4:40 For decades, “A Christmas Carol” has been amongst the most produced plays in the United States. Obviously, the popularity of the show meant significant revenues for the producing companies, which have disappeared along with live audience members. Talk about a Humbug situation. Now dependent on digital platforms, theater companies are streaming productions of the popular Christmas tale. Some have small fees; some offer the product free and ask for a donation, and a few are expensive. All hope, that “A Christmas Carol” will help their patrons will feel connected to the organizations that kept a tradition alive. Besides being a timeless tale of redemption and showing how happiness is directly related to living a good life, there are practical reasons for the popularity of “A Christmas Carol.” One is expenses. Besides not having to pay a royalty to Charles Dickens many adaptations have been created using a minimum of performers.