The Main Street Theatre and Dance Alliance's annual benefit this year, opening next Friday, will be a new musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Bob McDowell has written original music and arranged traditional carols. Proceeds will benefit the MST&DA scholarship fund.

In addition to a cast of MST&DA stalwarts, Ron Roth, who most recently appeared as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, returns in the role of Yuletide bad guy Ebenezer Scrooge. Ron has appeared in several feature films, including The Super, with Joe Pesci.

MST&DA provides residents with high-quality instruction in the Creative Arts, offering classes in acting, dance, voice, fitness (aerobics, yoga) to students of all ages and experience levels. Classes are taught by professionals and offered at a cost below comparable programs in Manhattan.

As inexpensive as these classes are, there are still many children on the Island who would like to get involved, but whose parents simply can't afford the expense. That's where the annual winter benefit comes in. The bulk of the proceeds from the production go to a scholarship fund for disadvantaged kids and adults. "The show is really a labor of love," says MST&DA Director Nancy Howe. "Many cast members come home from work every night in October and November only to go to rehearsal for several hours. There's a real sense of community among cast members, and the addition of children and teens in the benefit shows has provided a burst of energy and fun. Knowing that their efforts are for a good cause heightens the feeling of good will."

There will be ten performances of A Christmas Carol Friday-Monday, December 8-11 and 15-18. All seats are $15 except Monday, Dec. 11, which is a $10 special for seniors and the disabled. Tickets must be purchased at the box office. Call 371-4449 for box office hours and other information.