Theatre Three's "A Christmas Carol" Visually Stunning

Theatre Three’s “A Christmas Carol” is a Visually Stunning Holiday Treat

Theater Review by Cindi Sansone-Braff 

Photos:Steve Ayle/Showbizshots.com

“A Christmas Carol” Theatre Three Full CastTheatre Three’s 39^th annual production of “A Christmas Carol”  is as much a Long Island holiday tradition as Brunch with Santa, hanging stockings, and decorating the tree. 

“A Christmas Carol” was the first of many Christmas stories written by the legendary English author Charles Dickens. While writing this beloved novella, Dickens was amazed by the strange mastery in which this story seized him and how he wept over it, laughed, and wept again. 

To many Long Islanders, including myself, Theatre Three’s Executive Artistic Director, Jeffrey Sanzel, is the quintessential Scrooge. I have seen Sanzel’s award-winning production of Scrooge many times and never tire of it; for each year, I notice another one of  Dickens’ meaningful themes, discover something new about one of the characters, and come to understand more deeply why this novella has captured the heart and soul of people for 180 years. Sanzel’s brilliant direction and outstanding characterization of Scrooge bring this endearing Christmas tale to life. Watching Sanzel’s rich and nuanced performance and his amazing onstage transformation from the misanthropic, greedy, and miserly businessman into the benevolent, kind, and generous person Scrooge becomes is one of those rare theatrical experiences you will never forget.

The play opens with an ominous reminder over and over again that “Marley was dead … There is no doubt about that.” The echoing of this indisputable reality made Steven Uihlein’s portrayal of the remorseful ghost of Jacob Marley, draped in chains, rising from the depths of hell, all the more bone-chilling.  

Cassidy Rose O’Brien and George SanzelMarley isn’t the only ghost in this tale. Cassidy Rose O’Brien, looking angelic, all dressed in sparkling white, was most captivating as the Ghost of Christmas Past. As The Ghost of Christmas Present, Stephen T. Wangner displayed his comedic genius, uttering every line with perfect timing, thus providing the audience with some much-needed comedic relief. The audience audibly gasped when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appeared, donning a larger-than-life costume expertly manned by Sean Amato. This terrifying Spirit reveals some future possible tragic outcomes, including the death of Tiny Tim, if Scrooge doesn’t correct the errors of his ways.

Stephen T. Wangner was equally impressive in the role of the kind and lovable Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge’s first employer. Ginger Dalton gave a noteworthy performance as the devoted Mrs. Fezziwig, and her hilarious portrayal of Scrooge’s housekeeper, Mrs. Dilber, left the audience in stitches. Julia Albino was believable as their loving daughter and fiancée of Scrooge. Albino’s facial expressions and body language spoke volumes when she broke off her engagement to Scrooge because he was obsessed with money and material things.

Kyle Breitenbach, with his engaging onstage voice and movie star classic good looks, commanded the stage as Dick Wilkins apprenticed to Fezziwig. Sean Amato brought charm and likeability to Fred Halliwell, Scrooge’s kind nephew, and Cassidy Rose O’Brien was charming as his pregnant wife, Janet Halliwell. 

Ray Gobbes, Jr, as Bob Cratchit, the long-suffering employee of Scrooge, gave a heartrending performance, particularly in the family scenes. Veteran Theatre Three performer Linda May brought her A-game to this production in her portrayal of Bob Cratchit’s loving wife and mother of his children. Her moving solo, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” brought tears to my eyes.

Stephen T. Wanger, Linda May, Julie Friedman, Griffin Fleming, Isabela ThomsenOne of the overarching themes in “A Christmas Carol” centers around the hardships countless children endured during the Victorian era. The storyline concerning Tiny Tim and the possibility of his early death from a childhood disease mirrors the harsh realities of life during the 19^th century. With that said, a great deal of the success of this production must be given to the talented children and young actors in this cast, including Kathleen Arabelle Han, Christina Gobes, Alexa Eichinger, Brooke Morrison, Patrick Hutchinson, Finn Thomas, Griffin Fleming, Shannon Cooper, Julie Friedman, Isabela Thomsen, Mairead Camas, Kaylin Zeidler, Stanley Zinger, Zach Kanakaris, Cassidy Worrell,  Addyson Urso, Angelina Eybs, and 

Skye Greenberg. The children alternate performances, and the show I saw featured a very talented Stanley Zinger giving a heartwarming performance as Tiny Tim, and Patrick Hutchinson acing the role of Scrooge as a Boy.

Steven Uihlein and Jeffrey SanzelEvery aspect of this show comes together to create a sense of magic and wonder. Everywhere you look, there is something visually stunning to behold, from the beauty of the church’s stained-glass windows to the falling snow and the many exciting special effects. The exquisite choice of background music, the beautiful singing voices of the cast, and the pitch-perfect sound by Tim Haggerty were treats for the ears!

A big round of applause goes out to Robert W. Henderson, Jr. for his outstanding lighting and sound design. Randall Parsons’ breathtaking set with its multi-levels and transformative design, Randall Parsons and Jason Allyn’s authentic Victorian costumes, and the expert musical direction by Brad Frey all added to the overall success of this production.

Don’t forget to arrive early to hear the stellar cast caroling on the Second Stage before the show and to stay afterward to get a picture onstage with Ebenezer Scrooge. 

This year, surprise your whole family by gifting them tickets to Theatre Three’s magical production of “A Christmas Carol.” This show will bring you and yours tidings of comfort and joy! This holiday spectacular runs through December 30.  For tickets, call the box office at 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.

Comments

[Diane Cooper]

Total professional grade show. You are getting broadway in manhattan without the trouble of commuting into the city and without breaking the bank. At $25 each for nov. tickets and only $40 each for dec. tickets, the show is a STEAL. Great christmas gift!!!