Everybody was surprised and amazed when Ebenezer Scrooge suddenly renounced his miserly ways and spread joy on Christmas Day. Alas, in the Little Egg Theatre Co.’s holiday show, “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” he has reneged, big time.

Ebenezer (Donn Shearer) is suing Jacob Marley (Hector Ricci) and the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Mary Henry), Present, and Future (Mike Bochicchio). Note that the actor playing Present is not named, the reason being that the trial takes place on Christmas Eve. When the bailiff (Jim Henry) is sent out to collect him, the ghost insists he is too busy to attend.

Scrooge is going for blood (do spirits have blood?), charging the ghosts with breaking and entering, kidnapping, slander, pain and suffering, the intentional infliction of emotional distress, and even attempted murder.

The ghosts are defended by Solomon Rothschild (Cormac Morrissey), considered the most charismatic, savvy and clever barrister in all of England. Scrooge, in the interest of saving money, represents himself. Sounds like a one-sided case, considering that people are advised never to represent themselves.

Many witnesses are called to the stand – Bob Cratchit (Rich Cuthbertson), Mrs. Cratchit (Jackie Seeger), Scrooge’s nephew Fred (Mike Bochicchio doing double duty), philanthropist Sara Anne Wainwright (Pat Delaney), Scrooge’s long-ago love interest Belle (Megan Bauer), his sister Fan (Laura Moyer), and Mrs. Dilber (Janet Wolf), a beggar who is accused of stealing clothing and jewelry from Scrooge.

Cross-examining the Ghost of Christmas Future is difficult because he speaks in gibberish. A translator (Judy Privetera-Parish) is necessary to convert his speech to English.

Judge Stanchfield R. Pearson (Dave Somers), who is almost as gruff as Scrooge, rules over the trial with an iron fist. But how will he rule? Even a prediction market such as Kalshi would be hard pressed to give odds on what side would win. You’ll have to see the show to find out.

“The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” which was written by prolific playwright Mark Brown, will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12 and 13 and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15. Tickets are $14 for opening night and $16 for the other three shows. They may be purchased online at littleeggtheatreco.com or at the door. One warning – LETCO matinees often sell out.

All performances will be at the Edward Thornton Little Egg Harbor Community Center, located at 319 West Cala Breeze Way in Mystic Island. A word of advice – the steel folding chairs at the center can become uncomfortable, so it would be wise to bring a cushion.