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Theatre Three’s ‘Raggedy Ann & Andy’ will become your new buddies, pals and friends

by Julianne Mosher - July 11, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

A heart-filled tale of friendship and adventure headed back to Theatre Three this week with their latest children’s theater production of Raggedy Ann & Andy — also known as “Friends and Friends and Friends.”

Based off of characters created by Johnny Gruelle, this special and unique tale, written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Kevin Story, brings these two lovable rag dolls to life in a comical musical that the family is sure to enjoy.

Directed by Sanzel with musical direction by Doug Quattrock, the show starts off at the Tiwilliger sisters’ toy shop where they specialize in creating toys that come to life to bring joy to children in need. They hear of a little girl named Marcella who is ill and decide to make a brother for one of their favorite toys, Raggedy Ann (played by Isabella Scarpa), named Andy (Will Logan).

However, the toymakers, Martha (Gina Lardi) and Abby (Louisa Bikowski) have an evil brother, Mortimer (Steven Uihlein) who wants to use his family’s magic selfishly and to not use it to help local boys and girls. Casting a spell and with the help of his (reluctant) sidekick Rose Carpet (Emilia Guzzetta), the evil Mortimer steals Andy’s heart and the toys team up to get it back.

With the help of the tin soldier (Jason Furnari), the clown (Ryan Van Nostrand), the lion (Liam Marsigliano) and the queen doll (Julia Albino), the group heads to find Mortimor and retrieve Andy’s heart. Through a quest full of twists and turns, the audience waits to see if Andy will go back to his lovable self so he and Ann could help Marcella feel better.

Choreographed by Josie McSwane, the show is full of catchy tunes with themes of friendship, loyalty and love as the actors dance along. This musical will also show children the importance of friendship and how it’s nice to help when a friend is in need.

And the best part is, while the show is geared for younger audiences, adults can reminisce about their own childhood toys thanks to Jason Allyn’s costume design — Raggedy Ann and Andy’s outfits are to a T, looking as if they just came off the shelves at the store. Plus, the cast is available in the lobby after the show for photos. It’s a great afternoon out that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Raggedy Ann & Andy on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. through July 27. Children’s theater continues with Pinocchio from Aug. 2 to Aug. 10 and A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to Oct. 19. All seats are $12.

Theatre Three will also present a special program, The Silly Sorcery Showcase on July 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Theatre Three to host Long Island premiere of ‘Honorable But Broken’

by Julianne Mosher - July 6, 2024

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'Honorable But Broken' cover — Catch a screening of the award-winning documentary 'Honorable But Broken' at Theatre Three on July 11 at 6 p.m.

By Julianne Mosher

A new documentary created by a former producer for ABC News and 60 Minutes, and with the help of different EMS groups across New York State, is heading to Port Jefferson next week for a free viewing of a powerful film that will remind people how important rescue services are.

Michael Presta, deputy chief at Port Jefferson EMS, said he received a LinkedIn message from the film’s director and producer, Bryony Gilbey, asking if her 2023 award-winning documentary, Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis, could be shown in the area.

Catch a screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Honorable But Broken’ at Theatre Three on July 11 at 6 p.m.

After connecting with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council and Theatre Three, Presta was able to help get the film to play on Thursday, July 11 at 6 p.m. — for free — and for the first time on Long Island.

Gilbey, whose three children are EMS workers, developed the film after hearing the stories about what it was like being in emergency services pre, during and post COVID-19, plus the lack of funding these operations receive from the state and federal governments. The documentary was shot on location with EMS crews in Ossining, New York, and Montclair, New Jersey.

“The film has been circling the state for about a year now and it shows the challenges of delivering EMS services to the public,” Presta said, adding that local elected officials have been invited to attend.

“It helps paint a picture to the public and our politicians on what delivering EMS services in 2024 is like,” Presta added.

He noted that the Port Jefferson EMS helps and protects all of Port Jefferson and its surrounding communities including Mount Sinai and the Village of Port Jefferson, while also lending support to other local areas.

When Presta started his career in Port Jefferson almost two decades ago, on average there were less than 1,000 calls per year. Now, he said, they’re around 3,500.

“It’s getting harder with rising costs to deliver EMS, not just here, but everywhere. Funding is needed to support that number of calls,” he said. “This movie will give people insight.”

Narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker, the goal of the documentary is to, “raise awareness of the systemic collapse of EMS and to advocate for change. Shockingly, most states don’t mandate the provision of EMS, so funding is unpredictable and inadequate. There is a critical workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas, which in turn has led to much longer response times.”

The goal, the documentary’s official website says, is to eventually get the film onto a streaming service so everyone can see it. On the film’s official website, people can donate to help fund that endeavor, as well.

And while Honorable But Broken is not part of the Port Jefferson Documentary Series, Kelly DeVine, head programmer of the series, said that when Presta approached her and Allan Varela, president of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, looking for help, both groups jumped to volunteer their resources.

Working alongside Theatre Three, the arts council offered to lend the theatre their personal movie screen so that the film could be played at the venue.

“The Port Jefferson Documentary Series is focused on bringing high-quality films normally only seen at top festivals or art house screens to our audiences and curating those titles to support our community partners and create impactful communal experiences,” DeVine said.

As for other films coming to Port Jefferson, the documentary series is moving to a new venue and day of the week. The Methodist Church on Main Street across from Theatre Three will now show its films on Thursdays starting in September.

Theatre Three is located at 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson. The screening is free and no reservations are required. For more information, call 631-928-9100.

For more information on Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis, visit www.honorablebutbroken.org.

34th annual Long Island Pride Parade celebrates diversity

by Julianne Mosher - June 14, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

Once Sunday morning’s rainstorm stopped, the streets of Huntington turned into a giant rainbow.

More than 100 groups and community organizations marched through Huntington to celebrate Long Island’s 34th annual Pride Parade on June 9.

David Kilmnick, president of the LGBT Network based in Hauppauge, said he was thrilled at what three decades of pride has become since its first parade in 1990.

“Thirty-four years ago, we were sitting in a federal courthouse in Central Islip fighting for this. They would not let us march and have a pride parade in any town on Long Island,” Kilmnick said. “We won that fight … and look at us today.”

People dressed in rainbows and trans flags marched from Main Street at noon on Sunday, June 9, ending at Heckscher Park, where there were several food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and tables from different sponsors giving away goodies for passersby.

But what really drew the crowd at the park were the performances on the Rainbow Stage, hosted by Long Island-based drag queen Bella Noche, organizer of the Long Island chapter of Drag Queen Story Hour, and CBS New York reporter John Dias. They introduced songs sung by the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus, American Idol finalist Travis Finlay, and performances by drag queens Luxx Noir London and Rosé from the reality competition “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

“Prides have been popping up all over Long Island. It’s way overdue,” Noche said. “I am so happy to be in the heart of Huntington to celebrate.”

The parade’s grand marshals included members of the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus, Suffolk County Police Department Detective Sergeant Tamika Mays, and New York State Assemblyman Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos.

The John W. Engeman Theater’s ‘Seussical the Musical’ is all the thinks you can think…and more

by Julianne Mosher - June 13, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

The colorful pages of Dr. Seuss’ stories come to life on the John W. Engeman’s stage for their latest children’s theater production, and their rendition of Seussical the Musical is one for the books.

Directed by Danny Meglio, the story follows the plot of “Horton Hears a Who,” with Horton (Patrick McCowen), the elephant, speaking to Jojo (Sophie Achee and Finn Brown) — the smallest Who in Whoville. Jojo and his community live on a speck of dust on a clover that Horton lovingly carries throughout the show.

The elephant’s big ears allow him to hear the chitter chatter of the people on the clover, while the rest of the jungle thinks poor Horton is crazy, constantly ridiculing him. On top of that, Horton gets tricked into egg-sitting for the sassy, popular Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe), who abandons her egg to go party in Florida. But luckily, he has the support of his friend Gertrude (Natalie Sues), especially when he gets bullied by the Wickersham Brothers (Daniel Bishop, Terrence Sheldon and Will Logan) and Sour Kangaroo (Christina Cotignola). The Bird Girls (Michelle Shapiro, Nicki Winzelberg and Ally Clancy) are a three-piece ensemble who help tell the story through song and great harmonies throughout each number.

Written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the show is narrated by the Cat in the Hat (the incredibly talented Jae Hughes) whose mischievous ways will make the entire audience laugh.

Acting as Jojo’s guide, the Cat helps the young dreamer maneuver through all the different scenes he imagines with special mention to the big dance number, “It’s Possible (McElligot’s Pool).” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of a synopsis — you’ll have to see the rest for yourself.

Meant to appeal to young children, with many families in attendance, this musical is really made for all. Grandparents, parents and babysitters alike smiled along as each scene presented a new musical score sung by this professional cast. They effortlessly danced along with choreography by Jillian Sharpe in the most colorful costumes and wigs led by Laura McGauley.

Anyone who has read Dr. Seuss’ other childhood tales (like “Green Eggs and Ham,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket”) knows that the famous author’s art is truly out of this world and the team at the Engeman Theater and scenic designer Orion Forte did a great job portraying that with funky Seuss-like trees in the jungle of Nool.

Seussical the Musical is a fun play that explores themes of identity, individuality, creativity, loyalty and community. Kids will leave the energetic production knowing the importance of being unique, standing up for one’s beliefs and that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

So, get your tickets now, fill up on some green eggs and ham and head over to the Engeman Theater for a fun trip into the creative mind of Dr. Seuss. Meet the cast after the show for photos and autographs.

The John W, Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through June 30. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

It’s no mystery that Theatre Three’s ‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’ is a hit

by Julianne Mosher - June 1, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

What if Snow White, Cinderella and Briar Rose didn’t get their happy endings? Snow White would have been poisoned by the apple, Cinderella forever a maid and Briar Rose would sleep until eternity. These fairy tales have had dozens of interpretations each throughout the years, but one thing is common — there is always a happily ever after.

But Theatre Three is taking it a step further and switching it up. Making its world premiere, The Mystery of the Missing Ever After, written by Jeffrey Hoffman, Douglas J. Quattrock and Jeffrey Sanzel, brings in a bit of mystery with a lot of original music.

Directed by Sanzel, the show starts off with what the three princess’ lives looked like after the final chapter closed. Cinderella (Veronica Fox) runs a show emporium, Snow White (Julia Albino) has opened a laundry service with the dwarves and Briar Rose (aka the Sleeping Beauty and played by Cassidy Rose O’Brien) has a successful meditation business, helping other fairytale and folklore creatures calm down.

They live with their princes, Adrian, Basil and Constantine (all performed by Sean Amato) who each have their own quirky personalities but support their wives.

In town, we’re introduced to other members of the community including the formerly evil Rumpelstiltskin (Steven Uihlein) who says he changed his ways and now helps children by buying them food and toys. Alice — formerly of Wonderland and played by Louisa Bikowski — now runs a retrieval agency, Alice’s Wonderland Wonders, and her colleague, the White Rabbit (Jason Furnari) struggles with severe anxiety and seeks out help from Briar Rose.

As the play goes on, the princesses’ start to realize odd things happening — apples appearing out of nowhere, Briar falling asleep at any given moment and Cinderella loses her beautiful blue gown (one of many stunning costumes courtesy of Jason Allyn), transforming into her former self wearing an apron covered in ash. Soon after, their princes begin to forget who they are. That being the final straw, the three then decide that they need to figure out what is going on and why.

Along the way, they meet other favorite characters from different children’s books including Peter Pan (Liam Marsigliano), Little Red Riding Hood (Gina Lardi) and Puss in Boots (Kaitlyn Jehle), just to name a few.

With the help of families in the audience, the mystery of the stolen happily ever after is solved — and it’s quite the surprise of who’s behind it.

With a solid score of 12 original songs, written by Hoffman and Quattrock, and performed by this stellar cast, there is something for everyone here. Although it’s caters to young children, parents and older siblings will not be disappointed, either.

So, get your glass slippers on and head down to Theatre Three in Port Jefferson to see this unique, fun, entertaining and awesome play. Stop by the lobby on your way out for a group photo with the cast.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Mystery of the Missing Ever After through June 15. Costumes are encouraged. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Reboli Center to host adoption event for Save A Pet May 25

by Julianne Mosher - May 23, 2024

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Save A Pet has lots of beautiful dogs up for adoption including this loyal lab mix, Enzo. Photo courtesy of Save A Pet

By Julianne Mosher

The Reboli Center in Stony Brook is hosting its first-ever adoption event with Port Jefferson Station-based Save A Pet, but there will be more than just furry friends looking for a new home this Saturday.

“We do rescue events for other animal shelters when we can,” said Reboli Center Director Tasha Boehm.

While Boehm was scrolling through Instagram, she saw that Save A Pet was looking for a space for an upcoming adoption event. “So, I contacted them and said, ‘we’d love to have it,’” she said.

Located at 64 Main Street with its spacious backyard right on the Stony Brook Creek, Boehm and the shelter thought it was the perfect place to host an all-day event filled with dogs, music and raffles, evolving from a sole adoption event to a fundraiser.

“It’s going to be a great time,” Boehm added.

On Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., the free event welcomes anyone looking to adopt — not shop — from one of Save A Pet’s current residents.

According to Dori Scofield, president of Save A Pet, the nonprofit is a no-kill shelter 501c(3) organization founded in 1994. Supported solely on donations, the team at Save A Pet helps save animals on death row, better the lives of homeless, abandoned and abused pets, and neuters feral cats across Long Island.

Right now, Scofield said there are approximately 30 dogs on site — many of who might make an appearance during Saturday’s event.

“We have a lot of long-timers and handicapped dogs,” she said, adding that they won’t know which will be available at the event as every day when one gets adopted, a new one comes in.

“We have quite a few volunteers helping that day and we’re going to bring as many animals as we can,” she said.

At the brick-and-mortar shop, located at 608 Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station, they also house rabbits, guinea pigs, sometimes puppies, and cats.

“Saturday’s event is a really awesome opportunity for us,” Scofield said. “It’s a nice venue, there’s a lot of room for people and animals to sit on the green and listen to music.”

A special performance by Diamond Dan and the 12-6 Band will play outside while a button making craft will be available for the kids along with refreshments and over 20 raffle prizes. Participants are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets for seating.

All dogs that will be available are rescues, with many coming from Puerto Rico. Others are coming from southern states that are in jeopardy of being euthanized.

“This year is probably one of the worst years for overcrowded shelters,” Scofield said. “Adoptions are down across the board.”

While there is no rain date, the event will still go on — cloudy skies or not. The Reboli Center will have its latest exhibit up to admire from the Setauket Artists featuring 35 works from local artists.

“This event is special because, first and foremost, people will potentially meet their forever friend and new member of their family,” Boehm said. “It’s also a great way to get involved with the community.”

For more information, please call 631-751-7707 or visit www.rebolicenter.org.

Theatre Three’s ‘The Producers’ will have you laughing from start to finish

by Julianne Mosher - May 23, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

Nobody does camp better than Theatre Three. This time with their latest production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers, the Port Jefferson-based venue succeeds, yet again, with a phenomenal production of the hysterical musical that is bound to offend everyone and anyone in the best way possible.

Adapted from Mel Brooks’ 1967 film of the same name, the story follows two producers who scheme to get rich fast by fraudulently overselling interests in a Broadway musical they’re seeking to fail. Plot twist … it’s a smash hit, much to their dismay.

Theatre Three’s production is just as good as the latest Broadway revival (latest being 2001) which starred Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The cast and crew outdid themselves with every detail — from the constant costume and wig changes courtesy of Ronald Green III (and there are quite a few) to Randall Parson’s scenic sets that switch between the office of Max Bialystock (Scott Hofer) and Leo Bloom (Tony Butera) to the rooftop of Nazi-turned playwright Franz Leibkind (Evan Teich).

Yes, a Nazi. Like I said, this play is going to offend.

Hofer and Butera in the lead roles of the producers shine on stage, again, on the same level that the show’s former Broadway legends bore in the past.

With several dozen different roles — it’s a Mel Brooks show, so of course it’s going to be chaotic — every person who enters stage right and left are fantastic with an ensemble cast that literally does it all. The singing is master level, the choreography is impressive and you’ll be laughing as soon as the curtain opens during the first number, “It’s Opening Night.”

After Bialystock and Bloom find the most offensive musical out there, Springtime for Hitler, they need to find financial backers. Bialystock, a Casanova to the wealthy elderly, uses his charm on widowers while Bloom meets the beautiful and talented Ulla (Brittany Lacey) who becomes the main female lead in the play they’re hoping fails … as well as Bloom’s love interest.

The next stop is to get the worst director out there — Roger De Bris (Ryan Nolin), a flamboyant failing director with his long-term, life “roommate,” Carmen Ghia (Jim Sluder). While Nolin and Sluder play near-deadbeats in the theater industry, both have remarkable talent in real life.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the three-hour-long show is so good you want to sit through it again and again. You’ll be bound to find something new at every showing.

So, like I mentioned earlier, Theatre Three does campy musicals extremely well. “When You Got It, Flaunt It,” right? And the only advice I have moving forward is to continue and “Keep It Gay” with all that talent on stage.

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Producers through June 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children (ages 5 to 12) and Wednesday matinees. Please Note: Contains adult humor and situations. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

See preview here.

SCCC Selden’s newest musical will have you ‘Head Over Heels’ for it

by Julianne Mosher - April 19, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

Yes, heaven is definitely a place on earth, and it’s right here at Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus in Selden.

Directed by Marie Danvers, Head Over Heels debuted on Broadway in 2018 and is adapted from Sir Philip Sidney’s The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia written in the 16th century. While still performed in its Shakespearian-era dialect, what’s most fun is the incorporation of music of The Go-Go’s.

The story takes place in the kingdom of Arcadia. King Basilius (Aiden Gomez) and his wife Queen Gynecia (Londyn Williams) have two daughters — Phioclea (Sophia Del Carmen) and Pamela (Kayla Pisano) — and we learn that Phioclea is in love with her childhood friend Musidorus (Jaiden Molina), while Pamela, the prettiest in the land, has dozens of suitors but is secretly in love with her servant, Mopsa (Izzy Mangiaracina), the daughter of Dametas (Gabriel Patrascu).

Soon after Pamela dismisses yet another potential husband, the kingdom’s new oracle, Pythio (Jayden Brown), sends a message that Arcadia might be in trouble and gives them four prophecies, saying that Arcadia needs to change.

Pythio, who is nonbinary, explains that when each of the prophecies are fulfilled, four flags will fall. If all four happen (which it does) then Arcadia will fall.

It sounds like a lot — and it is. Each character has its own individual story within the major plotline. But the students at SCCC make it easy to understand — even if it’s spoken in old English — and we have to appreciate the musical aspect of it all… especially since the music is from the late 1980s.

With favorites from the Go-Go’s like “We Got the Beat,” “Heaven is a Place on Earth,” “Mad About You,” and “Our Lips are Sealed,” you’ll be singing and dancing along as each song is seamlessly incorporated into the play.

That being said, the band is live and so is the singing of the students. Brown’s Pythio, while not in every scene, shines every time they are on stage, while Phioclea’s Del Carmen has a voice made for Broadway. These two students have bright futures ahead when it comes to musical theater.

Molina’s Musidorus is great — especially since he’s able to gender bend throughout the show (yes, he pretends to be a woman to meet with Phioclea who he’s in love with). Williams, Pisano, Patrascu, Mangiaracina and Gomez perform their roles with such ease, as does the ensemble including Angie Barrientos, Alani Etheridge, Andy Laloudakis, Talia Mazza, Joseph Salerno and Amelia Wells. Quite frankly, you’ll be surprised you’re watching community college students perform these numbers.

The set and costume design also add an extra highlight to the show. The set, while minimal, features two large guitars crossed at the neck with a crown shining above. The stage floor is a rotating record that helps during the chase scenes. The costumes are colorful and a mix of punk, pretty, Elizabethan and 1980s party all in one.

So, do you have the beat? If you don’t, head to Suffolk’s Shea Theatre and you’ll be sure to say “I’m mad about you” to the cast and crew of Head Over Heels.

The Theatres at Suffolk County Community College present Head Over Heels in the Shea Theater, Islip Arts Building SCCC Ammerman campus, 533 College Road, Selden on April 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and April 21 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15, veterans and students 16 years of age or younger $10. SCCC students with current ID are offered one free ticket. To order, call the box office at 631-451-4163.

See a sneak preview of the show here.

All aboard! ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ opens at Theatre Three

by Julianne Mosher - April 11, 2024

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By Julianne Mosher

This is the train to… a murder? Full of twists and turns, this is one ride you won’t forget.

Theatre Three’s latest production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express turns the Port Jefferson-based Mainstage into a beautiful, expensive train suitable for travels of only the best of the best. Here, the audience meets eight different passengers who all have a secret with one common denominator.

When Samuel Ratchett (Angelo DiBiase), a crooked conman, is found dead in his cabin, everyone on the train asks, “Who did it?” That’s when Hercule Poirot (Jeffrey Sanzel), a well-known detective (who can crack any case) steps in — even though this was supposed to be his vacation.

The show, directed by Christine Boehm and adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, starts off in a hotel in Istanbul where Poirot is reunited with an old friend, Monsieur Bouc (Michael Limone), owner of the lavish train. Bouc offers Poirot a ride to get back home — even though it’s mysteriously fully booked for the off-season. While on the platform, we meet the rest of the cast: Colonel Arbuthnot (David DiMarzo), Mary Debenham (Cassidy Rose O’Brien), Hector McQueen (Steven Uihlein), Princess Dragomiroff (Sheila Sheffield), Helen Hubbard (Linda May), Countess Andrenyi (Michelle LaBozzetta), Michel the Conductor (Zach Johnson), Greta Ohlsson (Samantha Fierro), and the Head Waiter (Richard O’Sullivan).

With costume and wig design by Ronald Green III, set design by Randall Parsons and projection design from Brian Staton, it’s impressive how the stage turns into several different settings during pre-World War II Europe — a lavish hotel restaurant, three train sleeping cabins in a row, the train bar. With ease, the sets change between scenes, giving the story a movie-like appeal that is on a higher level than Broadway.

And while the sets turn the stage into 1934, a fun effect that adds even more to the stage is a projector screen above the stage that helps tell the story through video and images. We’re introduced early on to Daisy Armstrong (who was loosely based on the Lindbergh baby) — a little girl who’s playing in the yard with her nanny and who is suddenly kidnapped — which, at first, is confusing. Why do we need to know who she is? She’s essential to the story and is that common denominator mentioned before.

We can’t give too much away, because going in not knowing the plot twists will only make the experience better. Through the two acts, we learn the supposed backstories of all eight passengers on board — and eventually their truths of where each of them was the night Ratchett was brutally murdered.

But the investigation couldn’t have been complete without Detective Poirot. Sanzel’s interpretation of the famous crime stopper is jaw-dropping and will leave you wanting more stories with him solving another mystery. Along with Sanzel, the entire cast deserves a standing ovation. The accumulated talent of everyone on stage truly tells an intriguing story, but each bringing their own flair and personality as their character.

Since the show is based in Europe, many accents are heard on stage. It’s impressive that Limone’s Monsieur Bouc and Johnson’s Michel can speak with ease in a thick French accent for the hour-and-a-half-long show. May’s hilarious Helen Hubbard is the comic relief throughout most of the show with her silly persona and thick Minnesotan accent, while Sheffield’s Dragomiroff, LaBozzetta’s Andrenyi, and DiMarzo’s Arbuthnot’s various monologues continues to show the time and effort each actor rehearsed to make this play as realistic as possible.

And while their stories, backgrounds and nationalities are all different, the entire cast as a whole constantly get reactions out of the audience at every turn. Throughout the show, you’ll hear gasps, laughter and even an “I can’t believe it!” when the murderer is finally caught.

If you want to find out who killed the horrible, nefarious Samuel Ratchett — and learn more about the stories surrounding this vicious crime — you’ll have to head to Theatre Three yourself. You won’t want to miss this so climb aboard and get your ticket to Murder on the Orient Express.

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Murder on the Orient Express through May 4. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children (ages 5 to 12) and Wednesday matinees. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Jersey Boys’ at the Engeman Theater will have you dancing all night long

by Julianne Mosher - March 22, 2024

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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.

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Page 4 of 45

Julianne Mosher

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