By Alana Brooks.
A Christmas Carol Returns to Theatre Three!
With Thanksgiving around the corner and a familiar chill in the air, Christmastime is descending
on Long Island once again! And, as it has done for the past 38 years, A Christmas Carol has
returned to the mainstage at Theatre Three to tell the inspiring holiday tale that truly never gets
old.
The theater has much experience putting on Charles Dickens’ classic, but adds slight new twists
as the years pass. Theatre Three’s artistic director Jeffrey Sanzel not only adapts and directs the
show each year, but plays the main miserly man of business—mister Ebenezer Scrooge. It is
evident how much time and heart he has put into perfecting this role over the years, and this
season is no exception.
As soon as the lights descend and 19th century England comes to life, there is no denying the
fact that Sanzel’s Scrooge is, without a doubt, the angriest, humbug-iest individual who is in
need of a serious change of heart.
Scenes transition as if by magic, and the supporting characters play their parts well—never
shattering the illusion that Scrooge is in fact visiting the past, present, and future via some
slightly spooky companions in order to save his immortal soul.
Sanzel’s convincing performance is supplemented by the strong performances of the rest of the
cast—Bob Cratchit, the kind spirited clerk, played by Douglas Quattrock; Fred Halliwel,
Scrooge’s ever-persistent nephew, played by Sean Amato; the deceased and doomed to shackles
Jacob Marley, played by Stephen Wanger; and the hilariously cheeky Ghost of Christmas
present, played by Scott Hofer—just to name a few.
The sets are beautifully done and transition from one to the next seamlessly, and there are even
some shocking special-effects moments—Jacob Marley’s first appearance to Scrooge was
bone-chilling, as well as the enormous, looming presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come. The costumes are gorgeously designed and add to the overall magic of the show.
Whether you know the tale by heart, or have no clue of its premise, this show is wonderful and
shouldn’t be missed! Not only will it get you into the holiday spirit, but it also may prompt you
to hug your loved ones a little tighter.
A Christmas Carol is running at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson until December 30th. For tickets
visit their website.
This review is a creative narrative that makes the reader want to rush to the theater to see this years version of a Christmas Carol. It’s like anticipating a special holiday meal that has a delicious new twist added.
Can’t wait to see it!