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Andrew McCluskey

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The cast of 'Frosty', from left, Caroline Meyers, Terrence Bryce Sheldon, Natalie Seus, Patrick McCowen and Jae Hughes in a scene from the show. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
A scene from 'Frosty'. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
A scene from 'Frosty'. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
A scene from 'Frosty'. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
The cast of 'Frosty'. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
The popular holiday show has been extended to Jan. 7.

By Julianne Mosher

Frosty the snowman is a fairytale, they say. He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. This long-time holiday favorite is now playing at the Engeman Theater in Northport and it’s certainly one you need to bring the kids to.

This modern take on the classic tale brings the holiday musical to life with catchy sing-a-longs and plenty of audience participation. Directed by Andrew McCluskey with stage manager and choreographer Jillian Sharpe, Frosty is not only wholesome, but shares important messages of friendship.

The show starts off with narrator Candy Kane Carolyn (Caroline Meyers) who gives the lay of the land in Chillsville — a little town with a population of about 500 that’s always covered in snow. It’s the townspeople’s favorite thing. She introduces us to Jenny (Natalie Seus), the mayor’s daughter, who loves to play outside, but usually by herself. She doesn’t have many friends. 

With the help of her father (Terrence Bryce Sheldon), they build a snowman in the park and name him Frosty. The mayor gives Jenny his scarf that she eventually puts onto the snowman, and because there was so much love in that piece of fabric, Frosty (played by Patrick McCowen) comes to life. 

We’re introduced to Ebenezer Pierpot (played last weekend by swing actor Christina Cotignola, but typically Jae Hughes), the president of Pierpot Enterprises — a manufacturer of snow shovels, snowblowers, and ice scrapers — who want to build a bigger factory in the park but can’t do that with all the snow. During a meeting at town hall, Pierpot tricks the mayor into signing a contract to build a machine that will melt all the snow in the town, putting Frosty’s life in jeopardy. They describe it as a giant outdoor dehumidifier. 

As the weather gets warmer, Jenny must come up with a plan to save the town and make sure her new friend Frosty doesn’t melt away.

Frosty is full of fun surprises, but the best part of all is seeing the enthusiasm on the children in the audience’s faces. What is so special is that as soon as you sit down, the actors on stage start to interact with the kids, asking them questions, making them sing along and even asking for advice. They call on them to tell the rest of the audience what ideas they have throughout the show which could help Frosty and his friend.

Being included in the conversations on stage definitely make the children sitting in the seats below feel validated and important, like they are part of the show as well.

Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for pictures and autographs. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program. 

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Frosty, which has been extended through Jan. 7. Running time is 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. 

Children’s theater continues with Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Jan. 27 to March 3, and Alice in Wonderland will follow on March 26 to April 28. All seats are $20. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Finn Brown as JoJo and Jae Hughes as the Cat in the Hat in a scene from the show. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Finn Brown as JoJo and Jae Hughes at the Cat in the Hat perform 'It's Possible'. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Sour Kangaroo (Suzanne Mason). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
The Wickersham Brothers - Justin Autz and Terrence Sheldon. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) and the Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Bird Girls (Jessica Mae Murphy, Michelle Shapiro and Rachel Zulawski). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe) and Gertrude McFuzz (Michaela Vivona)
Jillian Sharpe as Mayzie. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Michaela Vivona as Gertrude McFuzz sings 'All for You' to Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
The cast of 'Seussical the Musical'. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
‘Oh the thinks you can think … when you think about Seuss!’

By Heidi Sutton

Families with young children packed into the Engeman Theater last Saturday morning to witness a most beautiful tribute to the imaginative world of Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss in Seussical the Musical. The children book author’s favorite characters come to life in this colorful and magical show, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and JoJo, a little boy with a big imagination.

Written in 2000 by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the musical is now one of the most performed shows in the United States and it’s easy to see why. A trip down memory lane for many generations, it is based primarily on the Dr. Seuss children books, “Horton Hears a Who,” “Horton Hatches an Egg” and “Gertrude McFuzz,” but also incorporates references to other Dr. Seuss stories including “McElligot’s Pool” and “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!”

Directed by Andrew McCluskey with choreography by Jillian Sharpe, the colorful cast of characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. The Cat in the Hat (Jae Hughes) guides us through the magical journey with the help of Jojo the Mayor’s son (Finn Brown at last Saturday’s performance), who occasionally jumps into the scene when warranted.

The show opens as Horton the Elephant (Patrick McCowen) hears a cry for help and discovers a floating speck of dust containing the town of Whoville. After safely placing it on a clover flower, Horton is tricked into sitting on lazy Mayzie La Bird’s (Jillian Sharpe) egg for 51 weeks, is captured by hunters and eventually sold to the circus. When he is finally rescued by Gertrude McFuzz (Michaela Vivona), he is put on trial by Sour Kangaroo (Suzanne Mason) for “sitting on an egg and talking to a speck.” Will the faithful pachyderm be exonerated or will he be sentenced to a mental institution by Judge Yertle the Turtle?

The fast-paced show keeps the young audience wide-eyed and on the edge of their seats. One of the most exciting scenes is when the Wickersham Brothers (Justin Autz and Terrence Sheldon) steal the clover and are chased through the theater by Horton. The dance numbers are terrific with special props and audience participation is encouraged as Horton and Mayzie’s egg are auctioned off to the highest bidder. 

The incredible songs are the heart of the show, from the fun intro “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” to the sweet “Horton Hears a Who” (where a person’s a person no matter how small), the enduring “Notice Me Horton,” and a personal favorite, “It’s Possible.” Horton and Jojo’s duet, “Alone in the Universe,” will give you goosebumps and the group’s upbeat finale is a fitting rendition of “Green Eggs and Ham.” 

Costumes and wigs by Laura McGauley along with the cartoonish set mimic the original Seuss illustrations perfectly.

In the end, the show leaves us with the inspiring message that anything is possible when you let your imagination fly. Don’t miss this one.

Pick up a clover-shaped flashlight souvenir before the show and stay after for a meet and greet with the cast in the lobby for photos and autographs. An autograph page is conveniently located at the back of the program.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through April 30 with a special sensory sensitive performance on April 15. Up next is The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley from May 27 to July 2. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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The cast of ‘Freckleface Strawberry The Musical’. Photo by Jessie Eppelheimer

By Rita J. Egan

Freckleface Strawberry and her friends have arrived in Northport, and they have a positive, uplifting tale to share with theatergoers of all ages. The charming “Freckleface Strawberry The Musical” debuted at the John W. Engeman Theater on July 22.

Based on the debut book in the “Freckleface Strawberry” series by Academy Award–winning actress and New York Times best-selling author Julianne Moore, the play features music and lyrics by Gary Kupper and musical book by Kupper and Rose Caiola.

Photo by Jessie Eppelheimer

The story follows the life of a 7-year-old who isn’t happy about the freckles that speckle her whole body. Through musical numbers and dialogue, audience members discover just how much Strawberry despises her freckles. At one point, she covers her face with a ski mask, and in the past, has tried to scrub them off. By the second act, the fast-moving tale develops into an inspiring story of loving yourself for who you are.

Directed by Marquez Stewart, the cast includes an ensemble of seven talented actors, including Northport High School student Meaghan Maher as an adorable and quirky Strawberry and the versatile actress Jacqueline Hughes playing the athletic Danny. Marielle Greguski is Jane and the protagonist’s mother with sweet and soothing vocals, while TracyLynn Conner is perky and energetic as Emily. Andrew McCluskey as nerdy Jake, Matthew Rafanelli as a lovable Harry and Rita Sarli as the perfect ballet girl round out the cast flawlessly.

Photo by Jessie Eppelheimer

The adult actors are extremely convincing as young kids dealing with growing pains and garnered several giggles from the audience members, especially in the first act when Hughes, McCluskey, Rafanelli and Sarli play members of the Freckleface Mafia. On opening day, the children in the audience were delighted when Rafanelli combed the aisles searching for someone who would want some freckles.

When Strawberry’s mother discovers how upset her daughter is about her freckles, Greguski and Maher sing a sweet and tender “Perfect.” The number is followed by another touching song, “Lonely Girl” by Sarli and Maher where Strawberry discovers that even when people appear to be perfect, they may not always feel that life is that way. Both songs contain positive, uplifting message that serve as a great lesson for children and a nice reminder for adults.

As the first act ends, Maher on lead is joined by the rest of the cast singing the upbeat tune “I Can Be Anything” and dancing fun choreographed moves by Stewart. When the second act begins, we are greeted by all of Strawberry’s friends once again as they sing “Be Like Her” and “Who’s the Kid in the Mask.”

Greguski has fun executing the rap “Creative Minds,” when she plays a teacher in one scene and does an impressive job. The rap is followed by the children sharing their poems with their classmates, which had many in the audience laughing in the debut performance.

During the poem readings, Jake is moved to share his inspirational piece, “Be Yourself,” and McCluskey’s vocals are strong when he sings lead on the song. Joining him on the chorus, the actors blend well on vocals, which is also apparent in songs such as “When You Got Friends” and “Different.”

It’s difficult growing up feeling different from everyone else, so it’s wonderful when a story such as “Freckleface Strawberry” comes around to remind us that it’s OK to be ourselves. The cast members at the Engeman do a great job in relaying this message, and the musical is a sweet treat that is just in time for summer fun — especially for those who may be getting a bit freckled from the bright sun. Meet the entire cast in the lobby after the show for photos and autographs.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main Street, Northport, will present “Freckleface Strawberry the Musical” through Aug. 27. Runtime is approximately one hour with one 15-minute intermission, and booster seats are available for small children. The season will continue with “Cinderella” from Sept. 23 to Oct. 29 and “Frosty” from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31. Tickets are $15, and show times are Saturdays 11 a.m. and Sundays 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Behold! The plotting penguins of Madagascar! Photo by Jennifer Tully

By Heidi Sutton

The cast of ‘Madagascar: A Musical Adventure’. Photo by Jennifer Tully

With much pomp and circumstance, the John W. Engeman Theater closes out its 2016-2017 Children’s Theater season with “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure.”

Excitement filled the theater air on opening day last weekend as the children waited anxiously to catch a glimpse of their favorite animal characters and to enjoy a live retelling of the animated classic. And let me assure you, they were not disappointed.

From the opening number, “It’s Showtime,” to the finale, an audience participation party version of “I Like to Move It,” the entire performance is a wild and wacky and wonderful musical celebration of friendship. The nine-member adult cast, skillfully directed by Jennifer Collester Tully, with several playing multiple roles, capture each original film character’s personality perfectly, especially the hypochondriac giraffe. Aside from performing on stage, the cast often wanders through the audience, keeping the young theatergoers at the edge of their seats with big smiles.

The show’s script follows the original movie closely, making it easy to follow. In the first of two acts we are introduced to best friends Alex the Lion (Andrew McCluskey) Marty the Zebra (Marquez Stewart), Gloria the Hippo (Rita Sarli) and Melman the Giraffe (Suzanne Mason) who are residents of New York’s Central Park Zoo.

Gloria, Marty, Alex and Melman in a scene from ‘Madagascar’. Photo by Jennifer Tully

It’s Marty’s birthday and he makes a wish that he could go back to the wild (which he thinks is Connecticut). Moments later he escapes with “cute and cuddly” penguins, Rico (Alyson Leonard), Kowalski (TracyLynn Connor), Private (Samantha Masone) and Skipper (Danny Meglio) who want to go back to Antarctica.

When Marty’s friends go looking for him, the entire group gets caught in the halls of Grand Central Station by the zookeepers and are tranquilized. When they wake up, the zoo animals are in crates on a ship headed to Africa. Caught in rough seas, the crates fall overboard and the four friends wash up on the shores of Madagascar. There they are promptly welcomed by King Julien (played to perfection by the incomparable Jacqueline Hughes), sidekick Maurice (Connor) and his tribe of ring-tailed lemurs who hope that Alex can protect them from the terrible foosa. Things only get wilder in the second act, but you’ll have to go see it to find out.

The wonderful songs, the adorable costumes by Jess Costagliola and the terrific choreography by Marquez Stewart are simply the icing on the cake. Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for photos and autographs.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” through April 30. After a short break, the 2017-2018 season will begin with “Pinkalicious The Musical” from July 22 to Aug. 27, “Cinderella” from Sept. 23 to Oct. 29 and “Frosty” from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31. All seats are $15. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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