Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 2025 - Theatre Three | 11.8.25

Photo Credit: Ally Humanitzki, THEATRE THREE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson is currently presenting their annual production of “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol” from November 8th to December 27th and after being there opening night (and for many years before this) it remains clear why their production is in its 41st year. As far as I’m concerned, the Christmas season does not begin until I’ve seen this show and I know many other people on Long Island share this thought!

The story is centered around Ebenezer Scrooge (incredibly played by Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel) who is a wealthy yet frugal man who has become quite unpleasant over the years. He is cruel and cold to anyone in his orbit and experiences a series of events on the night of Christmas Eve that changes his perspective. The show opens with the entire town preparing for Christmas. We meet Scrooge’s nephew Fred (Steven Uihlein) and Bob Cratchit (Ray Gobes, Jr.), who works for Scrooge. Fred is there to invite his uncle to Christmas dinner as he has done many times before, which Scrooge rejects. Bob is requesting to have Christmas Day off to spend with his family and while Scrooge initially gives him push back, he reluctantly agrees. I couldn’t be happier to see Uihlein and Gobes back in these roles. They are both so genuine and bring so much to these characters - whether you are familiar with this story or not, you will be immediately endeared towards them.

That evening, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late business partner Jacob Marley (played hauntingly by Stephen T. Wangner) who tells him that he has been endlessly dragging chains and boxes in the afterlife for having lived so selfishly and warns him that if he does not make a change soon, this will be his fate as well. Marley goes on to inform him that he should expect to be visited by three ghosts with messages he should heed in order to avoid the same consequences.

Scrooge is then visited by The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Julianna Rezza and I loved her portrayal of the character. She was eerie, yet beautiful as she floated across the stage. Christmas Past takes Scrooge back in time when he was a nicer, happier person and there was love in his life. We see scenes of him as a young boy (Patrick Hutchinson) interacting with his beloved sister Fan (Jennifer Salvia) and we meet his former employer, Mr. Fezziwig and his wife (played by Scott Hofer and Ginger Dalton) as well. In this scene we get a glimpse of how kind and generous Fezziwig was with his employees - which is everything Scrooge is not. We also meet Scrooge’s first love Belle (Haley Saunders). While Scrooge loved Belle dearly it became clear to her that he would never love her the way that he loves accumulating money and she ends the relationship, which was a great loss for Scrooge.

Also - as a quick aside - Dalton also takes on the role of Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge’s housekeeper and gives us more than a few laughs. Just hysterical! She is an absolute gem.

One of the changes in this year’s production at Theatre Three is the depiction of Young Scrooge. In prior productions, Sanzel played it himself but this year Young Scrooge is wonderfully played by new Theatre Three Company Member Kiernan Urso and it is a refreshing change. Urso brings so much warmth to the role and allows you to connect with the character in a different way. A wonderful change indeed! It was nicely acted and a fantastic addition to the tradition!

The alliteration there is just too good. Really happy with how that went.

Kiernan Urso, Jeffrey Sanzel, Patrick Hutchinson.

Photo Credit: Ally Humanitzki, THEATRE THREE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

The recollection of these memories is far too much for Scrooge and he asks The Ghost of Christmas Past to stop. she does, but not before reminding him that he should still expect another two visits this evening and we soon meet The Ghost of Christmas Present, which was also played by Scott Hofer. This isn’t his first time in the role and it is clear why - I can’t imagine any one else! Hofer’s jovial and kind spirit is exactly what the character calls for. He offers some comic relief and lights up the stage with his smile and laughter. This ghost brings us to the Cratchit household, where we meet the rest of Bob’s family. Linda May plays Mrs. Cratchit and delivers a standout performance! She is genuine and warm - everything Mrs. Cratchit should be. In this scene, Scrooge learns that their son Tiny Tim is ill and if he does not get the treatment he needs he will likely die. Despite the challenges the Cratchits face in health and wealth, Scrooge sees a bit about what love looks like and how you can still have a lot even if you have a little.

Scott Hofer as The Ghost of Christmas Present & The Cratchit Family.

Photo Credit: Ally Humanitzki, THEATRE THREE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

After seeing all of this Scrooge is again overwhelmed and wants to see no more but still gets one last visit, this time from The Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come (also played by Steven Uihlein) who shows him a funeral years from now that is poorly attended. The Ghost warns that this funeral would be his if he doesn’t start to make changes right away.

This is enough to make Scrooge wake up Christmas morning with a whole new attitude! We see him smile for the first time and he spends that morning going around town spreading cheer and making amends with the people he’s wronged. On the off chance that you are unfamiliar with the story, I will stop plot points here so you can appreciate the transformation better but I guarantee that the shift in him will warm your heart. This is where Sanzel’s brilliance really shines! I love the change in Scrooge and he does a fantastic job beginning the show as a bonafide curmudgeon, snapping and fussing at people and then ends with unbridled joy and kindness. It is delightful to watch and justifies why he has played the role for so many years.

Jeffrey Sanzel.

Photo Credit: Ally Humanitzki, THEATRE THREE PRODUCTIONS, INC.

On the creative side, Theatre Three smashes it again. Every set piece is gorgeous and perfect for the time period and the lighting is *superb*. The way the darker scenes are lit (especially with the ghosts) is nothing short of breathtaking and the costumes were stunning. I was particularly impressed with Christmas Past’s dress and hat - the white/silver was so pretty and incredibly appropriate and Marley’s costume was intricate and intentional. I’ve always been a fan of the way shows look at Theatre Three and these 3 elements worked amazingly well together.

If you are looking for something to do with the family this holiday season or even just for yourself - “A Christmas Carol” at Theatre Three is an excellent choice! The show runs until December 27th so there is plenty of time to catch it, but I would suggest getting tickets well in advance as availability can be scarce as we get closer to Christmas. You should also arrive early to enjoy a drink downstairs while enjoying some Christmas Carols, sung by members of the cast! Tickets can be purchased directly at the box office, over the phone, or via their website at www.theatrethree.com.

Cast:

Ebenezer Scrooge, a man of business - Jeffrey Sanzel

The Girl, a mute beggar - Nora Andersen, Tenley Hassett

Fred Halliwell, Scrooge’s nephew - Steven Uihlein

Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk - Ray Gobes, Jr.

A Young Debtor - Jennifer Salvia, Vivian Leigh Rumble

Seekers of MErcy - Noah Ryan, Haley Saunders

Mrs. Dilber, a housekeeper - Ginger Dalton

The Charwoman - Skye Greenberg, Marissa Rivera

JAcob Marley, Scrooge’s late partner - Stephen T. Wangner

Ghost of Christmas PAst - Julianna Rezza

Scrooge as a Boy - PAtrick Hutchinson, Zach Kanakaris

The School Matron - Linda May

Fan, Scrooge’s older sister - Jennifer Salvia, Vivian Leigh Rumble

Dick Wilkins, apprenticed to Fezziwig - Noah Ryan

Fezziwig, Scrooge’s first employer - Scott Hofer

MRs. Fezziwig - Ginger Dalton

Belle Fezziwig, their daughter - Haley Saunders

Young Ebenezer Scrooge - Kiernan Urso

Mr. Tackleton, employed at Fezziwig’s - Steven Uihlein

Office Boy, at Fezziwig’s - Roy Fleischer, Finn Thomas

Ghost of Christmas PResent - Scott Hofer

MRs. Cratchit, wife to Bob Cratchit - Linda May

Peter Cratchit, their eldest son - Roy Fleischer, Finn Thomas

Belinda Cratchit, their youngest daughter - Kathleen Arabelle Han, Adriana Como

Martha Cratchit, their eldest daughter - Amelia Theodorakis, Christina Gobes

Timothy Cratchit, their youngest child - Mireilla O’Donnell, Emmie Giangrasso

Janet Halliwell, Fred’s wife - Julianna Rezza

Topper, her cousin - Kiernan Urso

MArgaret, Fred and Janet’s Maid - Skye Greenberg, Marissa Rivera

The Duchess - Ginger Dalton

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to come - Steven Uihlein

Old Joe, proprietor of a rag-and-bottle shop - stephen T. Wangner

Debtor, to scrooge - Haley Saunders

Grandfather, debtor to Scrooge - Scott Hofer

His Granddaughter - Skye Greenberg, Marissa Rivera

The Child on Christmas Morning - Charlotte Elise Gilroy, Dylan Paige Rumble

The Poulterer - Scott Hofer

Citizens of London, Shadows, Guests, Voices, Gossips, and many many others - the company

Creative Team:

Director - JEffrey Sanzel

Assistant Director - Jason Furnari

Music Director - Brad Frey

Choreographer - Sari Feldman

Production Stage Manager - Melissa Troxler

Scenic Design - Randall Parsons

Costume Design - Randall PArsons & Jason Allyn

Lighting Design - Robert W. Henderson, Jr.

Associate Lighting Design - Stacey Boggs

Sound Design - Robert Henderson Jr. & Tim Haggerty

Properties Design & Construction - Karin Bagan

Technical Director - Steve Barile, Jr.