LAKEWOOD – Who is the most-hated character in a Christmas story?

The Grinch? Mr. Potter? Scrooge?

Devin Smith is finding out if it’s the latter as he is starring in the Lakewood High School production of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.”

“They might end up booing me when I come out. I expect it,” Smith said this week.

The role is a lot different than other ones he’s played, including the romantic hero Wesley in “The Princess Bride,” and the soft-spoken angel Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“He’s an iconic villain,” Smith said of Scrooge.

Because the role is so well-known, Smith said he’s feeling pressure to get it right. He said it’s tough because he’s onstage the entire play so he has to always be in character.

“He’s old and angry. You have to use all your facial muscles and talk in a low voice. I’ve had to work on it awhile.”

Smith started drama four years ago, playing the Cheshire Cat in “Alice in Wonderland.” After the play, he said people in the audience told him, “He was born to do this.”

Smith, who is on the honor roll, said he’s not even sure how he remembers all of his lines. He said if he was asked “at this point in this scene” what his line is, he wouldn’t know. But when the moment hits, he remembers it.

Smith is one of four seniors in the play. The others are Quinn Wilson, Zach Gibson and Carter Wagner.

Playgoers will never even see Wilson. He is in his third year of being on the stage crew. He said he likes being a “secret ninja” back stage, moving the props around. He does have an important part in the play, ringing a bell that cues certain characters.

Wilson said he doesn’t foresee himself ever being onstage.

“There’s a reason I’m on the stage crew,” he said with a smile.

Gibson plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, along with Mr. Fezziwig, who was an old boss of Scrooge’s as he revisits a Christmas party from his past.

“He’s jolly and bright and full of the Christmas spirit,” Gibson said of his role.

Wagner, who played Uncle Billy in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” plays the ghost Jacob Marley in this play, along with some smaller parts. He said he enjoys the traditional play they are doing this year because it adds to the “community spirit.”

Others in starring roles are: freshman Sean Peacock as the Ghost of Christmas Future, sophomore Alyssa Valley as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and there are several students from local elementary and middle schools, including Darrow Peterson as Tiny Tim.

The cast of about 22 with 10 stage hands began rehearsing in early October. Seven alumni also are helping. The many Victorian costumes are borrowed from theater groups from around the area.

Doors open Dec. 2-3 and 9-10 at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. play. Cost is $10.

Spoiler alert: Smith is not hated the entire show. In Charles Dickens’ story, Ebenezer Scrooge goes from being embittered to a giving, caring man, thanks to the three ghosts who show him what life means.