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Yearly Archives: 2022

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By Gia Horton
By Lily Newland
'Sunflowers' by Kyle Blumenthal Image courtesy of Mills Pond Gallery
By Margaret Minardi
By Donna Corvi

It’s time to honor the best of the best. The Smithtown Township Arts Council’s Winners Showcase Fine Art Exhibition kicks off Saturday, March 5 at the Mills Pond Gallery in St. James. The exhibit features winning artists from the 2021 Members Showcase (Kyle Blumenthal, Donna Corvi, Margaret Minardi), A Sense of Place (Gia Horton Schifano) and Visualizing the Past (Lily Newland).

Stony Brook artist Kyle Blumenthal’s life is steeped in art. From a very early age, she immersed herself in art books, art prints and art works. She experiences life as an artist, always looking at color, shadow and form in order to better portray them in her art.  An illustrator, a fine artist, a stage designer and display artist, Blumenthal experiments through various media and her paintings convey a message of hope and enlightenment and her subjects echo their spiritual identity through the use of forms, patterns, media, light and color.

Montauk artist Donna Corvi began her career in illustration using watercolor, airbrush and colored pencil. After a commercial art career of 20 years in NYC, a change was in order. “Now, painting in both oil and acrylic, I can focus on painting what resonates with me most…trees, branches, wind and color.” The artist takes daily walks along the water, in the woods and across fields to record her reference material for her expressionist views of tree branches, wind and the ever-changing seasons. “I love trees and I hope that I bring a new awareness about trees to people. The earth needs them–we need them to exist.”

New Hyde Park artist Gia Horton Schifano is a self-taught artist. Her love for Long Island and its beauty from coast to coast is what inspires her. Her sense of composition and realistic style bring to the viewer a sense of peace and beauty in nature. Schifano has worked in charcoal, colored pencil, and acrylic but her latest love is water-mixable oils that lend themselves beautifully to the techniques used for her landscapes and portrait work. Her art focuses on the serenity of the east end of Long Island.

Northport artist Margaret Minardi will be exhibiting work from her new White on White series, which includes high realism portraits and solar plate etchings of her students and daughter…subjects that are close to her heart. “As a 30-year high school art educator, I was privileged to work with teenagers that were magical and complex. They created images that seemed impossible for ones so young. Their art glowed with strength and agonized with fragility. It is my hope that some of their beauty is captured in this series,” she said.

Wantagh artist Lily Newland received her BFA from Binghamton University in 2019 and is currently pursuing an MAT in art education at Queens College. While Newland is well versed in multiple disciplines including painting and printmaking, her passion lies with drawing, the purest expression of the form. She enjoys the subject of the figure in its endless variations and in her desire to distill its fleeting presence. “Drawing has remained a constant for me, when life becomes fussy and my creative enthusiasm gets a bit lost, I can usually find it again by simply returning to my sketch book.”

The Mills Pond Gallery, 660 Route 25A, St. James presents the Winners Showcase Fine Art Exhibition through March 27. The public is invited to an opening reception on March 5 from noon to 4 p.m. to meet the artists and view their work. Face masks are encouraged. For more information, call 631-862-6575 or visit www.millspondgallery.org. 

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Elected officials and community members, above, stand by a table of donations. Photo by Raymond Janis

By Raymond Janis

Last week, Long Island leaders and community members met in Huntington to announce the Long Island-Ukrainian Emergency Response Drive, a collection to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Dr. David Buchin, right, and U. S. Rep. Tom Suozzi. Photo by Raymond Janis

The gathering was held outside the offices of Dr. David Buchin, director of bariatric surgery at Huntington Hospital, and Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), vice chair of the Committee on Health, who both share a business address. Buchin, an immigrant from the former Soviet bloc nation Uzbekistan, says donation drives such as these will help to alleviate the sufferings of Ukrainians.

“The horrors in the Ukraine, I mean we all see it,” Buchin said. “It breaks my heart like it does for all of us. We must do something to help them all. The hospitals are full, their supplies are low, so we’ve created this Long Island-Ukrainian Emergency Response Drive. We’re calling on everyone to help, anything that can help the Ukrainian people, like blankets, sleeping bags, medical supplies and first aid.”

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY3) was present for the announcement. He applauded the altruism of ordinary Americans doing their part to support Ukraine. He also emphasized the dangers of factionalism amid so much uncertainty abroad.

“Taking action like this to give people an opportunity to make a contribution is a great way to feel that we’re doing something, but we’ve all got to do more,” he said. “We have to hold together. We have to keep Democrats and Republicans holding together. We have to follow the old idea that partisanship stops at the water’s edge. We have to all hold together like we are today.”

Bontempi described growing up in Sweden, a country now endangered by the war. She fears the conflict may spill over into Swedish territory and asked for immediate support.

“My family, I speak to them every day, is very frightened,” Bontempi said. “We need to all be very, very concerned about what this madman [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is doing. I urge everyone to please talk to friends, neighbors [to] donate items. It needs to happen now — not in a week, now. People need help right now.”

Town of Huntington officials praised this public expression of solidarity and humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. Town Councilman Sal Ferro (R) said he believes that Americans and Ukrainians are united under a common purpose, likening this local initiative with the cause of the Ukrainian resistance.

“Every little bit that we do can make a difference,” he said. “We can show the human side, why we live in a free country, why we live in a democracy. That’s what they’re fighting for in Ukraine: to stay free.”

Huntington Town Clerk Andy Raia (R) discussed his own Ukrainian roots. He said his relatives chose to remain in Ukraine to support the war effort and encouraged Long Islanders to do the same.

“The time to act is now,” Raia said. “It was really yesterday, but we need to do more to ensure that Europe stays stable, that democracies around the world are allowed to flourish. This is just a small token of what we need to do to ensure that the fight continues in Ukraine.”

For those seeking to donate, the Long Island-Ukrainian Emergency Response Drive is establishing repositories throughout the Island. Buchin’s and Bontempi’s offices, located at 224 Wall St in Huntington, collected items until the end of the day March 4, and the donations were delivered to the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.

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St. Patrick's Day sandwiches

Make Your St. Patrick’s Day Spread Green with Envy

 (Culinary.net) Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family.

Layered with a smooth cream cheese and mozzarella mixture then topped with crisp cucumber and a stem of green bell pepper, these St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches are easy and cute, which makes them a fan favorite at nearly any green gathering. They’re also sprinkled with lemon juice to add a little acidity and create a nice, light bite.

Plus, this recipe is quick to make. When you’re in a rush to get everything on the table for the party, it’s easy to throw together and get on the platter in next to no time.

The sandwiches pop off the plate with their bright, seasonal garnishes. While sure to attract attention and have your loved ones asking “Where did you get this idea?” they’re also an easy way to sneak a few vegetables into your kids’ diets.

For more festive recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.

 St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches

Yield: 8 sandwiches

Ingredients:

8 ounces plain cream cheese spread, softened

1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese

salt

4  English muffins

24 slices cucumber

8 thin slices green pepper

fresh cilantro leaves

lemon juice

lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions: 

In bowl, mix cream cheese spread, mozzarella cheese and salt well.

Split English muffins in half. Cut each muffin half into shamrock shape.

Spread cheese mixture over each muffin half.

Place three cucumbers on each “shamrock,” one on each “leaf.” Use green pepper slice as stem. Place cilantro leaf on top of each sandwich.

Sprinkle sandwiches with lemon juice and add lemon slices, for garnish, if desired.

See video here.

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Pixabay photo

Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth is urging all who venture out on Huntington’s waterways to register for a free NYS BoatingSafety Certification Course offered under the Town’s Victoria Gaines Boating Safety Program this March and May. 

 “It is our individual responsibility to prevent avoidable tragedies on the water,” said Supervisor Ed Smyth. “Whether you’re captaining a boat, a passenger, or operate a non-motorized water craft, everyone should be prepared to enjoy Huntington waters safely.” 

 The Town of Huntington offers free Boating Safety Classes in March and May. Attendees who register, attend the full 8-hour course, and pass the test will receive a NYS Boating Safety credential issued by NYS Parks. Questions can be directed to the Harbormaster’s office at (631) 351-3255. Adults and children (ages 10 & up) are welcome to register for the course online: huntingtonny.gov/boater-safety  

 2022 COURSE DATES OFFERED: 

 Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Town Board Room, Huntington 

Monday & Tuesday, March 7 & 8, 2022 (Must attend both dates) 

5:00pm-9:00pm both nights. 8 hours of course instruction total. 

May 2022 Date to be Announced Soon 

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A butter dish by Hannah Niswonger

For the month of March, the Reboli Center for Art & History in Stony Brook’s featured artisan is potter Hannah Niswonger.

Artist Hannah Niswonger

“Hannah Niswonger’s whimsical work is so striking, colorful, cheerful and unique, we’re thrilled to welcome her as the Reboli Center’s March Artisan. We’re sure everyone will be delighted by her creative mix of vibrant designs and realistic animal portraits in her pottery. They are so adorable and colorful that they make you feel so happy,” said Lois Reboli, president and a founder of The Reboli Center.

Niswonger fell in love with clay while in college at Wesleyan in Middletown, Connecticut, where she earned a BA in studio art.  Hannah received a MFA in ceramic sculpture from Alfred University in Alfred, New York. She is currently teaching at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and has taught courses in ceramics at Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, Hannah frequently teaches sculpture classes.  She gives workshops nationally, as well as exhibiting in galleries throughout the United States. Hannah also participates in juried craft shows, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Show, the Smithsonian Craft Show and CraftBoston. A resident of Melrose, Massachusetts, she lives there with her husband, three children, one dog and two rabbits.

Plates designed by Hannah Niswonger

According to Hannah, “I build functional pots out of white stoneware. My tools are simple: a knife, a serrated metal rib, a sponge, a brush. All of my work is hand-built from slabs of clay. I love working with slabs like fabric; the pots are sewn together, scored along the edges, nipped and tucked together to make rounded forms from sheets of clay. Using a Chinese calligraphy brush, I paint bone dry pots with under-glaze stains, which act like an ink wash or watercolors on the absorbent surface of the clay. I scratch and carve into the drawings, adding and removing details. The pin tool is both pencil and eraser, adding white to the drawing. I use wax to create motifs that are reminiscent of printed patterns.”

In addition to creating functional pottery of plates, cups, bowls, teapots, serving pieces with images of animals, birds, and fish, Hannah also makes prints, drawings, sculpture and tile pieces. “I love developing new patterns and strategies for adding layers of image and color to clay. This has allowed me to bring printmaking into the ceramic studio. Pattern and color anchor my animals to the pots. They serve as frames, and backgrounds, so that the animals exist in their own narrow space around the pots,” added Hannah.

The Reboli Center is located at 64 Main Street in Stony Brook, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please call 631-751-7707.

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Photo courtesy of SBU Athletics

Starting the day with the first six goals, the Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team quickly made its presence felt on Feb. 27 against Ivy League foe Dartmouth.

Siobhan Rafferty had a first-quarter hat trick as part of her five-goal day, and the No. 4 Seawolves were off and running en route to their 20-3 victory in front of 1,040 fans at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.

Rafferty and Kailyn Hart went back to back inside of 20 seconds to get the offense up and running, and then three goals in a 90 second span, two from Rafferty, made it 6-0 in the first quarter. After Dartmouth got one back a woman up, the Seawolves rattled off five in a row, three of which coming from Hart, to go up 11-1 at the 10:48 mark of the second quarter. Hart also finished the day with a five-spot in the goal column.

Stony Brook pitched a second-half shutout, scoring all eight in the final 30 minutes of action. Molly LaForge and Alexandra Fusco each recorded their first collegiate tallies, with Fusco scoring both in the final frame for the Seawolves. With the win, the Seawolves find a groove ahead of a pair of Top 10 matchups ahead in the next two weeks.

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The cast of the 23rd annual Festival of One Act Plays
A scene from 'Confessions of a Successful Playwright' with Stephen Wangner and Tamralynn Dorsa
A scene from 'The Turn Around' with Antoine Jones and Steve Ayle
A scene from 'The Turn Around' with Antoine Jones and Steve Ayle
A scene from 'Benign Departures' by Mary Ellin Kurtz and Tamralynn Dorsa
A scene from 'Benign Departures' by Mary Ellin Kurtz and Tamralynn Dorsa
A scene from 'The Beat Goes On' with Sari Feldman and Steve Ayle
The cast of 'The Beat Goes On'
A scene from 'Bad China' with Brittany Lacey and Evan Teich
A scene from 'Bad China' with Brittany Lacey and Steven Uihlein
A scene from 'Play Date' with Bradlee Bing, Stephen Wangner and Eric J. Hughes
A scene from 'Play Date' with Bradlee Bing and Eric J. Hughes

By Heidi Sutton

After a two-year delay because of COVID, the Festival of One-Act Plays returns to Theatre Three in all its glory. Now in its 23rd year, the One-Acts are a wonderful opportunity for audiences to watch actors hone their craft up close and personal on the theater’s Second Stage. The festival opened last Sunday for a 10-performance run.

Festival founder and Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel was tasked with selecting six original works from over 500 submissions and then selected an uber talented cast to tell their story. Fantastic costumes designed by Jason Allyn (with special mention to The Beat Goes On) tie it all together resulting in an incredible evening of live theater. 

“For the first time on any stage, these works come to life,” said Sanzel. “How challenging and exciting to present a unique universe in the space of no more than 25 minutes—and often as short as ten…” in a two-hour marathon in the cozy setting of The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on the Second Stage, a space so intimate that “there is no wall. There is no division.” 

The show opens with Philip Darg’s Confessions of a Successful Playwright, a hilarious look at One-Act Festivals of all things. Wade Lawson (Stephen T. Wangner) meets up with a reporter (Tamralynn Dorsa) for an interview to share his struggles, triumphs, determination and eventual obsession to becoming the most produced, but least known, playwright in history.

Next up is The Turn-Around, by Cary Pepper. In a constant battle with his next door neighbor Lester’s many assault rifles and gun range, Robert (Antoine Jones) approaches Lester (Steve Ayle), with a change of heart in their ongoing war over the Second Amendment. The Turn-Around addresses one of today’s hot button issues from a wickedly humorous point-of-view.  

The first half concludes with the darkest offering of the evening. Joshua Young’s disturbing Bad China shows Nos (Steven Uihlein) asking for a favor from his sister, Reba (Brittany Lacy), which she keeps from her husband, Del (Evan Teich). A brutal portrait of the opioid crisis is played out within a dysfunctional family, where choices lead to harrowing results.

After a brief intermission, the show continues with Benign Departures, Tony Pasqualini’s vision of a national health crisis from a catastrophic perspective. Set some fifty years in the future, Dr. Elizabeth Baker (Tamralynn Dorsa) visits the homeless Maggie Elmer (Mary Ellin Kurtz) and a battle of wills ensues in which the two very different people find a common ground and a deeper understanding.

Ariana Rose’s comedy The Beat Goes On takes a peek at what goes on inside a display case at the Smithsonian, as various musical containers vie for superiority. Hilarity ensues as Cass (Sari Feldman), Trax (Steve Ayle), L.P. (Antoine Jones), Cee Dee (Brittany Lacey), and Dayta (Steven Uihlein) all hope for a transfer to the newer adjacent display case, leaving the audience in stitches.

The evening closes with Frank Tangredi’s Play Date, a whimsical look at fatherhood from two very different perspectives. The elderly Lou Gershwin (Bradlee Bing) just had a child with his second wife who is 30 years younger and 15-year-old Tyler Hill (Eric J. Hughes) gets limited visitation rights with his child. Meeting at a park bench, the two fathers share their stories and connect in a poignant, charming story.

With an excellent lineup and incredible cast, this festival is not to be missed. Get your ticket before they’re sold out.

Sponsored by Lippencott Financial Group, Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present The 23rd annual Festival of One-Act Plays through April 2. Please note: The plays contains adult language and subject matter. Parental discretion is advised. Running time is two hours with one 15-minute intermission. All seats are $20. To order, call the box office at 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com

All photos by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

 

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Graph from Wikipedia

By Elof Axel Carlson

Elof Axel Carlson

In my youth I read Joyce Cary’s novel Herself Surprised and was moved by his opening chapter describing a woman, rather frumpy looking, hustling and puffing her way through a train station only to realize she was looking at a mirror image of herself. The book’s title and theme engaged my attention. 

In my own life I have had a few “myself surprised” moments. One of them came as I read an article in American Scientist by evolutionist David Pfennig who works at the University of North Carolina. He discusses a concept called “phenotypic plasticity.” When Mendel worked out his laws of genetics he distinguished between the phenotype (appearance) and the genotype (genetic composition) of the pea plants he studied. A yellow pea could be heterozygous or homozygous and look the same. You had to do a genetic cross to determine the genotypes form the phenotypes of the traits you studied. 

In Pfennig’s study, phenotypic plasticity is a surprise. An organism can have itself or its progeny change characteristics very rapidly in moments or days instead of mutational change which takes generations or millennia to distinguish new populations. Some species of birds or animals can change color seasonally. Some social insects like bees or wasps or ants can change body shape and function by feeding the developing embryos in the hives or by shifting a mode of  reproduction from fertilization to cloning or parthenogenesis (virgin birth). They are adaptations to changes in seasons or changes of a sudden nature (like flooding or a drought). Unlike the survival of finches in the Galapagos islands that take decades or millennia to change through natural selection of mutations arising spontaneously, phenotypic plasticity enables some organisms to resist extinction by a rapid response.

I realized that my own body was subject to this phenotypic plasticity as I turned 85.  I knew I was getting older physically as I began to grey and my skin wrinkled. I feel as if my mitochondria are being depleted and the energy requirements of my cells are no longer being met in all my tissues. I am the reverse of Oscar Wilde’s portrait of Dorian Gray. 

I have accelerated the aging process in my advanced old age, a fate that will befall all who are lucky to live as long as I have. One of my undergraduate students at Stony Brook University did a project on aging in identical twins. He got photo albums of elderly identical twins and matched their appearance by scissoring copies of their photos and matching the left of one twin to the right of the other twin when they were separately photographed. It was surprising how much they fit, while nonidentical same sex twins did not do this and produced asymmetrical faces. 

The surprise is how a body can use its genotype to maintain a sameness in the two twins who are identical at any age. We don’t select for each year’s features of our faces and bodies. Something else is going on that plays out in our lifestyle as we age. It makes sense that our environments can shape us through the careers we choose and opportunities that come our way. But the biological changes that take place are much more difficult to explain and show that much is to be learned about the “plasticity” in our lives and how it works at a scientific level.  

Elof Axel Carlson is a distinguished teaching professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University.

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Paint this cute Shamrock at the Atelier at Flowerfield on March 12. Image from The Atelier
Programs

Little Scientists

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park for a children’s program, Little Scientists, on March 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. For ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Advance reservations required by visiting Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

Shamrock Painting Class

Registration underway! The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Building #15, St. James will host a St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Painting class for ages 6 to 12 on March 12 from 10 a.m. to noon and again from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Join Miss Linda in the studio as she teaches you how to paint a shamrock and a ladybug. Fee is $50 and includes materials. To register, call 250-9009 or visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Moonstruck Mania

Save the date! The Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington in collaboration with the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will present Moonstruck Mania: An Art and Science Adventure on March 13 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Families with children ages 6 and up are invited to begin their adventure at the Heckscher exploring the exhibition Moonstruck:Lunar Art from the Collection and creating a lunar masterpiece. Then meet at the Vanderbilt Planetarium for a 30 minute live viewing and lecture of that night’s sky followed by a screening of “Earth, Moon & Sun.” $15 per person. To register, visit www.heckscher.org.

Theater

Disney’s ‘Frozen Jr.’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Disney’s Frozen Jr. Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. from Feb. 13 to March 13. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $20. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the world premiere of Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 23 to March 26. Dorothy Gale is whisked away by a tornado to that magical land that lies just Over the Rainbow. Follow Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion as they encounter challenges and celebrate friendship. This new take on a classic tale features an original score, memorable characters, and fun for the entire family. Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a delightful reminder that “there’s no place like home!” All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

Disney’s ‘High School Musical Jr.’

We’re All In This Together! Disney Channel’s smash hit musical comes to life at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown in Disney’s High School Musical Jr. from April 15 to May 15. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs will have you dancing in your seats! All seats are $25. To order, call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org

All numbers are in (631) area code unless noted.

 

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A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Josie McSwane as the Wicked Witch of the West and Stephanie Moreau as Glinda in a scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/TheatreThreeProductionsInc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
The cast of 'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz'. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/TheatreThreeProductionsInc.
The cast of 'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz'. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/TheatreThreeProductionsInc.
A scene from the show. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

By Heidi Sutton

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Theatre Three in Port Jefferson has a brand new children’s show and it’s over the rainbow!

First published in 1900 as a children’s book titled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, the story of Dorothy Gale and her three travel companions in the Land of Oz has given rise to many sequels, spin-offs and adaptations including radio shows, musicals and the iconic 1939 MGM film starring a 16-year-old Judy Garland.  

Now Theatre Three presents a brand new take on the classic tale with the world premiere of the family-friendly musical Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz. While the message stays the same, the show features over 10 original song and dance numbers as it travels down the Yellow Brick Road.

We first meet Dorothy at the L. Frank Baum Central School in Harrison Corner. As the editor of the Baum Bugle, she is on deadline trying to get the paper out when a big storm approaches. A wind knocks her down and when she awakens she finds herself in Munchkinland. 

Her news stand has landed on the Wicked Witch of the North causing her demise. When confronted by the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy is protected by Glinda the Good Witch who gives her those famous ruby slippers and sends her down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz who can help her get home.

Along the way Dorothy meets a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tinman who yearns for a heart, and a Lion who longs for courage. The three join her on her quest and the adventure begins.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the cast of nine adult actors embrace the wonderful script and run with it. Incredibly all of the scenes from the iconic movie are there: the talking apple trees, the poppies, meeting the Wizard, the flying monkeys, the Winkies and the melting scene, with several actors playing multiple roles.

With a wonderful singing voice, Katie Lemmen is perfectly cast as the sweet yet determined Dorothy who learns many lessons on her journey. Sari Feldman knocks it out of the park as the limber Scarecrow with a great tap dance number titled “I Think” and Steven Uihlein is excellent in the role of the Tinman who keeps rusting up. 

However, it is Finn MacDevitt, in the role of that fraidy-cat Lion terrified of his own tail, who draws the most laughs and is simply divine. His “I’m a Lion” solo is terrific.

Toto, played by the incomparable and adorable Shay Francis Feldman, makes a well-behaved appearance in the first and final scene. 

Stephanie Moreau and Josie McSwane make a wicked good pair as Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West, Jason Furnari is a wise Wizard, Liam Marsigliano is a hilarious Winkie and Heather Rose Kuhn’s winged monkey is charming.

The song and dance numbers choreographed by Sari Feldman and  accompanied on piano by Douglas J. Quattrock are energetic, creative and fun with special mention to “Pitta-Pat” and “Poppies!”

The astounding special effects with the lighting and sound, the awesome props (wait until you see the crystal ball!) coupled with the impressive polished costumes by Jason Allyn are the icing on the cake.

A fun afternoon for the entire family, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a wonderful reminder that “there’s no place like home!”

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz through March 26. Children’s theatre continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 7 and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from May 28 to June 18. All seats are $10. For more information or to order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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