NATCHEZ — For 14 years, the Natchez Little Theatre has presented an annual reminder of the reason for the Christmas season, and this is the last weekend to catch it.

“A Natchez Christmas Carol” will have three final performances this weekend.

While the show featuring a wealthy Natchez miser who does not believe in charity will be fa-miliar, Natchez Little Theatre Executive and Artistic Director Layne Taylor said those who have seen it previously still have rea-sons to see it again.

“We have had huge casting changes,” Taylor said. “Pretty much 50 percent of the cast is new, and they are doing a wonderful job.

“I am getting positive feedback about the show. They are saying it is sentimental, nostalgic and it makes them cry, which I love.”

Taylor is playing Ebenezer Scrooge for the first time. Other new additions include Devin Arnold playing Jacob Marley, Cathedral eighth grader Julia Richard-son playing the Ghost of Christmas Future, Nicole Harris with Historic Natchez Foundation play-ing Jo Miller, Harris’ daughter Amelie playing the delivery boy and Alexandra Camargo playing Laura and opening the show with an A Cappella rendition of “O Holy Night.”

The story is based on the Charles Dickens novel but adapted by Taylor to be set in Natchez. Following the death of his business partner, Marley, Scrooge’s life becomes about counting his profits from his busi-ness.

Scrooge shuts out his relative and takes advantage of a recently freed man, Bob Cratchit, played by Terrance Robinson for the fourth year in a row.

But Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Marley, who warns him that if he continues to live in such an un-Christian way, he will spend eternity making up for it. Three more ghosts visit and try to show Scrooge the error of his way.

Taylor said the show features a beautiful set done by Jennifer Rosso, as well as period costumes and beautiful Christmas carols.

“The show will put in people the Christmas spirit, instilling in them the true reason for the season,” Taylor said. “The season is the birth of Christ. It is about giving instead of receiving. Scrooge learns that lesson the hard way.”

Taylor said the show is also appropriate for the whole family.

“It is wonderful family entertainment that you can bring the entire family to see regardless of age, young and old alike,” Taylor said. “It is unusual nowadays to find something you can share with the whole family.”

Taylor said the musical runs for 90 minutes with no intermission.

“A Natchez Christmas Carol” starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday at the theater, located at 319 Linton Ave. Tickets are $15.