Dickens’ Spirited Story of Redemption Soars at Theatre Three

"May you be happy in the life you have chosen."

Purchasing tickets to Theatre Three's 41st annual production of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is one of the best holiday gifts you can give to your family and friends.

The renowned Victorian-era English author titled his holiday novella "A Christmas Carol in Prose." A carol is a joyful song traditionally sung by a group of carolers going door-to-door or performing in public spaces to celebrate the Yuletide season. Dickens, a creative visionary, chose to structure this "Ghost-story of Christmas" like a musical composition, dividing it not into chapters but into five "staves," like verses in a carol.

Thirty-eight years after the first publication of this haunting Christmas tale, American journalist Kate Field wrote, "In December 1843, all England was aroused from its selfish slumbering by the sound of a carol. It was no carol sung by a bird; it was sung by a man, and that man was Charles Dickens."

Theatre Three's Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel's stunning stage adaptation remains faithful to the musicality of Dickens’ rhythmic, lyrical, and melodic language, bursting with vivid imagery, refrains, onomatopoeia, and alliteration. This exceptional production features original Music Conception and Sound Effects Design by Ellen Michelmore, additional Musical Design by William Roslak, and Musical Direction by Brad Frey. Saturday's opening night performance featured Accompanist Jeffrey Hoffman.

Sanzel's flawless direction and his award-worthy performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, a role he has clearly mastered, are just a few reasons to see this captivating show. In past productions, Sanzel portrayed both the present-day curmudgeon Scrooge, who undergoes a spiritual metamorphosis, and the young, ambitious Scrooge from days long gone. However, this year, Kiernan Urso delivered an outstanding performance as Scrooge, the burgeoning young businessman whose obsessive love for money caused him to lose the love of his life.

Set in Victorian London, from the moment the play opens, Scrooge, a bitter and miserly businessman, makes it abundantly clear that he has no love in his heart for Christmas or for anyone or anything else, for that matter. The audience is ominously, eerily, and repetitiously reminded, "Marley was dead … There is no doubt about that." The echo of this indisputable truth made Stephen T. Wangner's frightening depiction of the remorseful ghost of Jacob Marley, draped in chains and rising from the depths of hell to haunt Ebenezer, absolutely bone-chilling.

Over the course of the evening, Scrooge is visited by three more spirits. Julianna Rezza graced the stage with an angelic aura, playing The Ghost of Christmas Past. Radiant and glowing in a magnificent white, glittering gown, Rezza's firm but gentle voice resonated throughout the theatre. Theatre Three veteran Scott Hofer is a natural-born comedian. His spot-on portrayal of The Ghost of Christmas Present offered some much-needed comedic relief before the gigantic, ghastly, gruesome Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come prowls grimly across the stage, forewarning Scrooge of some future, possible, tragic events, including Tiny Tim’s death, if Scrooge does not change his greedy ways. A big round of applause goes out to Steven Uihlein for expertly manning this larger-than-life costume.

Many of the cast members double their roles, and Hofer's delightful portrayal of the lovable Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge's first employer, was one of the show's highlights. Ginger Dalton is a joy to behold and delivers a memorable performance as the jovial Mrs. Fezziwig. Haley Saunders gave a stellar performance as their devoted daughter, Belle, who was once engaged to Scrooge.

Ray Gobes, Jr., was most endearing as Bob Cratchit, the long-suffering, dutiful employee of Scrooge. Linda May delivered a heartwarming performance as his devoted wife and the mother of his children. During the second act, May wowed the audience with her magnificent vocals. Mireilla O'Donnell, a charismatic actor, was perfectly cast as Tiny Tim.

Other notable performances were given by Noah Ryan as Dick Wilkins, Ebenezer's fellow apprentice, Steven Uihlein as Fred Halliwell, Scrooge's kind, forgiving, family-oriented nephew, and Ginger Dalton as Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge's animated housekeeper.

The talented children from "The Holly Cast" excelled in their respective roles, including Patrick Hutchinson as Scrooge as a Boy, Jennifer Salvia as Fan, Kathleen Arabelle Han as Belinda, Roy Fleischer as Peter, Charlotte Gilroy as the Child on Christmas, Nora Andersen as The Girl, Skye Greenberg as Margaret and the Charwoman, and Amelia Theodorakis as Martha. Alternate performances feature the "The Ivy Cast," Tenley Hassett, Zachery Kanakaris, Vivian Leigh Rumble, Dylan Paige Rumble, Christina Gobes, Marissa Rivera, Finn Thomas, Adriana Como, and Emilia Giangrasso.

Theatre Three's awe-inspiring creative team deserves a big shoutout, including Sari Feldman for her precisely executed choreography during Fezziwig's Ball, Tim Haggerty for his spectacular sound design, and Robert W. Henderson, Jr. for his brilliant lighting and sound design. Randall Parsons's visually appealing set design and Jason Allyn and Parsons's authentic Victorian-period costumes made this show a visual treat.

Theater Three's mesmerizing production of "A Christmas Carol" runs through December 27, 2025. For tickets, call the box office at 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut 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