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John W. Engeman Theater

By Julianne Mosher

The Engeman Theater’s latest production of Jersey Boys will have you singing, dancing and laughing all night long. Based on the life and music of The Four Seasons and Frankie Valli, the show is set in 1960s New Jersey as we follow the four Italian boys through the successes and struggles of reaching, and fulfilling, fame. 

Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the show is presented almost like a documentary (as it’s based on a true story) with each member giving their perspectives of the band’s history. We start off with Tommy DeVito (Nick Bernardi) and his original group, The Variety Trio, which included his brother, Nick DeVito (Justin Wolfe Smith) and his close friend, Nick Massi (Stephen Cerf). The three perform in clubs, while also participating in some questionable and illegal activity. 

There, they meet a young kind who sits in the shadows of the club and sings along. Frankie Valli (Joey Lavarco) and Tommy brings him up on stage. With his high soprano voice and large range, Lavarco can easily be mistaken for the original Frankie Valli — an impressive talent that not everyone on that stage could do. 

While Frankie starts to enjoy singing with the trio, the trio each get thrown in the slammer until Tommy is eventually freed where he joins with Frankie again to continue working on music and finding their identity as a new group (Tommy’s brother quits).

While this is all happening, we see the love story between Frankie and his girlfriend-then-wife Francine (Katelyn Harold) and the relationship that Tommy has with a mobster friend, Gyp DeCarlo (Mike Keller). While in supporting roles (the two play other parts sporadically throughout the show) the fluidity of their change in character is astonishing. To go from a mobster, to an accountant, to a music industry executive in one act is a grand feat. 

Eventually, a young Joe Pesci — yes, the actor — played by Loren Stone, introduces Frankie, Tommy and Nick Massi to a young songwriter who was known for his hit single, “Short Shorts,” named Bob Gaudino (Sean McGee). The trio found their missing piece, and although they couldn’t figure out a name, they were great at writing songs together. 

But they visit every record company in the city and finally land a deal with the flamboyantly hysterical Bob Crewe (Jonathan Cobrda) who signs them as background singers for other artists. Eventually, they get a sign from above (literally, a sign), that determines their new, and last, name. The Four Seasons and they pitch new music to Crewe who hears hits which then get the four Jersey Boys on the map.

With favorites like, “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Walk Like a Man,” if someone in the audience closed their eyes, they’d truly think they’re listening to the actual Four Seasons on the radio. Bernardi, Cerf, Lavarco and McGee’s harmonies synch together well and they look the part with beautifully, and historically accurate, curated costumes by Dustin Cross. 

From then on, the second act shows more of the struggles the four experiences as their fame and fortune get bigger. Through a lot of comedy, and some somber moments, the show will definitely keep you on your toes and singing the whole drive home. 

Directed by Paul Stancato, the set was minimal, but the perfect setting for so many different locations. A simple backdrop of warehouse doors and two spiral staircases, the ensemble perfects going from Jersey, to Manhattan, to on the road, to an apartment, to a club all with ease. 

So, what are you waiting for? The Engeman’s production is a slice of Broadway placed in Northport and it’ll have you thinking, “Oh, What a Night.”

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Jersey Boys through May 26. For tickets or more information, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present ‘Urinetown The Musical’ on Monday, Aug. 7 and Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. The show is performed entirely by The John W. Engeman Studio’s audition-only elite Select Players.

Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, ‘Urinetown’ is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Urinetown provides a fresh perspective on one of America’s greatest art forms.

​In a Gotham-like setting, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!

​Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, Urinetown is an irreverently humorous satire in which no one is safe from scrutiny. Praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be, Urinetown catapults the “comedic romp” into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter.

URINETOWN THE MUSICAL is directed by ANDREW MCCLUSKEY and choreographed by SABRINA KALMAN.

The Creative Team includes GINA SALVIA (Musical Director), LAURA MCGAULEY (Costume Design), EDWARD READ (Lighting Design), MELISSA PROCOPIO (Sound Design),ISABELLE KTENAS (Production Stage Manager), JENNIFER COLLESTER (Director of Production) and RICHARD DOLCE (Producing Artistic Director).

The cast of URINETOWN includes ABIGAL ANDERS, KIERAN BROWN, RICHIE CAMPBELL, ANNABELLE DEANER, ELI DEMACOPOULOS, FRANCIS DENTRONE, LIZZIE DOLCE, DIANA FOGEL, CASSIDY GILL, JULIA GORDON, TARA GRECO, DEREK HOUGH, BRADEN HUGHES, COOPER KEIL, NATALIE KUNKEL, MAX LAMBERG, ALEXANDRA MARTIN, MEAGHAN MCINNES, ALEXA OLIVETO, MADDIE QUIGLEY, VIOLET RADGOWSKI, JORDAN REILLY, LEAH ROMERO, JACOB SOLOMON, ARI SPIEGEL, LOGAN TAYLOR, ETHAN THODY, ANGELICA VIVIANI, SAMANTHA ZAFFERY, and RAY ZERNER.

Tickets are $25 for all performances. They may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or by visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

 

New show at the Engeman Theater is a smash hit

By Julianne Mosher

Grab your favorite cocktail, a Hawaiian-print shirt and head on down to Northport to go wastin’ away again in Margaritaville at the John W. Engeman Theater. 

Its latest show, Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, isn’t only for “Parrot Heads” or Buffet enthusiasts — it has something for everyone: a really good time. 

The show starts out following a part-time bartender/part-time singer, Tully, (who’s also a full-time ladies’ man) at his job on an island in the sun. Working at a tourist spot, he’s introduced to a visitor named Rachel who’s on location for a work trip/bachelorette party for her best friend, Tammy. 

A complete overachiever and workaholic, Rachel isn’t really expecting anything but gathering soil at the local volcano for her project. But Tully, intrigued by her, attempts to befriend her and eventually falls hard in love. 

Through the beachy sounds of Jimmy Buffet, the audience is taken on a journey of the island, learning the backstories (good and bad) of all the characters inhabiting it. Not only will the show make you laugh out loud, but you’ll be out of your seat singing along to popular hits including “Fins,” “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and, of course, “Margaritaville.”

Directed and choreographed by Keith Andrews, the entire cast deserves accolades for their performance. Sam Sherwood (Tully) is a true star, while Amanda Bailey (Marley), Maggie Bera (Tammy), Hunter Brown (Brick) and Meadow Nguy (Rachel) shine alongside him. 

Dan Sharkey, who plays the questionable and somewhat lost J.D., will have you laughing and falling in love with his character, especially after you learn more about how he landed on the island. 

And if you like piña coladas, or any other fruity drinks, make sure you head to the theater a bit early for a pre-show where visitors can hop on stage, grab a beverage and listen to some tunes sung by the cast as if they are victors to the resort themselves!

That being said, the set design feels like you’re in the Caribbean or somewhere in Hawaii. Beautiful tropical flowers in bright, summer colors line the stage, while the house band (who is typically seated beneath the stage) performs live music front and center. 

But while the show primarily takes place at the resort, the cast does a great job with extras to flip between Tammy’s apartment, the airport, a restaurant in the states and of course, the volcano. Yes, there’s an active volcano that smokes right in the background. However, don’t worry — it hasn’t been active in years… when it killed real estate agents who were vacationing for a conference a few decades ago… (You’ll learn that backstory if you come by).

So, make sure you change into your shirt with a fun, bold print, put on your sandals and take a shot of tequila before you head down to The Engeman for a fantastic and fun night out because, remember, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville through Aug. 27. Showings include Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Some Wednesdays and Sunday evenings are available. Tickets are $80 or $85 for Saturday evenings. To order call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Save the date! The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will hold a casting call for children ages 6 to 17 for roles in The Sound of Music on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. and Saturday, March 4 at 3 p.m. The show will run from May 18 to July 2. Advance registration is required by calling the box office at 631-261-2900 to set up an appointment time. 

A scene from 'On Your Feet!'. Photo from Engeman Theater
The production is now scheduled to run through September 3.

Due to overwhelming demand, the John W. Engeman Theater has added an extra week to the run of ON YOUR FEET! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, offering four additional performances.

Originally scheduled to close Sunday, August 28, the final performance will now take place on Saturday, September 3 at 8 p.m.

The schedule for the added performances is as follows:

Thursday, September 1st at 8pm

Friday, September 2nd at 8pm

Saturday, September 3rd at 3pm

Saturday, September 3rd at 8pm

From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. ON YOUR FEET! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making, and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet. Get ready to get on your feet, and dance to the smash hits “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Live For Loving You,” “Conga,” and many more.

Tickets are now on sale for the additional performance dates and can be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at www.engemantheater.com, or by visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport. Tickets are $80 for Saturday evenings and $75 for all other performances.

 

By Rita J. Egan

Before Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine filled the airwaves with their Latin-inspired pop music and heart-wrenching ballads. On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan is now playing at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, and local theatergoers can discover the Estefans’ story through Aug. 28.

The theater was nearly sold out on July 16, press opening night. The audience members were ready to be entertained and were not disappointed. Director Dana Iannuzzi and the Engeman cast skillfully share the inspiring tale of achieving the American Dream through infectious music and dynamic dance numbers.

The musical by Alexander Dinelaris takes place from 1975 to 1991 and highlights the early days of the Estefans’ climb to fame. It also incorporates a few flashbacks to even earlier periods. The show ran on Broadway from 2015 to 2017.

The day Emilio, of the Miami Latin Boys, visited the home of Gloria’s family was the moment that musical history began. The husband-and-wife team’s first encounter led to chart-topping hits such as “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get on Your Feet,” “Anything for You,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” and more. The songs are incorporated throughout the story, along with “If I Never Got to Tell You,” which was written for the musical. Each one is perfectly placed, whether it’s an upbeat number to mark a happy time in the couple’s life or a ballad to remember their adversities. The songs are not always sung by the Gloria character which puts a new spin on some well known tunes.

There are moments during the musical that will leave the audience teary-eyed as they are taken back in time to when young Gloria misses her father, who is fighting in Vietnam. A few years later, he is battling multiple sclerosis, and she helps care for him. There are also flashbacks to when Emilio’s and Gloria’s families escaped Cuba. The couple’s story would not be complete without including the bus crash in 1990, when Gloria was left with a broken back and unable to walk for months. She battled the fight of her life to get back on stage, which she did at the 1991 American Music Awards.

Alexis Semevolos-Velazquez is a stunning Gloria Estefan. She has mastered the singer’s alto voice range, where at times, one may feel as if they hear Estefan herself. Semevolos-Velazquez delivers on every number, especially during “Coming Out of the Dark.” The song marks the climax of the musical as Gloria takes to the stage at the AMAs. During the musical, the actress seamlessly goes from a sweet, young Gloria to a determined woman who will not let anything stand in her way.

Victor Souffrant is so convincing as the determined and focused Emilio Estefan that when he first sings during “I See Your Smile,” it’s hard to believe that the sweet, soothing vocals are coming from him, but they are. He sings beautifully with Semevolos-Velazquez and in Act 2 with Nicole Paloma Sarro, who plays Gloria’s mother, during the tearjerker “If I Never Got to Tell You.”

While the audience may want to dislike Sarro as Gloria Fajardo, the jealous mother who tries to keep her daughter from pursuing her musical dreams, one just can’t. She not only shines when she sings with Souffrant but also during “Mi Tierra” in the first act. Carol Beaugard, as Gloria’s grandmother Consuelo, and Gabriela Moscoso, who plays the singer’s sister Rebecca Fajardo, are both endearing. Moscoso sings backup on many of the songs and joins Semevolos-Velazquez on “Anything for You.” It’s evident her strong vocals are why she was chosen as Semevolos-Velazquez’s understudy, and she won’t miss a beat if she needs to step in as Gloria for a performance.

Ryan Morales plays Gloria’s father, Jose Fajardo, and it’s a delight to hear his bari-tenor singing voice during “When Someone Comes Into Your Life,” a duet with Semevolos-Velazquez. The song is bound to have many reaching for their tissues.

Sofia Jarmel is precious as young Gloria, and her singing voice stands out, even in a cast where she is one of the youngest. Luca Silva plays Nayib Estefan, a young Emilio and a couple of ensemble parts. The actor is adorable, and while he only has a few lines, his timing is perfect.

What else is perfectly done during On Your Feet! is the storyline covers the adversities in the Estefans’ lives without turning too somber. In addition to the infectious sounds of the Miami Sound Machine to keep audience members’ spirits lifted, there are some well-timed comedic lines. David De Almo, Phil the record label executive, especially had people laughing in their seats. The whole ensemble is a pleasure to watch. 

Conductor Erika R. Gamez and the band nail the brass- and percussion-driven songs, while choreographer Sandalio Alvarez has crafted energetic, Latin-inspired dances. The costumes designed by Cecilia X. Gutierrez help to capture the various years depicted in the musical, and Gloria’s concert outfits are eye-catching.

Make sure to bring your tissues and dancing shoes because the Engeman’s production of the Estefans’ story will pull at your heartstrings and have you on your feet dancing before the night is over.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport, presents “On Your Feet” through Aug. 28. Tickets are $80 on Saturday evenings and $75 all other performances. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport will present RENT School Edition on Monday, Aug. 1 and Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. The show is performed entirely by The John W. Engeman Studio’s audition-only elite Select Players.

The show, based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

Directed by Andrew McCluskey and choreographed by Becky Kalman, the cast features Lizzie Becker, Aidan Bento, Logan Borre, Kieran J. Brown, Richard Campbell, Gabe Cruz, Lizzie Dolce, Daniella Falco, Greta Frankonis, Giuliana Gallone, Finn Gilbert, Ariana Glaser, Tara Griffin, Jenna Hammelman, Derek Hough, Max Lamberg, Madison Loscalzo, Alexander Mahr, Angelina Miller, Mia Mirabile, Alexandra Mitnick, Zachary Podair, Madelyn Quigley, Samantha Regenbogen, Ari Spiegel, Jacqueline Winslow and Ray Zerner.

Tickets are $20 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

By Heidi Sutton

What’s your favorite color? If the answer is pink, then you should run, not walk, to the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport to catch a truly wonderful production of Pinkalicious the Musical. 

Based on the popular children’s book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann, the show tells the story of a little girl named Pinkalicious Pinkerton who loves the color pink (“It’s a color like no other!”) and is obsessed with pink cupcakes.

Despite her parent’s warnings, Pinkalicious overindulges on the sugary delights and wakes up the next day pink from head to toe. The doctor diagnoses her with pinkititis and in order to keep it from becoming worse she has to eat healthy green foods. But Pinkalicious just can’t stop eating those cupcakes, and when she wakes up the second morning, she’s turned red. She realizes the only way out of this predicament is to follow doctor’s orders. But is it too late? Will she be red forever?

Directed by Danny Meglio with choreography by Jillian Sharpe, the show is an instant hit thanks to a talented cast of five who tackle this fast-paced script with ease. 

Perfectly cast in the role of Pinkalicious, Emilie Goodrich embraces her inner child to bring this colorful, energetic character to life and sparkles on stage. The other members of the family, the organized Mrs. Pinkerton (the delightful Kassie Kueffne), the busy Mr. Pinkerton (an incredible Justin Autz), and overlooked brother Peter (the multi-talented Jae Hughes) along with best friend Alison (the amazing Kara Vito), play multiple roles throughout the show with unbounded enthusiasm.

What’s special about this show is that each actor has a chance to shine with a solo, from Goodrich’s lovely “When Dreams Come True,” to Kueffne’s lullaby “You Get Just What You Get,” Vito’s “Pinkititis,” Jae Hughes’ heartfelt “I Got the Pink Blues,” and Autz in the “Finale.”

There are also so many wonderful moments in the show. At one point the family goes to the doctor’s office on a pink four seat bicycle. On the way back home, they take a detour through the aisles of the theater to go to a park with a real slide. While at the park Pinkalicious is surrounded by a bee, a bird and two butterflies who are attracted to her pink color in the cute number “Buzz Off.”  Another time, Pinkalicious has a dream about pink cupcakes who all of a sudden walk out of the refrigerator and start singing and dancing. Great stuff.

Pinkalicious is more than a story about eating your vegetables. It is about the power of communication, the love of family and the affirmation that a little pink goes a long way. Don’t miss this one. 

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Pinkalicious The Musical through July 3. All seats are $20. For more information or to order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Sonny and my father always said 

that when I get older I would understand.

Well, I finally did.

I learned something from these two men.

I learned to give love and get love unconditionally.

And I learned the saddest thing in life is wasted talent

And the choices that you make will shape your life forever.

But you can ask anybody from my neighborhood

And they will tell you,

This is just another 

Bronx Tale.

(Calogero’s quote)

By Barbara Anne Kirshner

The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport captivates once again and this time it’s with the gritty, heartfelt, edge of your seat excitement of A Bronx Tale: The Musical. The show opened on March 24.

From the moment you enter the theatre, you are immersed in the Italian flavor of the show from the red/white checkered cloths decorating tables, to the delectable cannoli, to the Sinatra style crooner in the lounge.

A Bronx Tale is a coming-of-age musical told from the perspective of an Italian American young man, Calogero, growing up on the mean streets of 1960s Bronx. The gangsters in the neighborhood fascinate him. As a nine-year-old boy, he witnesses Sonny, the mob boss, brutally shoot a man for assaulting his friend, but when the police question the child, he doesn’t snitch. Impressed, Sonny takes young Calogero under his wing, gives him the nickname “C,” introduces him to his gang and offers him odd jobs around his bar. 

Fast forward eight years; all this time C has been working for Sonny and hiding it from his father. He has developed the reputation as Sonny’s sidekick thus gaining respect from all the other mobsters. At school, C meets a Black girl, Jane, and they are instantly attracted though they know it is forbidden by both their neighborhoods. They plan a date anyway amidst mounting racial tensions which culminate in a climactic clash.

Centered around respect, loyalty, love and family, A Bronx Tale took on many forms before it was adapted into the musical version. Chazz Palminteri wrote the one man play version in 1989 as an acting vehicle for himself. It is semi-autobiographical, based on his 1960’s childhood in the Bronx. The play premiered in Los Angeles (1989) before moving to Off-Broadway. Robert DeNiro saw the play in Los Angeles (1990) and resolved to turn it into a movie. DeNiro and Palminteri teamed up to make the 1993 film. This was DeNiro’s directorial debut and the two wrote the screenplay. DeNiro played Lorenzo, the father, with Palminteri taking on the role of Sonny, the mob boss.

From October 25, 2007, through February 24, 2008, Palminteri performed his one man show on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre under the direction of Jerry Zaks. Next came the musical with book by Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and co-directed by DeNiro and Zaks. It opened on Broadway December 1, 2016, and closed on August 5, 2018. Of special note, the role of Jane was played by this year’s supporting actress Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose.

The Engeman production is breathtaking in every way. Kyle Dixon’s set impresses starting as Belmont Avenue with abstract tenements, fire escapes, a prominent stoop and streetlight where a chorus of doowop opens the show and then seamlessly transforms into various locations. Lighting by John Burkland washes the set in pale red tones, a metaphor for the crime-ridden streets, then brightens for lighter moments.

Calogero is played to perfection by Mike Cefalo whose soulful eyes, ready smile and rich vocals invites the audience into his world. His counterpart, the nine-year- old Calogero played by Michael Deaner, is adorable, but with a street wise edge, not an easy task for a kid to play. Deaner infuses so much joy into his songs it is infectious.

The voice of reason, Lorenzo (Charlie Marcus), exudes fervor fighting for his son’s soul with lines like, “If you get lost, look to me, I’m here for you.” Shaina Vencel (Rosina) makes us feel the motherly love and devotion she has for her son. Mike Keller’s mobster Sonny is charming and generous but dangerous if you cross him. He genuinely cares about Calogero and teaches him lessons he learned from the streets. “Make them fear you, not love you,” is his mantra. Mackenzie Meadows as Jane is radiant with a stunning voice. It is easy to see how C could fall for her. Sonny tells C that you only get Three Great Ones in your life and Meadows makes us believe she is one of them.

Director/choreographer Paul Stancato has assembled a stellar cast that hits all the emotional tones this show requires. His choreography is energetic with spectacular high kicks and passionate. Dustin Cross’ costumes are 60s nostalgia with tight fitting pedal pushers, midriff tops, black leather jackets and all those gangster suits. Music director Benjamin Stayner and his band glide through this tuneful score with its doowop, Motown and Broadway style ballads.

The Engeman delivers high powered professionalism on all cylinders with A Bronx Tale: The Musical. The show runs through May 8.

The John E. Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main Street in Northport. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

Actor, filmmaker and playwright Chazz Palminteri and his wife Gianna attended the opening night of A Bronx Tale: The Musical at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport on Saturday, March 26.

The Bronx native, who wrote the play based on his childhood in 1989 and starred as Sonny in the movie version in 1993, thanked the Engeman and cast for a job well done.   

“I haven’t seen the musical since Broadway and it is really amazing what this theater did here with the space they have, with the set, it’s just outstanding. I am amazed by it, and my hat goes off to the incredible cast and all the people here at this incredible theater. It brought back a lot of memories,” he said. 

“We are truly honored that Chazz and Gianna Palminteri were able to attend the opening night of A Bronx Tale. To be able to celebrate our production with the man who created this brilliant story was a moment that none of us will ever forget,” said Richard Dolce, co-owner of the John W. Engeman Theater. 

See video of the event here.