Of Ghosts and Redemption

One of the most beloved and anticipated events in Port Jefferson Village is 's annual production of For twenty-seven years, the cast and crew has presented the immortal classic with a few new, but slight alterations that continue to keep their loyal audience entertained and their new fans enlightened.

Since joining Theatre Three in 1989, Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel has not only directed talent from all over the island in a majority of the productions, but has starred as Scrooge for the last twenty one years.

"I went from having a passing interest to a full blown obsession," said Mr. Sanzel.

The importance and popularity of Dickens' work is evident in just one glance at the packed bookcases in Mr. Sanzel's office. He owns three to four hundred different versions, adaptations, films, and other miscellaneous related Dickens' material. There is even a book about Dickens' film adaptations left open on his desk. Since it's publication in 1843, people have been continuously drawn to what is Dickens' most compact and streamlined publication.

"I think what draws most people in is the theme of redemption. That if Scrooge can change, we can change. That there is hope in our lives to be better people," said Mr. Sanzel. "It's also a wonderful ghost story."

Over the years, the production crew has kept the original feel of the story alive while making it interesting and exciting.

"We're always aware of keeping with the spirit of the story, making sure that the things people most associate with the story are there. However, every year we make changes," said Mr. Sanzel.

Changes include everything from acquiring new costumes to altering the sets of memorable scenes, such as those that take place in  Scrooge's counting house. For the twenty fifth-year anniversary back in 2008, the production team designed a completely new set.

"I did a rewrite of  a scene at the end of act one that has to do with the time progression of Scrooge's life. We fleshed out Scrooge's past. We're trying to give more depth, more psychological realism to the piece," said Mr. Sanzel. "People who come every year are able to pick out what's different, while the people that are new are getting a very traditional Christmas Carol."

But the art department is not the only aspect of the production to change. Dickens himself would be proud to witness the evolution of their representation of his characters over the course of the theater's annual productions. They now use a fifteen-foot puppet that glides across the stage as the Ghost Of Christmas Future, making the experience even more frightening.

"This year, we changed Marley's entrance," said Mr. Sanzel.

For the second time performing as Jacob Marley, actor Kevin Story intends for his portrayal to show the more conniving, raw and manipulative side of Scrooge's old business partner.

"He's that really bad guy we all know," said Mr. Story. "We can connect to these characters because we encounter all of them. These are not just Dickens' characters in or from that specific time. They are universal characters that we can all relate too."

There will be six performances during the weekend of the , along with the theater's other children's holiday show, Barnaby's Christmas. Mr. Sanzel will also be doing a special reading of a Christmas Carol and more at the opening night's festivities on Friday, Dec. 3. The show runs through the entire holiday season. Go to the website www.theatrethree.com for ticket and showime information.