Review: Theatre Three's Annual Production Of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

The show is wonderful to begin with. Theatre Three's 32nd annual production of the beloved Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol has become a beautiful tradition on Long Island. Even with slight changes throughout the years, the timeless tale is as spectacular as ever.

Jeffrey Sanzel, the Artistic Director of the Port Jefferson venue, directs the dazzling show running through December 27th. Additionally, Mr. Sanzel stars as our favorite miserable miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. As we know, the story takes place on the night of Christmas Eve when Mr. Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet To Come to save his greedy soul from an eternity of shackles and chains. Mr. Sanzel's performance of the role from being a crotchety businessman to ultimately finding the Christmas spirit is really the best around.

Mr. Sanzel leads the extraordinary, large cast filled with Theatre Three vets many of whom hold several roles. Amongst the children, they even have two casts; "The Ivy Cast" and "The Holly Cast". Of the remarkable company, the aforementioned ghosts are indeed a highlight.

Theatre Three favorite Steve McCoy is excellent as Jacob Marley. Mr. McCoy switches up his take on this role each year from his appearance to entrance and delivers with intensity each time. The Ghost of Christmas Past is strongly portrayed by Amanda Geraci whose powerful performance is one you will remember for quite some time. Furthermore, James D. Schultz is hilarious as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Him laughing and jumping about leaves the audience in absolute stiches. As for the The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, that costume is operated this year by Hans Paul Hendrickson. Yes, I said operated. The faceless undertaker-like ghost stands almost to the top of the stage. As he maneuvers back and forth, fog and lighting surrounded the stage and his arms open abruptly to the sound of thunder as he is taking Scrooge through his potential future.

As for the creative team, Randall Parsons' set is well done. The large stage has concealed sections and rolling props that are enhanced by Robert W. Henderson, Jr's atmospheric lighting. Mr. Parsons also coordinates the gorgeous costumes with Bonnie Vidal. These similarly change slightly from year to year, but you still get that 19th century aura.

By Charles Dickens, Adapted & Directed by JEFFREY SANZEL, Production Design by RANDALL PARSONS, Costume Design by RANDALL PARSONS & BONNIE VIDAL, Lighting Design by ROBERT W. HENDERSON, JR., Sound Design by JAMES KIMMEL, Stage Management by PETER CASDIA, Musical Direction by WILLIAM ROSLAK, Musical Conception & Supervision/Sound Effects Design by ELLEN MICHELMORE

Starring JEFFREY SANZEL, GEORGE LIBERMAN, HANS PAUL HENDRICKSON, DOUGLAS J. QUATTROCK, STEVEN ULHEIN, JENNA KAVALER, JAMES D. SCHULTZ, MICHELLE COSENTINO, STEVE McCOY, AMANDA GERACI, MARQUEZ CATHERINE STEWART, ALEXA EICHINGER, SOFIA BOCANEGRA, HOLLY D'ACCORDO, KAILEY D'ACCORDO, JOCELYN MANGINELLI, MEGAN BUSH, KIERNAN URSO, MICHAEL SANTIESTEBAN, SOPHIA KNAPP, ZOE KAHNIS, SKYLER QUINN JOHNSON, JACE S. RODRIGUES, KATIE GUDZIK, KELLYANNE CROVELLO, RYAN M. BECKER, ALEXANDER YAGUD-WOLEK, BENJAMIN FOGARTY, HARRISON ROSENZWEIG

For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com

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