COEUR d'ALENE - More than 170 years ago, a cold-hearted miser named Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by three most unwelcome, ghostly guests in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

The spirits helped melt the ice in Scrooge's heart and reminded him what it meant to live, to love and to celebrate the joys of the Christmas season with family and friends. This classic tale has become one of the most cherished holiday stories of all time.

Now, seven generations later, the Coeur d'Alene High School Theatre Department is presenting, for the first time on any stage anywhere, "7th Generation: A Christmas Carol," an original retelling of the beloved classic set in modern-day Seattle. The protagonist is Scrooge's great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Moore, played by CHS junior Bethany Stone, 16, of Hayden.

"I am so excited," she said. "I can't wait to just tell this new story to all these people."

History somewhat repeats itself as Elizabeth experiences problems similar to those of her ancestor - issues with love and accepting difficulties in life and hard times around Christmas. She also receives spectral visits, including one from Scrooge, named E.B. in this production.

"It follows some of the themes of the classic, but it's more connected to Elizabeth's journey to discover that love can be counted on," said Michael Murray of Coeur d'Alene, who is an assistant drama coach and the "7th Generation" playwright.

"I think it has a strong family message, a strong message about the human experience," he said. "Those are talented artists right there. They're really good storytellers and have a really good grasp of the story they're telling as actors."

E.B. Scrooge is played by senior Kelton Pemp, 17, of Hayden. He said the concept of "7th Generation" captivated him from the start because he is a big fan of modern retellings, especially ones that are relatable to the audience.

"It's not the 1800s anymore, but that sense of Christmas joy is still here in the modern day," Kelton said. "It's not gone."

He said audience members might find themselves smiling more during "7th Generation," which has a cast of 30, because it focuses on real people, not set characters from a bygone era.

"It's almost a little bit more humorous," he said. "The world isn't so dark and dreary as it used to be."

CHS theater teacher and "7th Generation" director Jared Helm of Coeur d'Alene said for his students to star in the show's premiere "is a pretty awesome experience."

"Their response has been remarkable. They're in love with it because it is fresh and new," Helm said. "It's now. This story has been told and told and this is such a different story and take on it."

Helm is also beaming about his students because they are now the 5A state drama champions following the Idaho High School Activities Association's 2014 State Drama Tournament last weekend in Meridian.

"I feel honored by what my students have accomplished," Helm said. "I keep telling anyone who will listen how big of a deal this truly is. The competition is hard to understand on many levels, but at the core it is simply students telling a story. The actors inspire me to listen to the world and stories I encounter every day - the actors brighten reality for the audience, illuminating the truth within all. My students share goodwill and belief with the audience, and for this I am thankful. I am honored to be amongst a group of professionals who are passionate and grateful to study this craft."

Kelton performed a dark piece from "Shaping the Axe Handle" in the finalist round of the solo serious category and placed first with his "Hamlet" set design. He said his CHS colleagues provided an abundance of encouragement for each others' craft.

"We're a family," he said. "It's a great family away from family. The people around me are so supportive and that's what really matters. I really value the work of my colleagues."

Elizabeth, who also performed a piece in the solo serious category, said she sat on a wall shaking a cup to invoke the character of the homeless woman she was about to portray from the play "Trolls."

"I was ecstatic to be performing the piece, but before the rounds I tried to get as much into character as possible," she said.

She echoed Kelton's comments about the togetherness of their drama team.

"The team was so bonded, we were just spreading good will the whole time," she said. "It feels amazing because we worked so hard. There were so many new people that joined the team. We got to show so many people how to experience drama."

The state champs will perform in "7th Generation: A Christmas Carol" at 7 p.m. in the CHS auditorium tonight and Saturday as well as 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 19 and 20. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and $5 with a CHS ASB card. Tickets can be purchased by calling 739-2999 or online at www.chstheater.org.