Step into the holiday season with all its merriment, festivities, stress and joy as the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance presents Inspecting Carol, opening Dec. 4 at the Hilberry Theatre.  

There's no better story to set the tone for this time of the year than the well-loved Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens' words come alive onstage for generations of thespians and patrons year after year.

It's been 13 years since the founding of Soapbox Playhouse, and the company has seen brighter days. But nothing can put a damper on their annual production of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. As a cast of outlandish and somewhat familiar characters bumble their way toward opening night of the beloved holiday classic, chaos awaits backstage. Misadventures and close calls adorn this holiday treat.

The Hilberry invites guests to join in the festivities for Friday's opening night. Patrons are encouraged to attend outfitted in their most disastrous seasonal ugly sweater and share the fun with fellow theatregoers. There will be a matinee on Dec. 5 as well as an evening performance during the annual Midtown Detroit Noel Night.

Inspecting Carol is directed by Lavinia Hart, Detroit-area theatre veteran and head of the M.F.A. Acting program at WSU.  

To purchase tickets or for a full schedule of shows, call 313-577-2972 or visit wsushows.com.