CLOSE
Community

by -
0 215
1 of 4
Lily Tamburo with Celina Smith
Lily Tamburo with Harry Connick, Jr.
Lily Tamburo
Lily Tamburo with Taraji P. Henson

By Rita J. Egan

For one young North Shore resident, the last few months have been like a dream.On Thursday, Dec. 2, one of the actresses playing an orphan in NBC’s Annie Live! was Lily Tamburo of East Setauket. The 11-year-old has been acting for years and has graced the stage at The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport as the young orphan Molly in Annie in 2017, Ivanka in Once in 2018  and Amanda Thripp in Matilda in 2019.

She was watching her favorite movie Mamma Mia! when she found out she got the role in Annie Live!

“I was literally crying when I heard that I got the part, because I really didn’t think that I would even get that far,” Lily said.

The role is her first in a television production. Lily was ready to return to Broadway in the musical Mrs. Doubtfire. Before COVID-19 restrictions shut Broadway down, Lily had appeared in the ensemble in the three previews of the show and was also the understudy for the role of Natalie Hillard.

With the lights of Broadway shining once again, Mrs. Doubtfire was ready to open, and Lily was set to rejoin the cast. However, to take on the role in Annie, she wouldn’t be able to be in the Broadway play at the same time. She said while in one way choosing one over the other was a difficult decision to make, in another way it was an easy decision to go for Annie.

“I thought it would be a really good opportunity to make new friends and to get that TV experience, and it really was,” she said. “I made the right choice.”

As for the auditions, which were virtual, Lily said everyone tried out for the Annie role first, which eventually went to 12-year-old Celina Smith, and then were called back to audition for a specific character. Her first callback was for Molly/Kate. In the end, she gained the role of Orphan One in the ensemble. 

“It didn’t really make a difference to me because I was still in everything that all the other orphans were in [and] still on the screen a lot,” she said.

Besides singing, dancing played a huge part in the role, something Lily said she didn’t have much experience in. “That’s why I was also really surprised when I got the role,” the actress said, adding that being part of the production improved her dancing skills. 

The Annie Live! cast rehearsed for seven weeks at various locations in the city until the first run-through of the entire show at Gold Coast Studios in Bethpage, where it was broadcast from on Dec. 2. Despite Lily’s excitement about being part of the show, the cast couldn’t announce their participation until closer to the air date.

Lily shared the TV experience with big names including Harry Connick, Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace Farrell and Tituss Burgess as Rooster Hannigan. She said she wasn’t nervous to be around the actors and singers at all. “All of them are so down to earth,” she said. 

Lily added all of them interacted with the young actors through rehearsals. Connick even stopped by one day while the young actors were being tutored and talked to them about music and Mardi Gras, the celebration that takes place in his home state of Louisiana. 

Family and friends were on hand the day of the show; some were able to watch the dress rehearsal, while others watched the live show. Lily’s mother, Lauren Zummo, was one of them. The mother said she’s glad that her daughter has had the experiences she has had at Long Island regional theaters, where she added there are many talented child actors.

“They work so hard,” Zummo said. “Sometimes they think, because some people tell them, ‘Oh it’s a waste of time.’ It’s never a waste of time because you just never know.”

She added one of the people who gave Lily a chance was Antoinette DiPietropolo, the director and choreographer of Annie when Lily played the role of Molly at the Engeman Theater. DiPietropolo texted her after the 11-year-old was on TV. Everything came full circle for the mother when she heard from the person who gave her daughter her first chance, Zummo said. The Annie role at the Engeman led to Lily appearing in the national tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in the role of Cindy Lou. The production was also directed and choreographed by DiPietropolo.

“You just need one person to believe in you to keep going to the other positions,” said Zummo.

Lily returned to classes at Setauket Elementary School earlier this week. However, she has been auditioning for various parts including Sarah Silverman’s The Bedwetter.

In the meantime, she is left with the wonderful memories of Annie Live! and the experience that she described as the “time of her life.”

by -
0 99
1 of 5
Photo from Town of Brookhaven

On Dec. 4, Town of Brookhaven Councilman Michael Loguercio was at historic Longwood Estate in Ridge to welcome Santa Claus to the Town’s annual “Santa, Trains, Old Fashion Sleigh Ride and Hot Cocoa” celebration. The traditional holiday event included a meet and greet with Santa for the children and their families, along with a holiday trains display, sleigh rides, popcorn and chestnuts that were “roasted on an open fire.” Hundreds of children and their families attended the celebration as Santa accepted the handwritten letters from each of the kids who took the time to share what they wanted for Christmas this year. Santa arrived in a Ridge Fire Department Fire Police Van driven by his favorite Elf, Councilman Loguercio. Mrs. Claus was in attendance, along with three more of Santa’s elves.

Pictured left to right are Councilman Loguercio; Longwood High School student, Brianna Colon; Santa Claus; Longwood High School student Karah Molloy; Mrs. Claus and Councilman Loguercio’s Chief of Staff, Victoria Molloy.

“I am always honored to host events that provide children and their families some old fashion family fun. As a special helper elf to Santa, the overwhelming happiness of the kids that day really make this so worthwhile year after year. Thank you to Santa, Mrs. Claus and all the other elves that took the day to help Santa and thank you to all the amazing men and women in our Parks Department for all their help in the preparation of this day,” said Councilman Loguercio.

Photos from Town of Brookhaven

by -
0 68
#2 Earlene Scott keeps the ball away from her opponent during last Thursday's game. Photo from SB Athletics
The Stony Brook University women’s basketball team (7-1) battled tough, but fell to Fordham (5-3), 71-59, on Dec. 2 at Rose Hill Gym. The result marked the end of the Seawolves’ seven-game winning streak to start the 2021-22 season.

Stony Brook received a career-high offensive performance from senior guard Earlette Scott as she paced the scoring attack. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native finished the game with a career-high 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. Scott was the driving force on offense for the Seawolves as she recorded her first 20-plus point performance of her Stony Brook career.

The two-point deficit was the closest that Stony Brook was able to get Fordham’s lead down to as the Rams closed out the third quarter on a 15-5 run to take a 54-42 lead into the fourth quarter.

STATS AND NOTES

  • Scott poured in a career-high 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. The 10 made field goals and 16 field goal attempts were both career-high for the guard. In addition, she shot 2-of-3 from three-point range and a perfect 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. Scott pulled down five rebounds and dished out two assists in 31 minutes of play.
  • Junior guard Gigi Gonzalez scored in double figures for the sixth time this season and has done so in three consecutive games. The guard scored 14 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the floor and went 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.
  • Wool added nine points on 3-of-8 shooting and three rebounds in 27 minutes. Senior forward Nairimar Vargas-Reyes added two points and a team-high seven rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench.
  • Graduate forward McKenzie Bushee finished the game with six points and six rebound in her second-straight start.
  • Freshman guard Erin Turral made her collegiate debut and chipped in four points in 15 minutes off the bench.

QUOTES FROM THE SEAWOLVES
“Fordham is a good team and DeWolfe was hard to guard tonight. Without key players, we were still in position to win the game and that’s a positive. We will use tonight’s game as a learning lesson and fuel to continue to get better,” said head coach Ashley Langford.

NEXT UP
Stony Brook is back inside Island Federal Arena when it hosts Marist on Tuesday, December 7, at 7 p.m. The game is set to air on SNY and ESPN+ with Sam Neidermann (play-by-play) and Rob Pavinelli (analyst) on the call. Be sure to purchase your tickets now to be a part of the action!

by -
0 130
Stony Brook Christian Assembly will host a drive-thru live nativity event on Dec. 10 and 11. File photo by Julianne Mosher/2020
Ongoing

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson today through Jan. 2 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. For more information, call 802-2160.

Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt

Bright Lights, a holiday light spectacular, returns to the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 19 and Dec. 22 and 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy themed displays, festive food, music, Santa and Friends and holiday lights during this holiday walk. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children under 12, free for children under age 2. Order tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Garden of Lights

The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages on Dec, 9-11, 13-17, 20 and 21 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.

Thursday Dec. 9

Whaling Museum lecture

The Whaling Museum. 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a virtual lecture titled Christmas on a Whaleship – Or Not! At 7 p.m. How did whalers historically celebrate Christmas at sea – if at all? Find out what an 19th century American whaler could expect while away from home in this online presentation with a variety of quotes, images, and diary entries. Free; donations of $10 appreciated. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Friday Dec. 10

Stony Brook Walking Tour

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization presents a new seasonal walking tour titled “Winter Walks Through Time” at 10:50 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. Participants in the walking tour will enjoy new stories about Stony Brook Village and its former residents. This includes the history of winter whaling on Long Island, how Dorothy Melville saved Christmas, the design of Stony Brook Village by Ward Melville and Richard Haviland Smyth, and the history and magic of holiday window displays. Tickets for this event are $15 per person, and includes hot chocolate from Stony Brook Chocolate. Reservations are required by calling 751-2244.

Brookhaven tree lighting 

Kick off the holiday season at the Town of Brookhaven’s annual tree lighting at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville at 6 p.m. The event will feature costumed characters, complimentary candy canes, musical entertainment and a special appearance by Santa Claus who will arrive by helicopter and then assist with the countdown to light the tree. Event sponsors include Texas Roadhouse, Eastern Helicopters, WALK 97.5, WBLI, WBAB and My Country 96.1. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. Call 451-6100, 451-5330 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov.

Drive-Thru Live Nativity

Stony Brook Christian Assembly, 400 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Drive-Thru Live Nativity today and Dec. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. See the Christmas story come to life with costumed characters and live animals. Free. Call 689-1127.

Community Band Holiday Concert

St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River hosts a concert by the North Shore Community Band featuring classical and contemporary holiday music at 7:30 p.m. Bring your friends, bring your holiday spirit and bring your mask (required). Admission is free and enjoyment is guaranteed. For more information, visit www.nscbli.org.

Saturday Dec. 11

Drive-Thru Live Nativity 

See Dec. 10 listing.

Northport Polar Plunge

The Town of Huntington and Special Olympics New York will hold a Polar Plunge at Crab Meadow Beach, Waterside Ave., Northport with registration at 10 a.m. and plunge at 11:30 a.m. Visit www.polarplungeny.org.

Holiday Gift Fair

Farmingville Residents Association will hold a Holiday Gift Fair at Gambino Catering Hall, 2005 Route 112, Medford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with three rooms of vendors selling lots of holiday decor, chocolate goodies, jams and bakery items, clothing and accessories, vintage jewelry and collectibels, bath and beauty products and much more with live music, food, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle. Call 260-7411.

Northport Holiday Craft Fair

Northport High School, 154 Aurel Hill Road, Northport will hold its annual Holiday Craft Fair today and Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come shop a variety of exquisite jewelry, decorative wreaths, homemade candies, organic soaps, wearable art, vintage items and much more. Free admission. Call 846-1459.

The Holiday Market

The Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket and Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket and WUSB continue with The Holiday Market, a series of outdoor holiday shopping events, today and Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature over 40 vendors offering original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, and clothing along with music, children’s activities and food trucks. Call 751-3730 or 751-2676.

Poetry reading at All Souls

All Souls Church in Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays poetry series via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. Hosted by Suffolk County Poet Laureate Richard Bronson, the featured poet will be Ed Luhrs. An open reading will follow. To participate, visit www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/

Caumsett hike

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a History of Caumsett hike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join the staff in a 2-mile walk to study the park’s social, economic, architectural and political history. Some walking in long grass. $4 per person. Reservations required by calling 423-1770.

Festival of Trees and Lights

The Father’s Club of Sachem North High School, 212 Smith Road, Lake Ronkonkoma presents its annual Festival of Trees and Lights today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festive event will feature craft vendors, basket raffles, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. $2 admission, free for ages 6 and younger. Call 848-4855.

Art Show fundraiser

Studio 268, 268 Main St. Setauket invites the community to view its latest art show featuring a collection of fine art by local artists (available for purchase) on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Proceeds from an art raffle and a percentage from art sales will be donated to The Three Village Central School District food pantries.

Shoreham Tree Lighting

Tesla Science Center, 5 Randall  Road, Shoreham invites the community to celebrate the season in electrifying style at their annual Holiday Lighting at Wardenclyffe from 3 to 6 p.m. with a tree lighting, a snow machine, exhibits, gift shopping, holiday music, and a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus at 4:30 p.m. Free cocoa and cookies for all (while supplies last). Register for free tickets at www.teslasciencecenter.org. Call 886-2632.

Nesconset Tree Lighting 

Gather at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, 316 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset for the 11th annual Patriotic Holiday Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. with caroling, holiday treats and a visit with Santa. Call 724-3320.

Santa Parade

The Hauppauge Fire Department Engine Company 3, 122 Ledgewood Drive, Hauppauge will host its 37th annual Santa Parade at 4 p.m. Children may visit Santa at the firehouse from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Call 265-2499.

Holiday Night Market

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents a Holiday Night Market from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Shop for unique items sold by local vendors and bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Town of Brookhaven’s INTERFACE toy drive. Call 588-5024.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating

The Northport Historical Society continues its ‘Stamp Your Passport’ series with a spotlight on Ireland at 6:30 p.m. One immigrant from Ireland featured in the Society’s museum exhibit, Isabelle Quinlan, settled in Northport in the late 1800s. Come learn the story of Isabelle and her family at our museum gallery while enjoying wine and snacks. Get creative and decorate beautifully homemade gingerbread cookies from Isabelle Quinlan’s own recipe. $45 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Stephanie Quayle in concert

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts’ Recital Hall welcomes Stephanie Quayle in concert at 8 p.m. In this special holiday show, Quayle will perform some of her favorite Christmas classics, along with new songs like By Heart and Wild Frontier, and country hits Selfish, Drinking with Dolly, and more. Only a few seats left! To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

LISCA holiday concert

The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association and the Island Chamber Players present a holiday concert featuring music from the baroque period at the Three Village Church, 322 Main St., Setauket at 8 p.m. The exciting program will include works by Bach, Charpentier and well-known selections from Handel’s Messiah. Eric Stewart, director and conductor of both groups will take the baton. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors, available at the door or at www.lisca.org. Students are free. Call 751-2743.

Miller Place tree lighting

The Miller Place Fire Department and Aliano Real Estate will host the 13th annual Polar Express and Tree Lighting in the Aliano Shopping Center, 691 Route 25A, Miller Place at 7 p.m. with complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, soup and pizza; entertainment by Miller Place School and Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center students; and a special visit from Santa! Call 744-5000.

Sunday Dec. 12

Northport Holiday Craft Fair 

See Dec. 11 listing.

Festival of Trees and Lights

See Dec. 11 listing.

Hope for the Holidays concert

The Silver Chords will give a free concert, Hope for the Holidays, at the Bates House, 1 Bates Road, E. Setauket  at 2 p.m. The afternoon will feature “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” “Beethoven’s Ode To Joy”, “Beautiful City” and more with gift basket raffles. Call 379-7066.

Farmingville tree lighting

The Farmingville Residents Association hosts its annual tree lighting at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville at 4:45 p.m. with DJ music and choir performances. Call 260-7411.

Holiday Electric Parade

The Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket tonight at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 25th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, this year’s Grand Marshal will be David Prestia. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. with music and performances by Ward Melville High School Students and Shine Dance Studio with complementary cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes and glow sticks. Visit 3Vholidayparade.com.

Home for the Holidays concert

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 12 Prospect St. ,Huntington hosts a Home for the Holiday Special concert by the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus at 7 p.m. There’s nothing like a holiday TV special for unforgettable songs and memories and the LIGMC is celebrating the season  by featuring musical favorites from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” And more. Tickets are $25 at the door or online at www.ligmc.org.

Monday Dec. 13

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday Dec. 14

Distinguished Speaker Series

The Middle Country Library Foundation continues its Distinguished Speaker Series at the Middle Country Public Library, 575 Middle Country Road, Selden with a presentation by Lauren Hale titled The Nights and Daze of Pediatric Sleep: Effects of Family Routines, Screens, School Start Times and Lockdowns from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fee is $25. To preregister, visit www.middlecountrylibraryfoundation.com.

Anything But Silent event

The Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington hosts an Anything But Silent event, Charlie Chaplin Shorts, at 7 p.m. Accompanied on piano by Ben Model, the livestream screening will feature Chaplin’s silent comedy shorts including The Pawnshop, The Cure and The Adventurer. General admission is Pay-What-You-Want! Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org to register.

Wednesday Dec. 15

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 16

Artist’s Talk with Jeremy Dennis 

Join fine art photographer Jeremy Dennis for a discussion of his body of work during a virtual Artist’s Talk at 7 p.m.  Dennis’s photography explores indigenous identity, cultural assimilation, and the ancestral traditional practices of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, of which he is a tribal member. Free, $10 suggested donation appreciated. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Long Island Maritime Lecture Series with a presentation by Nancy Solomon, Executive Director of Long Island Traditions, at 7 p.m. Solomon will discuss her latest book, Boat Builders and Boat Yards of Long Island: A Tribute to Tradition and share the stories she collected from traditional boat builders and boatyard managers in the region during the late 1990s to present day. Tickets are $6 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Theater

‘White Christmas’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its MainStage season  with White Christmas from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, 2022. Based on the beloved film, this heartwarming adaptation follows vaudeville stars and veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they head to Vermont to pursue romance with a duo of beautiful singing sisters. This family classic features beloved songs by Irving Berlin including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is The Ocean” and the perennial favorite, White Christmas. Tickets range from $75 to $80 per person. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for the 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol from Nov. 13 to Dec. 26. Celebrate the season with Long Island’s own holiday tradition and broadwayworld.com winner for Best Play. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Elf the Musical’

The Argyle Theater, 34 Main St., Babylon presents Elf the Musical through Jan. 2. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Tickets are priced from $40 to $79. Use Code: TIMES for $10 OFF* For more information, call 230-3500 or visit www.argyletheatre.com

Vendors wanted

» Gallery North, 90 North Country Road, Setauket seeks vendors for its Holiday Market Fairs on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. $75 for one market, $125 for two. To reserve a booth, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.

 

by -
0 67
Clockwise from left, Josie McSwane, Steven Uihlein, Katie Lemmen, Dana Bush. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions Inc.
Programs

Owl Prowl

Photo from Sweetbriar

Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown on Dec. 9 for an Owl Prowl from 6 to 8 p.m. to meet and learn about some of their resident owls. Embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and maybe call in an owl or two. Dress warmly, and bring a flashlight. Open to families with children ages 5y and up. Tickets are $15. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org or call 979-6344.

Snowflakes!

Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a children’s program for ages 3 to 5 titled Snowflakes! on Dec. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parents with explore nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventures. For more information, call 581-1072.

Star Quest! 

New!  Calling brave explorers! The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor presents Star Quest! from Dec. 11 to 31 Thursday to Sundays and Dec 26 to 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hunt for star constellations around the museum with a spyglass to navigate your journey, just like mariners at sea. Solve puzzles to find your reward — a glittery star lantern you can decorate in our workshop to light your way home. For ages 5 and older. Admission fee plus $10 participant. Call 367-3418 for further details.

Children’s Holiday Party

Celebrate St. James will host a Children’s Holiday Party at the St. James Community Culture Arts Center, 176 Second St.. St. James on Dec. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a Holiday Hoopla Puppet Show, a holiday craft and pictures with Santa. Recommended for ages 4 to 8. $10 per child with an adult, $5 each additional child in the family. Register online at www.celebratestjames.org or call 984-0201.

Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, Setauket hosts a children’s workshop, Marshmallows, Cocoa and Crafts, on Dec. 12 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. Create your very own cocoa cups, make a snowy time marshmallow craft, take a tour of the farm, and enjoy seasonal stories by the warm fire. For ages 4 to 9. $40 per child. To register, call 689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Holiday Train Display

Historic Longwood Estate, Longwood Road & Smith Road, Ridge will present a beautiful holiday train display Dec. 12 to 18 and Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can play an “I Spy” game to find hidden items in the display. Free. Call 924-1820.

Theater

‘Frozen Jr.’

Do you want to build a snowman? The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Frozen Jr. from Nov. 20 to Jan. 17. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25. Call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

The holidays have arrived at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 20 to Dec. 26. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As Santa’s littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frosty’

Tis the season! The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty from Nov. 21 to Jan. 2. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ebenezer Pierpot and an evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Dad, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home, get Frosty to the North Pole, and make this holiday season a Winter Wonderland for one and all! Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Film

Polar Express screening

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will host screenings of The Polar Express in the Chamber Train Car, corner of Nesconset Highway and Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Fridays, Dec. 10 and 17 at 6 p.m. and Saturdays, Dec. 11 and 18 at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. $15 per person includes popcorn, a cookie and hot cocoa. To reserve your tickets, visit www.pjstchamber.com.

by -
0 98
The team celebrates with head coach Mark Anderson after weekend victory. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
Salmon, Liew and Conway set new meet records

The Stony Brook swimming and diving team put forth a strong team effort over the course of the weekend to win the Blue Devil Invite. The Seawolves swam their way to five first-place finishes and three more meet records on Sunday to help them secure a first-place finish at the Blue Devil Invite with a final score of 626 points.

Stony Brook had multiple athletes earn first-place finishes and set a meet record in their individual events. 

Senior Jessica Salmon started the final day off strong for the Seawolves winning the 50 breast and setting a new meet record with her time of 30.18. Salmon surpassed CCSU’s Mariana Espino’s record of 30.54 set in 2019. Sophomore Briana Liew kept points rolling for Stony Brook as she took first in the 50 fly and also set a new meet record clocking in at 25.60, beating Wagner’s Dorian McMenemy’s previous record of 25.82.

Sophomore Mary Kate Conway had another record-breaking day at the Invite. Conway took first in the 100 free touching the wall in 51.88, setting a new meet record by crushing Vermont’s Christa Weaver’s previous time of 52.18. Conway also earned a first-place finish in the 200 fly and anchored the victorious 400 free relay squad.

DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sophomore Mary Kate Conway swam a new personal best in the 500 free with a time of 5:00.48, beating her previous best of 5:00.50 from 2018. Conway didn’t stop there, she also set a new meet record for the 500 free surpassing CCSU’s Taylor Friedmann’s previous record of 5:00.92 set in 2012. Conway ended the night anchoring the 400 medley relay squad to a first-place finish.
  • The victorious 400 medley relay team comprised of junior Reagan MacDonald, senior Jessica Salmon, sophomore Briana Liew, and Conway finished the night off with a bang. The squad’s 3:52.61 finish earned them a first-place win and set a new meet record, beating the previous record from 2012 set by the University of Vermont (3:53.34).
  • Junior Amanda Heinz placed second in the 200 IM with a time of 2:09.47, beating her previous personal best of 2:12.03.
  • MacDonald placed right behind Heinz in the 200 IM touching the wall in 2:10.44, which earned her a third-place finish.
  • Liew set a new season best in the 50 yard free with her final time of 24.58, surpassing her previous season best of 24.82. She earned a seventh-place finish.

DAY TWO HIGHLIGHTS

  • Conway claimed first-place in the 200 free, touching the wall in 1:51.93, setting a new meet record.
  • The 200 medley relay team comprised of sophomore Briana Liew, senior Jessica Salmon, sophomore Lara Youssef, and Conway earned a first-place finish (1:46.26).
  • Salmon took second in the 100 breast with a time of 1:05.57. Her prelim time of 1:04.77 tied the Stony Brook program record, which was set by Jessica Peters in 2011.
  • Youssef took first in the 100 fly touching the wall in 56.90.
  • Liew earned an individual first-place finish in the 100 IM clocking in at 59.05.
  • Junior Reagan MacDonald, junior Bridget Montgomery, senior Caroline Dunn, and Conway ended the night on top for the Seawolves taking first in the 800 free relay (8:16.65).

DAY THREE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Salmon earned first-place and set a new meet record in the 50 breast with her time of 30.18. Salmon also finished fourth in the 200 breast (2:25.74).
  • Liew touched the wall in 25.60 in the 50 fly to earn herself a victory and set a new meet record.
  • Sophomore Lara Youssef finished right behind Liew in second with a time of 25.87 in the 50 fly.
  • Conway claimed first-place in the 100 free and set a new meet record, touching the wall in 51.88. She also earned a victory in the 200 fly (2:04.84).
  • Freshman Emma Hawkins followed behind Conway earning a fourth-place finish in the 200 fly with her time of 2:11.27.
  • Senior Haille Bogumil clocked in at 54.65 in the 100 free which was good for eighth overall in the finals.
  • Senior Yurika Tomita claimed a first-place finish in the B final (seventh overall) in the 200 breast touching the wall in 2:29.24. Tomita set a new personal best, beating her previous time of 2:35.65.
  • Junior Amanda Heinz placed third overall in the 200 breast with a time of 2:23.83.
  • Freshman Zoe Rebol clocked in at 17:53.03 in the 1650 free earning a second-place finish and a new personal best, her previous best was 18:11.50.
  • Sophomore Sara DiStefano represented Stony Brook in the 1-meter dive finals earning a fifth-place finish (200.05).
  • The 400 free relay squad comprised of junior Reagan MacDonald, Liew, Bogumil, and Conway finished the Invite with a bang earning a victory with a time of 3:32.59

Next up, the swimming and diving team is back in action on Jan. 22 when they hit the road to compete against Rider in Newark, N.J.

by -
0 146
1 of 8
The final tour of 'Rent' stops by the Staller Center on March 3, 2022.
The final tour of 'Rent' stops by the Staller Center on March 3, 2022.
Viva MOMIX will wow audiences on April 2, 2022.
Viva MOMIX will wow audiences on April 2, 2022.
The family show, The Queen's Cartoonists, performs on April 5, 2022.
Viva MOMIX will wow audiences on April 2, 2022.
Complexions Ballet Company heads to the Staller Center on Feb. 5, 2022. Photo by Steven Trumon Gray
The Doo Wop Project heads to the Staller Center on May 7.

By Melissa Arnold

There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live performance, especially if it’s been almost two years since your last show.

The Staller Center for the Arts on the campus of Stony Brook University is as eager to welcome audiences back as showgoers are to be there. Following an abbreviated but otherwise successful fall season, their upcoming spring lineup will feature a wide mix of dancing, theatrical performances and comedy.

“I had a lot of theatrical events planned for the fall, but when we scheduled them earlier this year, we had no idea what the rules were going to be for health and safety,” said Alan Inkles, the Staller Center’s director. “So we decided to focus more on bands for the fall and concentrate on theatrical performances in the spring. It’s been smooth, and everyone is just glad to be out and enjoying the theater.”

It’s a special year for the center’s quartet-in-residence. The Emerson String Quartet recently announced they will retire in 2023 after more than 40 years of performing as one of the world’s premier chamber music ensembles. They’ll be presenting two concerts this spring on Jan. 26 and April 18.

For a quarter of a century, the Broadway rock opera Rent has broken down taboos as it chronicles a group of friends fighting poverty, discrimination and addiction in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. This fall the cast kicked off their 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” tour which will include a performance at the Staller Center on March 3.

“You never know when you’re going to be seeing a show for the last time, and with something as iconic and well-known as Rent, we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to see a wonderful, high-quality touring production,” Inkles said.

Grace, skill and beauty are all on display this season with two unique dance companies. Complexions Ballet Company pushes the boundaries of traditional and contemporary styles while tackling a variety of topics, from current events to diverse cultures and renowned musicians. Look out for “Love Rocks” during the Feb. 5 show, which celebrates the music of Lenny Kravitz.

Dance-illusionists MOMIX return to the Staller Center on April 2 for “Viva MOMIX,” a two-act collection of dance vignettes using light, shadow and props to create stunning effects. The vignettes will take the audience on a magical journey that showcases the greatest moments in the company’s 40-year history.

If you’re looking for something interesting for kids, consider The Queen’s Cartoonists on April 5. These jazz and classical musicians will take you on a crazy romp, playing live music to accompany cartoons projected onscreen above them. The cartoons are from a variety of time periods and countries, allowing audience members of any age to enjoy old classics and new discoveries.

“The Queen’s Cartoonists is a 7 p.m. show, which gives families a chance to enjoy it without staying out too late — it’s always great to introduce kids to live and orchestral music by letting them see it up close,” said Daria Carioscia, Staller’s director of development. “They’ll be performing in our recital hall, which provides a great perspective from wherever you’re sitting, and the cartoons playing behind them will be entertaining and fun for everyone.”

Carioscia also recommends the high-energy, New Orleans jazz sounds of The Hot Sardines on March 19, as well as the May 7 appearance by The Doo Wop Project. If you’ve ever wondered what the music of Jason Mraz and Maroon 5 would sound like if the Jersey Boys sang it, look no further. Both shows are heavy on audience participation, so get ready to sing and dance along. It’s a great time to introduce kids to different genres and eras of music they may have never heard before, she said.

A few more events round out the season: 

■ March 12: 2022 Gala, including performances by Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma. Regular tickets are sold out. Become a Gala Supporter to receive VIP tickets.

■ March 30: “Starry Nights,” an evening of music featuring cellist Colin Carr and Stony Brook University musicians

■ April 21: “Queen of the Flute” Carol Wincenc

■ April 22: Comedian, satirist and Grammy nominee David Sedaris

Of course, the Staller Center staff and performers all love to see their shows sold out. But when that’s not possible, they get creative and offer a seat to those who might have never seen a live performance before.

“We’ve been working really hard to fill the theater, and on the nights where we have unsold tickets, we give them away to local school districts, Stony Brook students, and other populations who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to attend,” Carioscia explained. “Ultimately, we want to make the arts accessible to as many people as we can. It’s good for the community, and a full house also changes the energy in an exciting way for our performers.”

The staff knows that there is still some understandable concern in the community about crowds and public events, and they are dedicated to helping audiences feel safe. Masks are required in the center, as well as either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. No time frame is required on testing. Additionally, concessions are not being sold at this time to limit the need to remove your mask.

“We recognize that everyone is in their own place regarding what they feel comfortable doing right now. People will come back when they’re ready, and we’re going to be fair with what we’re asking from our audiences as far as safety,” Inkles said. 

“It’s been smooth, and everyone is just glad to be out and enjoying the theater. We’ve spent the last 2 years stuck inside at home, watching movies on big screen TVs. We want to give people the energy of live performance, the opportunity to have a night out and spend time together and connect again. You can’t duplicate that experience with Netflix or HBO. There’s nothing else like it.”

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts is located at 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. Tickets for the Staller Center’s Spring 2022 season are on sale now. A 10 percent discount is offered on all shows through Dec. 12. For more information, visit www.stallercenter.com or call 631-632-ARTS (2787) or email [email protected].

All photos from Staller Center for the Arts.

by -
0 123
1 of 3
Coach Ashley Langford during the game against Rutgers on Dec. 16. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
Coach Ashley Langford with Leighah-Amori Wool during the game against Rutgers on Dec. 16. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
Coach Ashley Langford with team members during the game against Rutgers on Dec. 16. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Before each game, the Stony Brook University women’s basketball team meditates.

The pre-game ritual, among other changes and additions first-year Coach Ashley Langford instituted, has worked, as the team has a 7-1 record and sits first in the America East division.

Meditating “calms us and helps us visualize what we want to see in a game,” said India Pagan, a starter for Stony Brook and a graduate student with an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID pandemic.

A standout guard for Tulane University who finished her college career first in assists, Langford appreciates how hard the team has worked and how well they’ve come together.

“Our chemistry has been really good early on, to the point where, sometimes, [I wonder] is it November or is it March?” she said.

With five players averaging double digits in scoring, Stony Brook becomes harder to guard.

“On any given night, we’re moving and sharing the ball,” Langford said. “They are selfless. They don’t care who has the most points.”

While earning a spot in March Madness this year for just the second time in the program’s history would be rewarding, Langford focuses on each game.

“I’m a person that stays in the moment,” Langford said. “As long as we’re getting better, that puts us in a position to win the next game.

To that end, Langford would like the team to continue to improve in its transition defense.

She would like to see the team, which includes starters Earlette Scott, Gigi Gonzalez, Leighah-Amori Wool, Anastasia Warren and Pagan, continue to collect more offensive rebounds.

Langford’s assistant coaches, which includes recruiting coordinator Shireyll Moore, have been searching for players who might join the program as student-athletes.

“We’re in the position we are today because we have pretty good players,” Langford said. “My staff does a lot of this. They are more actively involved in the recruiting” each day.

Stony Brook has signed three current high school seniors and is focusing on juniors.

Before each game, Langford’s assistant coaches watch film of their opponents. They give her a cheat sheet before she watches film as well.

While Langford plans to stick to the team’s strengths, she will add a few wrinkles depending on the insights she gains about her opponents.

In the team’s first loss, Pagan and Warren were unavailable to play for medical reasons.

The team could have gone to Fordham feeling defeated, but the players fought to the end in a game they lost, 71-59.

“They don’t like losing, we don’t like losing,” Langford said. “They have responded well this week.”

The start of a season as head coach has taught Langford several lessons, including pacing herself and, in particular, protecting her voice. She drinks tea all day long and tells her staff to remind her not to yell in practice, because she shouts over the band at games.

In practice, Langford grabs a ball periodically to demonstrate what she’d like to see from her players.

As for her activity during the game, Langford sits only for about the first 30 seconds and then works the sidelines.

Pagan appreciates the work Langford puts in and the way her new coach has improved her game. While she used to get three or four rebounds a game, she’s often snagging 10 or more.

Pagan also sees herself hustling more, particularly after Langford created a drill where the players dive for loose balls.

“Before, I wouldn’t think of diving for a ball. Now, it’s ingrained into my head,” Pagan said. “The hustle doesn’t stop until the whistle blows. You play until you can’t play any more.”

by -
0 154
1 of 3
Photo from Facebook
Photo from Facebook
Photo from Facebook

It’s back!!! The Three Village Holiday Electric Parade returns to Setauket on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 5 p.m. Celebrating its 25th year, the parade will take place along Main Street/ Route 25A and feature festive holiday floats to kick off the season. Presented by the Stony Brook Rotary Club, this year’s Grand Marshal will be David Prestia. The Setauket Firehouse will host pre-parade festivities at 4 p.m. with music and performances by Ward Melville High School Students and Shine Dance Studio with complementary cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes and glow sticks. Visit 3Vholidayparade.com for further information.

by -
0 148
File photo by Kyle Barr/2019

By Allan Varela

Welcome to Dickens in December! The 25th annual Charles Dickens Festival has been gently extended with activities on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18. The Village will present two concerts per day, one in the Masonic Lodge and one in the Village Center’s Skip Jack room. The not-to-be-missed Festival of Trees will delight all those who visit the Village Center’s second floor and the streets will once again play host to a host of Dickens street characters.

Saturday the 11th features Dave K at the Masonic Lodge at 1 p.m. and Sweet Melody Music Studio with the Blue Music Company and Sterling Sax at the Village Center at 3 p.m. Saturday the 18th features the Dorian Consort string trio at the Masonic Lodge at 1 p.m. with Songs of the Season returning at 3 p.m. in the Village Center. The concerts are free and masking up is highly recommended.

Come on down to say ‘happy holidays’ to our beloved Chimney Sweeps and hear caroling groups perform throughout the Village. The restaurants have all prepared a holiday repast, while the stores are ready to fulfill those special holiday gift requests. So, come one, come all — a splendid time is in store for everyone.

Allan Varela serves as chair for the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council which hosts the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival.

Prev1...336337338...854Next Page 337 of 854
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©