James Milvain takes on Scrooge … again.

Most people would be hesitant to admit they’re pretty good Scrooges. Not James Milvain.

He played the role last year for the Rialto Theatre’s A Christmas Carol presentation and the foundation was so pleased with his performance, they’ve asked him to reprise the role.

Though he considered experimenting, he ultimately decided on a traditional portrayal.

“I’ve patterned him after Alastair Sim’s Scrooge,” he said. “Everyone recognizes him so well.”

Alberta native Milvain, 57, drifted in and out of the theatre sphere through the ’80s and ’90s, returning with vigour in 2000. He has appeared in Hudson Village Theatre shows and wrote and performed for that company’s In The Mood this summer.

His wife Lois, also an actor, teaches the skill to all ages, including conducting classes at seven Montreal-area residences.

The show features a cast of 20 who, according to Milvain, “made up a wonderful choir right from the get-go.” They will perform 14 traditional carols.

Directed by Stephen Vincelli, A Christmas Carol runs December 13-23 at the Rialto Theatre, 5723 Parc. $20, $25. 514-770-7773, ticketpro.ca.

The theatre is on the third floor and there is no elevator.