PENDLETON, ELGIN — The Elgin Opera House is moving west this month to open “A Christmas Carol” at Blue Mountain Community College, before returning to Elgin for the remaining performances.

The new partnership between the two entities aims to increase theater opportunities in Eastern Oregon.

“This is the first show to start the tradition,” said Grant Turner, associate artistic director for the Elgin Opera House, who also plays Bob Cratchit and Fezziwig in the upcoming production.

“A Christmas Carol” is directed by Jon Kretzu, former associate artistic director at Artists Reperatory Theatre in Portland.

The play opens Dec. 10 and 11 at BMCC in Pendleton. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online at www.elginoperahouse.com.

The show then moves to Elgin for performances on Dec. 17 and 18, then Dec. 21, 22 and 23.

The set, Turner said, is fairly simple and easy to move between locations.

“We don’t have much of a set,” he said. “Most of the work is done by the actors and the script.”

Shows in Elgin are at 7:30 p.m., except for Dec. 18, which has two shows (2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $18 for the orchestra level and lower balcony, and $8 for the upper balcony. Purchase tickets in advance at www.elgin-operahouse.com.

This version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was created by combining several versions and adaptations. It will be, however, very familiar.

“One hundred percent, fundamentally ‘A Christmas Carol’ you know and love,” Turner said.

He said it is presented through a modern lens, and focuses more on the character of Ebenezer Scrooge.

“This is a play where we learn why Scrooge is the way he is,” Turner said. “We learn about his backstory, and you understand why he made the choices he made.”

The cast of 18 all play two parts, and sometimes three. Kevin Cahill plays Scrooge — a role he’s played many times over the years with the La Grande Shakespeare Company and then at the Elgin Opera House’s Hale-Turner Theater.

“We have a tradition of doing ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and Kevin is always Scrooge,” Turner said. “Scrooge is a role that fits him like a glove — the redemption of Scrooge is not easy to pull off.”

This is the first time “A Christmas Carol” will be performed on the Opera House’s main stage, with the new script.

Dec. 10 and 11 at Blue Mountain Community College

Dec. 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 at the Elgin Opera House

Tickets: www.elginoperahouse.com