By Kristen Weyer.
A Long Island Christmas tradition has returned to the stage! Theatre Three’s annual production of A Christmas Carol is back for it’s 37th year, and its just as good as you remember! No Christmas season would be complete without seeing one (or many) renditions of Charles Dicken’s classic tale, and the experience of seeing it live on stage is not to be missed. There’s a kind of magic in the air of the theatre that draws you into the story and won’t let go even after the final bows have been made. It is a fabulous way to start off the holiday season!
The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his yuletide visit from the ghosts of Christmas needs little explanation, if any. It is a tale that is familiar to most, and if perchance you are new to it, then I won’t ruin the surprise for you. Suffice it to say that this version is superb. Director, Adaptor, and lead actor Jeffrey Sanzel once again showcases his myriad talents, and in depth understanding of this classic.
Noelle McLeer, Jeffrey Sanzel. Photo by Brian Hoerger. 
Douglas Quattrock, Jeffrey Sanzel. Photo by Brian Hoerger. 
Alexa Eichinger, Linda May, Douglas J. Quattrock, David Lafter, Michaela Reis. Photo by Brian Hoerger.
The cast, the set, the costumes and the effects all come together to create a magical whole. Sanzel’s experience at portraying Scrooge is obvious. He embodies the character with effortless familiarity and ease, he doesn’t just play Scrooge, on stage he IS Scrooge. I was also extremely pleased to see both Steven Uihlein and Douglas J. Quattrock back reprising their previous roles of Fred Halliwell and Bob Cratchit. Both give superb characterization and charm to their roles. I’ve enjoyed watching them in the past and this year is no exception. Indeed, Quattrock even caused me to tear up during his lament for Tiny Tim, even though I knew what to expect. Noelle McLeer, Scott Hofer, and Steven Uihlein did fabulously as the Ghosts of Christmas. McLeer’s ethereal Ghost of Christmas Past radiated controlled power. Hofer’s jubilant Ghost of Christmas Present made his character seem larger than life with an infectious laugh. Uihlein’s control of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is impressive and more than a little scary. The entire cast performed beautifully, with a special notice to Scott Hofer and Ginger Dalton as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, who made me smile more than once.
Scenic and Costume Designer Randall Parsons deserves recognition for his brilliant work on this show. The set is lovely, clever and functional, and the costumes were lovely and historically accurate. The show is aided by frequent lighting and sound effects by designer Robert W. Henderson Jr., and fantastic musical direction by Brad Frey. This year Tiny Tim was portrayed by a puppet created by Austin Costello.
Whether this would be your first time seeing this play, or your fiftieth, Theatre Three’s A Christmas Carol is more than worth attending. If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit then this is it!
A Christmas Carol is running at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson until December 26th. For tickets and current entrance requirements click here.