The official title of Seattle Performing Arts Fellowhip's holiday offering is "The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of: A Christmas Carol," written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr.

What a mouthful! And what a hoot!

This story begins with a gossipy, chatty visit by Phoebe, portrayed by the ebulliently daffy purse-carrying Rachael Rene, who announces the show will be delayed because the cast is stuck in traffic on Queen Anne Hill.

We are then treated to a hilarious conversation through a "backstage" microphone not turned off between Phoebe and Gordon, the cast's lone male member, affably though often put-upon, played by John Myers.

Upon the arrival of the traffic delayed cast members, some audience members are offered parts in the show because they may better fit costumes, which, of course , leads to some catty tension among the new arrivals.

This performance within a performance gives our cast great opportunity for more hilarity as they jump on each other's lines and sometimes each other, miss cues, and frequently lose track of their characters.

One especially funny scene has actors reciting portions of words because there was a goof up on the script and some words were incomplete, so they only learned what was there.

While Charles Dickens may be spinning in his grave, the SPAF imaginators came up with clever methods to portray the traditional three ghost visits and their messages. From moveable walls to puppet copies of Scrooge and Spirits, we are treated to even more unabashed goofiness.

Audience participation is invited at one point during the performance, so watch out for the busy Phoebe as she looks into the audience.

Director David Morris, in his program notes, states "...I hope to pass onto you one of the best gifts that God has allowed us to have - the gift of laughter!" And laughter he's definitely given us!

Three newcomers to SPAF's stage are Abby Coe as Mercedes, Caitlin Elya as Felicity and Emilie Rommel as Thelma. They bring considerable skills that enhance the hilarity most deliciously.

Costumer Cindy Smith's imaginative skills know no bounds-especially in helping Gordon (John Myers) turn into Mrs. Cratchett. As for characters carrying purses-they all seem to be Ms. Rene in yet another costume.

SPAF performances are presented through Dec. 16 at 1807 South 223rd St., Des Moines, on Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students and seniors, and $10 for pre-registered groups.

Call SPAF at 206-722-4289 or go online at tickets@spaftheatre.org.