and see it,” said Reinhart, whose wife, Melinda, is choreographer and musical director of “Scrooge the Musical” and also plays Mrs. Cratchit.

Reservations are available via phone for performances for school groups at 8:45 and 11 a.m. Dec. 2.

“When an audience member comes in, there's a gigantic old English town. It's just breathtaking. We've had times when the curtain opens and the set gets applause just because it's so massive,” said Reinhart, who lives Merrillville.

“The sets make a big difference. They're big and life-size. We also do a lot of special effects and a lot of scenic projections. Of course, the technology originally wasn't what we have now, so now it's a much better projection.

“The show's a good way to introduce people to musical theater because it moves so quickly.”

A holiday combo featuring one of the four “Scrooge the Musical” performances and a ticket for “Merry Christmas, George Bailey,” the annual Christmas radio show presented Dec. 17 at Center Stage Studio Theatre, 227 Center St., Hobart, is available for $15 for adults; $14, seniors; and $11, children.

“Christmas is one of my favorite seasons. It's my only favorite part of the winter at all. For me, it can snow at Christmas and be 70 degrees the rest of the year,” said Reinhart.

“The season's the one time where everybody is friendly to each other. This story in particular of ‘Scrooge the Musical' shows that at this time of year even the stingiest or grumpiest people seem to have a soft spot for this time of year.

“The message of this time of year is really to be nice and loving to mankind and to make a difference just by being good to each other. This story probably tells that better than any.”

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance writer.