The words "bah-humbug" have become as much a part of the holiday season as Santa Claus and "ho, ho, ho." But while Ebenezer Scrooge may sulk across the stage of the North Shore Music Theatre when A Christmas Carol returns again this year from December 6-22, don't expect to hear any bah-humbugs from the cast. This is a group who, after more than 10 years performing the Charles Dickens' classic story-turned-musical, knows full well that family and togetherness are the moral of the story.

It took a little scaring for Scrooge to understand the importance of friends and family, but the North Shore Music Theatre figured this out naturally. After all, it's a lesson that's right in the script, as Scrooge is transformed overnight from a hard-hearted miser into an enthusiastic benefactor thanks to the spirits of Christmas and the Cratchit family.

Over the past 14 years, the company has become an extended family through its production of A Christmas Carol. And half of the cast of 30 actors are again reprising their roles this season for director and choreographer Greg Ganakas. Even former company members who performed as children often return to catch up with the show. "You never know who's going to be backstage after a performance," remarks David Coffee, who is on his eleventh year of playing Mr. Scrooge. "It's always a surprise. You'll ask 'who's this?' and they tell you, and you say 'Oh my gosh! You were only three feet tall, and look at you now!'"

Coffee joined the company in 1992 when then-director Jon Kimbell (who is now artistic director and executive producer of North Shore Music Theatre), asked him to read for Scrooge after seeing the role on his resume. He hadn't signed up to audition, but the musical's adapters-Kimbell, David James and David Zoffoli-wanted to see his interpretation. Apparently he felt so at home with the role that, more than a decade later, he's still traveling all the way from his native Texas to play the part.

But comfort is only one aspect of what brings cast members together each year for what has become a local holiday tradition. Another big virtue of performing this play seems to be the location. Believe it or not, some people actually enjoy New England winters. "The snow is part of the wonder and the joy of the show," explains Coffee. "You come in, you see that show and then there's this pretty snow outside, it really gets you in the [holiday] mood."

Undeniably, the holiday spirit magnifies the warm family atmosphere. And George Dvorsky, who physically embodies the Christmas spirit on stage by playing the Ghost of Christmas Present, does his part to make sure that glorious atmosphere is felt by everyone, on stage and off. Dvorsky won the role in 1989 and has been with the company since its first year, missing only three seasons due to Broadway engagements. Being a confessed Christmas fanatic, there's nothing Dvorsky enjoys more than taking part in this show. "It's such a wonderful treat," he says. "How many leading men get to walk around on stilts carrying a torch?"

In keeping with his character's mission, Dvorsky spreads the Christmas spirit backstage, decorating the anteroom connecting his and Coffee's dressing rooms. It is one of the central meeting places where actors gather to chat between scenes. Garlands and strands of lights hang above the windows, and a Christmas tree covered with ornaments stands in one corner.

The joyful camaraderie is present onstage as well. "We have a history with each other," Coffee explains. "That's what makes a great acting company; people know how one another work and think. You can make tiny changes and it flows so much smoother-but you also have a lot of fun."

Despite the conflict between their characters, Dvorsky and Coffee are good friends and have developed an unspoken dialogue to communicate when something amusing happens during a performance. And even if the audience doesn't see the mischievous look Coffee might toss Dvorsky if someone misses a cue, the special bond between company members is clearly visible.

One expression of the family bond is through the Secret Santas each company member has. The secret is revealed at an annual potluck dinner in the greenroom where Dvorsky plays Santa Claus. His favorite Secret Santa gift came from the prop mistress in 1992, who gave him a Ken doll dressed as the Ghost of Christmas Present. "The next year she gave me a Joe Hardy costume for Damn Yankees. The next two years, she made me a Tommy outfit for Brigadoon, and a Curly outfit for Oklahoma! It was the gift that kept on giving."

The cast works hard to extend that same sense of friendship to the audience. Coffee recalls walking around the theatre shaking hands after the show: "One year this couple handed me a gift bag and inside was a bottle of champagne. Every year [since], if I don't see them before the show, I'll have a bottle of champagne waiting for me backstage," he recalls.Clearly North Shore Music Theatre's patrons are also an important part of the tradition. When the two actors appeared in The Wizard of Oz this summer, audience members wanted to know if they planned to return for A Christmas Carol, insisting the show wouldn't be the same without them.

One of the highlights for audiences is Dvorsky's entrance as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Carrying a torch and wearing a velvet robe with fur trim and a wreath with twinkling candles on his head, Dvorsky makes his entrance from below, appearing to grow out of the stage. "I have had audience members tell me they know it's Christmas when they see me rise from the floor," he explains. "They say for them, that's when the season starts."