Is it ever too early to start thinking about the always wonderful A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park?

Well, maybe, but this week only (Monday through next Sunday) the theater is offering a $5 discount for adult tickets for Dec. 4-10 performances. (Tickets for children ages 5 through 12 are $15-$20.)

Playhouse has a new Tiny Tim in Lucas Clark of Westwood, already a theater veteran at age 7.

Lucas was inspired in his career at age 5, when he saw the touring production of Annie. He told mom Barbara, "That's what I want to do" and embarked on dance, acting and vocal lessons. (He also studied cello for three years and this year is taking piano lessons.)

Lucas has already made his community theater debut, with Showbiz Players' In the Beginning and filmed his first commercial. No surprise that Carol director Michael Haney calls him "self-possessed." Haney says Lucas has "a great little English accent," too.

Tickets: 421-3888, (800) 582-3208 and Web site.