Theater Review – ‘A Christmas Carol'

Theater Review – ‘A Christmas Carol’’ Produced by: Theatre Three – Port Jefferson

Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur 

 

In his immortal novella, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the great Charles Dickens has provided humanity essentially with two conjoined but excruciatingly contrasting stories. The first, of course, has to do with the miserly skinflint, Ebenezer Scrooge who wants no part of the Christmas seasonal trappings in which economically struggling 1843 Londoners find a modicum of joy only once each humdrum year.

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The second story gives us a scared-stiff Scrooge who, having been visited by ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (plus an unforgettable wake-up call from the spirit of his similarly money-loving former business partner, Jacob Marley), figures maybe he should re-think his priorities, lest he wind-up chained in eternal fire alongside the condemned Marley.

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With that epiphany, Ebenezer comes to realize a truth that has eluded him the whole time he’s been salting away all those precious pennies, savored shillings, and coveted crowns: namely, that money can indeed buy happiness … but only when you give it away.

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So much for the uplifting nature of generosity as it’s currently embodied in our almost overwhelming tradition of Christmas gift-giving. 

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But Dickens was too keen a student of human nature to confine his narrative to that single observation. ‘A Christmas Carol’ is also a yarn about unrequited love, it’s a lesson in appreciation for the physically weak and infirm, and perhaps more than anything else, the story embodies the importance of diligence in human understanding … as when Scrooge’snephew, Fred Halliwell (ably played by the always dependable actor, Steven Uihlein) refuses to be dissuaded in his love for his uncle … and in his campaign to win Scrooge’s love in equal measure.

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The world would be a dreary, unforgiving place minus the Fred Halliwells among us.

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Most of last year’s actors and crew have returned for the 2019 version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ … after all, what actor or stagehand would forego the opportunity to be associated with a blockbuster production like this one?

There is one extremely impressive new face this year, however, and any reviewer would be remiss should they fail to recognize the absolutely marvelous performance of Kyle Imperatore. As Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge’s first employer (has any storyteller ever dreamed up more appropriate names for his characters?) Kyle handles the show’s primary comic relief role perfectly. His timing and overall stage presence are superb … his voice is exquisite … in short, Imperatore is one of those performers whom I would unreservedly call ‘The Real Deal.’

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This classic, (so expertly adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Sanzel … I need not remind readers that he plays none other than Ebenezer Scrooge himself) has become a show business staple in Port Jefferson’s 160-year-old Theatre Three over the past three decades, during which time it has been constantly performed for sold-out audiences. Indeed, the history of Long Island theater in general has become replete with anecdotes, legends, and traditions that have sprung up far and wide around the phenomenon that many in the artistic world now refer to simply as ACC. Call (631) 928-9100  - ‘A Christmas Carol’ runs thru December 28.

 

 

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of a dozen novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. His recent hit, THE GHOSTWRITERS, explores the bizarre relationship between the late Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Ladouceur’s topical thriller, THE SOUTHWICK INCIDENT, was introduced at the Smithtown Library on May 21st. The book involves a radicalized Yale student and his CIA pursuers. Mr. Ladouceur’s revealing website is www.JebsBooks.com

Comments

[Cindi Sansone-Braff]

As always, a great review by one of the finest theater reviewers ever!

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I remember the Christmas tradition of listening to A Christmas Carol on the radio (before TV).
Lionel Barrymore portrayed Scrooge.
Best holiday wishes to everyone back east.

Hank Scheinberg
California

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I saw the show last week-end.
Wonderful write-up from Jeb Ladouceur.
He is spot-on.
Debbie Lange, Kings Park