A rendering of the new Ronald McDonald House building to be constructed in Stony Brook.
Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro (RMHC NYM) announced on Feb. 1 that it will break ground for a new Ronald McDonald House in Suffolk County on April 17, having raised more than $23 million for the project.
“We are thrilled to have achieved this milestone as we push toward making the dream of a Ronald McDonald House a reality for Suffolk County families,” said Cynthia Lippe, who is heading the fundraising effort. “We thank those who have supported us and urge others to join us in this most noble of efforts.”
The new, three-story, 60,000 sq. ft. Ronald McDonald House will be located within walking distance to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and will be the only one in Suffolk County. It will join two family rooms located at Stony Brook, in the Children’s Hospital (opened in 2013) and the Hospital NICU (opened in 2022). The house will include 30 bedrooms that include ensuite bathrooms, a communal dining room, a movie theater and fitness room, administrative offices and a great room designed with children in mind.
“The Suffolk County Ronald McDonald House has been a vision of ours for many years and is needed to help so many families who travel from the farthest ends of Suffolk to find the medical care their children need,” said Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NYM. “We’re thrilled to see the end in sight and get ready for construction next year.”
“The new Ronald McDonald House will provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for families of children who are hospitalized at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital,” said Carol Gomes, chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. “We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. The facility underscores Stony Brook Medicine’s commitment to offer exceptional care to meet the needs of our patients and their families.”
About Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro
Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) provides free lodging, meals, and emotional support to keep families seeking medical treatment for their sick children near the care they need and the families they love.
Superintendent Losquadro reveals Holtsville Hal’s prognostication to the crowd at the Holtsville Ecology Site. Photo from TOB
Superintendent Losquadro reveals Holtsville Hal’s prognostication to the crowd at the Holtsville Ecology Site. Photo from TOB
Suffolk County’s most famous weatherman did not disappoint. This morning, at 7:25 a.m., before a crowd of several hundred spectators, Holtsville Hal awoke from his slumber and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the Town of Brookhaven.
According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after emerging from his burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early.
Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro read from Hal’s official prognostication: “…At sunrise, the sky was filled with more than one cloud, And so I hope your cheers will be quite loud. I did NOT see my shadow in the early morning hours, And so the wait will not be long until we see flowers. Sun and warm temperatures the next few weeks will bring, I hope everyone enjoys this year’s early Spring!”
“Thankfully, after a wet and rainy January, Hal has given us a sunny outlook for the remainder of this winter season,” Losquadro said. “Regardless, the Brookhaven Highway Department is prepared, as always, for whatever Mother Nature sends our way.”
Holtsville Hal is just one of the more than 100 animals who reside at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve. The center, which is open all year-round, includes a wildlife preserve, greenhouses, gardens, and jogging and exercise trails. For more information, visit www.brookhavenny.gov or call 631-451-5330.
'Frozen Jr.' continues at the Engeman through Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Catch a performance of 'Frozen Jr.' at the Engeman Theater this weekend. The show runs through March 3. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Mia Ponticelli as Elsa in a scene from the show.
Photo courtesy of
The John W. Engeman Theater
By Julianne Mosher
The John W. Engeman Theater’s latest production of Frozen Jr. will give you chills.
Directed and choreographed by Keith Jones, costumes and wigs by Laura McGauley, and production/set design by Orion Forte, you’ll be taken into a winter wonderland as soon as you step into the Northport-based theater. With a solid cast of children doing Broadway-level work, the production showcases an extremely talented cast who clearly love what they do and are having a blast.
The story follows two inseparable sisters who are princesses in the kingdom of Arendelle. The eldest, Elsa (Mia Ponticelli), was born with magical powers that allow her to create ice and snow. But as a young child, she doesn’t know how to control her powers and while playing and building a snowman with her sister, Anna (Gabby Blum), she accidentally hurts her.
While Anna is healed by the mysterious Hidden Folk (spiritual forest people), their parents decide it would be best to protect Anna by keeping the two apart.
Anna has no memory of the accident and does not understand why her sister avoids her, locked away in her room wearing her silk gloves. A few years later, while the parents are lost at sea, Elsa continues to stay away, keeping her secret hidden from her sister and the outside world, afraid to harm another person again.
Ten years have passed and it is time for Elsa to become Queen, but on coronation day her magic unintentionally brings an eternal winter to the kingdom. Accused of sorcery by Anna’s fiancé, Hans (Liam Polani), she flees into the mountains to hide. Anna enlists the help of Kristoff (Quinn Oliver Lessing) the icemaker to help her find her sister and free Arendelle from the spell. This is a true story of love and acceptance that will thaw the coldest of hearts.
Blum and Ponticelli’s parts are not easy. Originally played in the movie by Kristen Bell and Broadway legend Idina Menzel, the songs require a lot of training and breathwork — both of which these young starlets have.
But we can’t forget two supporting characters who bring a lot of laughs — Sven, (Brady Goldman and Liam Von Schmidt, interchangeably), and the lovable Olaf (Michael Deaner and Luca Silva) who loves warm hugs.
In the sold-out audience during the Sunday, Jan. 28 performance, young ticket holders dressed head to toe in their favorite Frozen attire — many Elsa’s, Anna’s and even an Olaf. That being said, when Elsa does a quick change at the end of “Let It Go” into her signature sparkling blue gown, the audience gasped and applauded.
The set is minimal, but is welcomed by animated projections on a screen towards the back of the stage depicting different locations in the Kingdom of Arendelle including the inside and outside of the castle, the snowy mountains and Elsa’s ice castle. You might even see some real-life snow fall.
When the show is over, a great photo opportunity is available in the lobby with the entire cast of the show. The cast will even sign autographs.
Overall, this family-friendly production tells the tale of love, loss, friendship and family, with plenty of laughs in between. Don’t miss out.
Frozen Jr. will run until March 3. Tickets are $20 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 in Northport.
YEAR OF THE DRAGON
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Heckscher Museum of Art on Feb. 3. Photo courtesy of Heckscher Museum
PROGRAMS
Groundhog Day celebration
The Town of Brookhaven will host its annual Groundhog Day Celebration at the Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville on Feb. 2 starting at 7 a.m. Come meet Holtsville Hal and find out what his shadow foretells. Then grab some hot chocolate and visit with more than 100 animals that call the Ecology Center home. Free. For more information, call 451-5330 for more information.
Night at the Museum
Explore, learn, and lay after hours at the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson during its Night at the Museum event on Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Children in grades 2 to 5 will enjoy pizza, play at the museum after-hours and participate in a fun STEM-themed activity. $40 per child. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org. 631-331-3277
Science Pioneers
In honor of Black History Month, Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park presents a family program, Science Pioneers, on Feb. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Foundations of modern science are known thanks to the contributions of Black scientists. Come see exciting science experiments relating to their discoveries! For ages 6 and up. $4 per person. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com. 631-269-4927
Tracks and Traces
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown presentsTracks and Traces on Feb. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children become nature detectives as they unravel clues left behind by park wildlife. Create a book of local animal tracks. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.
Lunar New Year at the Heckscher
Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington presents a Lunar Year Celebration on Feb. 3 from noon to 5 p.m. Get creative and enjoy a variety of hands-on holiday activities from different Asian cultures. Meet artist Joan Kim Suzuki, see her artwork inspired by her Korean heritage, and create a Korean drum and fan! Enjoy beautiful traditional Chinese dances by Wendi Weng. Create origami with Hansen Lee and learn about Chinese culture with Patricia Shih. Free. No registration required. Questions? Call 631-380-3230.
Narwhal Ball
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor hosts its annual Narwhal Ball on Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The whole family is invited to a wintry celebration! Explore the world of polar sea creatures through special activities and presentations. Gather around for “Storytime with Elsa” as she shares tales from her icy domain and meet the icy queen herself to snap a photo. Indulge in an icy treat with ice cream sponsored by Kilwin’s of Huntington. Create frosty crafts to take home with you. Tickets online (through Feb. 2) are $20 age 2-17 (all access) $8 adults, $6 seniors at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org; Door tickets are $25 ages 2-17 (all access) $8 adults, $6 seniors. 631-367-3418.
A Groundhog Adventure
Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for Sunday Funday: Searching for Sweetbriar Sam — A Groundhog Adventure on Feb. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. Meet some of Sweetbriar’s resident animals and do some fun activities while learning all about groundhogs and their friends. Tickets are $15 per child, $5 adult at www.sweetbriarnc.org.
Black History Month Hike
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a self-guided hike for Black History Month on Feb. 4 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 10 stations along this hike feature a Black environmentalist and their contributions to science. Stop by the Nature Center for a map of the self-guided trail. Free. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com. 631-269-4333.
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008
Super Bowl ‘Saturday’
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket hosts a Super Bowl “Saturday” event on Feb. 10. Get excited for the big game! Elementary-aged kids and their families are welcome to stop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to enjoy football-themed festivities. Includes a raffle to win a special prize. Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey or football-themed attire. There is no registration for this event, and it is geared towards children in kindergarten through 6th grade. 631-941-4080
Lunar New Year at the Vanderbilt
Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport in celebrating the Year of the Dragon on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Make a paper lantern, learn Chinese calligraphy, create a traditional good luck decoration, and visit the collections to see one of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac. Tickets are $20 guests,$18 members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Storytime Under Stars
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Your favorite bedtime storybooks come to life in the planetarium theater! Children ages 2 and older are invited to wear their most comfy pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Tickets are $8 for guests, $6 for members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org
THEATER
‘Frozen Jr.’
Frozen Jr. returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Jan. 27 to March 3. 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 including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go.” All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B18.
‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
Children’s theater continues at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Jack and the Beanstalk — or The Boy Who Cried “Giant!” from Jan. 20 to Feb. 3. A handful of magic beans starts our hero and his best friend, Filpail the Cow, on one of the best-remembered adventures. Come explore the Castle in the Sky with Jack as he learns the importance of truth-telling in a hilarious original musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
A Royal Princess Party
Sing along with a princess during winter break as the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown hosts A Royal Princess Party from Feb. 17 to 25 with a sensory sensitive performance on Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Royal Historians will guide you through meeting each of the princesses, teaching the morals behind each of their stories and singing along to their favorite songs. Be sure to wear your best royal attire — this is going to be one party you don’t want to miss! You’ll love this heartwarming celebration filled with stories, songs and special guests. Tickets are $16 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
FILM
Catch a screening of ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Case of the Were-Rabbit at the Cinema Arts Centre on Feb. 4.
‘Wallace & Gromit’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Case of the Were-Rabbit on Feb. 4 at noon. Daffy, cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his faithful dog Gromit become heroes in stopping a crime spree. They learn that a giant, fuzzy creature is stealing the town’s produce and the not-completely-dynamic duo set out to capture the beast and save the day. Rated G. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
DANCE
‘Swan Lake Act II’
Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma will present a performance of Swan Lake Act II on Feb 7 at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. Dazzling white and beautiful best describe the second act of the most classical of all classical ballets: Swan Lake, choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant music. Tickets are $20 adult, $10 senior citizen, $10 children. To order, call 631-737-1984 or visit www.balletlongisland.com
Matt Campo, CEO of RMHC NY Metro receives a check from Chris Murray/Vice President of Marketing at Island Federal. Photo courtesy of Island Federal
Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) closed out 2023 by donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) to support their work with families that have a child receiving emergency medical care.
Island Federal donated $20,000 to support the construction of a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Also, through the generosity of its employees and members, Island Federal presented more than 10 boxes of toys and games for families staying at RMHC NYM facilities to make their children’s holiday a little more enjoyable.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro does an amazing job serving families who have seriously ill children, both at their house in New Hyde Park and at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital through their Family Rooms,” said Chris Murray, VP/Marketing, Island Federal. “When we heard that they were launching a capital campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital, we were anxious to help.”
“We have seen the number of families that we serve in Suffolk County continue to grow and so a new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Hospital is essential to supporting families there,” said Matt Campo, CEO, RMHC NY Metro. “This new house will provide comfort and overnight accommodations just like our New Hyde Park house, offering the parents and siblings of these children a temporary haven in a secure and comfortable environment among other families sharing a similar burden.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro (RMHC NYM) provides free lodging, meals, and emotional support to keep families seeking medical treatment for their sick children near the care they need and the families they love.
'Hope and Freckles: Learning to Live in a New Land' cover
By Melissa Arnold
Author Bill Kiley
Four years ago, Bill Kiley of East Northport published his first book for children, Hope and Freckles: Fleeing to a Better Forest. The book follows a mother deer, Hope, and her young fawn, Freckles, as their lifelong home in the Olden Forest becomes increasingly dangerous. Food is also scarce, and the pair have no choice but to run away in search of a safer place to live.
Now Kiley has published a second book in the series, Hope and Freckles: Learning to Live in a New Land.
As the newest residents of the Big Pine Forest, Hope and Freckles each struggle in their own ways to adjust to life in their new home. The language spoken in Big Pine Forest is unfamiliar, and while young Freckles catches on quickly, Hope lags behind and needs help communicating with others.
Big Pine’s reaction to Hope and Freckles is mixed, and not all of their neighbors are kind. Some are curious about the newcomers, who have a different fur color and eat strange foods, while others are suspicious or even rude. Hope and Freckles have to make daily decisions about when to blend in and when to honor their own ways of doing things.
As in the previous Hope and Freckles installment, this story gives young readers a first glimpse into the difficult choices made by refugees and immigrants seeking a fresh start in the United States. The book gently and compassionately explains concepts like asylum-seeking, discrimination, cultural traditions and assimilation in an age-appropriate way.
There’s something for everyone in this book — toddlers will love the vivid wildlife art and adorable faces of the characters. Illustrator Mary Manning has a classic style that’s perfect for a children’s book, and it’s hard not to think of Bambi while moving through the story.
For older readers who are ready to explore the book’s deeper message, a useful collection of vocabulary words, questions and resources will help kick off discussions about real-world issues. Teachers, parents and other adult leaders can easily build a lesson around this material.
Kiley spent more than 30 years in law enforcement and was profoundly impacted by the experiences of immigrants and refugees he met. Their reasons for leaving home spanned from famine and drought to political upheaval and oppression.
Following his retirement, political issues and humanitarian crises around the world led Kiley to do more research on refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates there are currently 37 million refugees around the world.
“I became frustrated by the negative opinions held by some people toward all immigrants, and I wanted to do what I could to change those views. So I thought, what if I wrote a book series geared toward children that could introduce them to the difficulties faced by refugees, while also making an impact on the adults who read along with them?” he recalled.
Since then, he’s spoken in schools and churches about immigration issues, and even visited college students to talk about writing children’s literature.
While the Hope and Freckles books are geared towards younger readers, one especially poignant memory for Kiley came from a visit to a local high school. He told the students to imagine coming home from school and being told they needed to leave their home forever in 30 minutes, and could only bring a backpack.
Their teacher had the students do the exercise at home, then write a reflection about what items they packed and how they felt throughout the process.
“I was so impressed by the feelings they shared about that experience … most importantly, that they had never considered what it would be like to have to leave everything you love behind and that their eyes were opened to what other people are facing,” Kiley said.
The author hopes that his books encourage readers to reach out to people who are different from them, including those of various races, cultures, economic backgrounds and social identities.
Kiley is currently working on a third Hope and Freckles book that focuses on what causes “othering” and discrimination. He aims to include animal characters with disabilities, as well as different family structures and religious beliefs.
“I have a deeply-held belief that we are all brothers and sisters,” he said. “We can choose to ignore people who are suffering, we can choose to reject or demonize them, or we can educate ourselves, talk to one another and work to find solutions.”
Hope and Freckles: Learning to Live in a New Land is available at your favorite online booksellers. For educational resources, updates and more from Bill Kiley, visit www.hopeandfreckles.com.
A scene from 'The Wizard of Oz." Photo courtesy of Fathom Events
Fathom Events’ Big Screen Classics 2024 kicks off with the beloved 1939 fantasy The Wizard of Oz returning to select theaters nationwide in honor of its 85th anniversary on Jan. 28, 29, and 31.
In this classic musical fantasy, Judy Garland stars as Dorothy Gale, a young Kansas farm girl who dreams of a land “somewhere over the rainbow.” Dorothy’s dream comes true when she, her dog Toto, and her family’s house are transported by a tornado to a bright and magical world unlike anything she has seen before. Unfortunately, she makes a mortal enemy of theWicked Witch of the West when the house falls on her sister. Now, befriended by a scarecrow without a brain, a tin man with no heart and a cowardly lion, and protected by a pair of enchanted ruby slipper, Dorothy sets off along a yellow brick road for the Emerald City to beseech the all-powerful Wizard of Oz for his help to return home.
The Wizard of Oz received five Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture (Outstanding Production), and captured two Oscars®—Best Song (“Over the Rainbow”) and Best Original Score — plus a special award for Outstanding Juvenile Performance by Judy Garland.
Each screening includes an exclusive introduction by acclaimed film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, shedding light on the groundbreaking film’s incredible legacy and lasting impact—both on cinema and pop culture.
Locally the film will be screened at AMC Stony Brook 17, Island 16 Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Showcase Cinema de Lux in Farmingdale and Regal UA Farmingdale. For tickets, visit www.fathomevents.com.
Tickets are going fast for 'Frozen Jr.' at the John W. Engeman Theater. The show opens Jan. 27.
PROGRAMS
First Steps in Nature
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will host a First Steps into Nature program titled Discover Your Senses: Camouflage, Sounds, Textures, & 5 Senses on Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 4 will learn about nature through hands on activities, music, crafts, stories and gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344
Growing Up Wild
Town of Brookhaven continues its nature programs series at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai with Growing Up Wild on Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Children ages 3 to 6 with a parent or caregiver will enjoy learning about nature through story time and a related craft or activity. Free but registration required by emailing [email protected].
Story & Craft with Nana Carol
The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Avenue Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Jan. 29 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4 (sometimes older siblings join as well). 631-482-5008
Erupting Volcanoes
Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program titled Erupting Volcanos on Feb. 1 from 10 :30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent or caregiver will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, call 631-269-4333.
Night at the Museum
Explore, learn, and lay after hours at the Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson during its Night at the Museum event on Feb. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Children in grades 2 to 5 will enjoy pizza, play at the museum after-hours and participate in a fun STEM-themed activity. $40 per child. To register, visit www.longislandexplorium.org. 631-331-3277
THEATER
‘Frozen Jr.’
Frozen Jr. returns to the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport on weekends from Jan. 27 to March 3. 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 including “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go.” All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
Children’s theater continues at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Jack and the Beanstalk — or The Boy Who Cried “Giant!” from Jan. 20 to Feb. 3. A handful of magic beans starts our hero and his best friend, Filpail the Cow, on one of the best-remembered adventures. Come explore the Castle in the Sky with Jack as he learns the importance of truth-telling in a hilarious original musical for the entire family. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
FILM
‘The Wizard of Oz’
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Wizard of Oz on Jan. 28 at noon. In this classic musical fantasy, a young Kansas farm girl dreams of a land “somewhere over the rainbow.” Dorothy’s dream comes true when she, her dog, Toto, and her family’s house are transported by a tornado to a bright and magical world unlike anything she has seen before. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.
DANCE
‘Swan Lake Act II’
Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma will present a performance of Swan Lake Act II on Feb 7 at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. Dazzling white and beautiful best describe the second act of the most classical of all classical ballets: Swan Lake, choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant music. Tickets are $20 adult, $10 senior citizen, $10 children. To order, call 631-737-1984or visit www.balletlongisland.com
The cast of 'Jack and the Beanstalk' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
By Heidi Sutton
The temperature outside was a bone-chilling 22 degrees as I drove into Theatre Three’s parking lot in Port Jefferson last Sunday morning. Once inside, however, the atmosphere was warm and inviting as families with young children settled in their seats to watch a most excellent performance of Jack and the Beanstalk or The Boy Who Cried Giant!
Written by Jeffrey Hoffman, Douglas J. Quattrock and Jeffrey Sanzel the original musical combines the well known fairytale with the classic fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf and tells the story of a nice boy named Jack (played by Sean Amato) who lives in a small village with his mother (Josie McSwane) and his best friend in the entire world, Filpail the Cow (Julia Albino).
But Jack has a problem — he tends to exaggerate and has told so many tall tales (“I can even wash a cat!,” “My cow can speak in seven different languages!”) that no one believes him anymore. “Someday your stories are going to get you in trouble,” his mother warns. Jack also receives a visit from the Fairy Mary Goodwing (Cassidy Rose O’Brien) who tries to convince him to “always tell the truth and you will be true to yourself.”
One day his mother tells him that they have no other choice than to sell Filpail to Butcher Blackstone (Ryan Worrell). On the way to the market, Jack and his cow meet two pirate gypsies, Marco and Margot (Liam Marsigliano and Kaitlyn Jehle), who claim they want to buy Filpail for “cowpanionship” (they really want to sell her to Butcher Blackstone) and trick Jack into trading her for some magic beans.
Jack’s mother is furious when she finds out what happened and throws the beans away. A giant beanstalk suddenly appears, signaling the start of a wonderful adventure.
In Act Two, Jack climbs the beanstalk and discovers a castle in the sky occupied by a cranky (and whiny!) giant (Ryan Worrell), the giant’s wife (Gina Lardi), a golden harp (Liam Marsigliano) and a hen that lays golden eggs (Kaitlyn Jehle).
When Jack returns home and tells his mother and the villagers what he has seen no one believes him. He decides to return to the giant’s castle with Filpail to bring something back as evidence. The giant’s wife gives Jack a pair of her husband’s enormous pants. But as they are about to leave, the giant gets a whiff of the boy and his cow (“Fee Fi Fo Fum!”). Will they escape in time?
Under the direction of Steven Uihlein, a talented cast of eight adult actors play multiple roles during this action adventure. The songs, accompanied on piano by Douglas J. Quattrock, are catchy and fun and there’s even a tap dance number choreographed by Sari Feldman.
Costume designer Jason Allyn deserves “giant” accolades for the beautiful outfits and props, including a three-foot-long sneaker and a beanstalk that magically grows all the way to the ceiling.
With the important message that one should always tell the truth, Jack and the Beanstalk will warm your heart. Don’t miss this one. Meet the cast in the lobby after the show for photos.
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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Jack and the Beanstalk through Feb. 3. Children’s theater continues with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 21 to March 16; The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 13 to 27; and a brand new show, The Mystery of the Missing Ever After, from May 25 to June 15. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
Holtsville Hal’s handler, Greg Drossel, shows him to the crowd during a previous Groundhog Day celebration. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven
By Heidi Sutton
Pennsylvania may have the legendary groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, but here in Suffolk County we have our very own prognosticator of prognosticators, Holtsville Hal. The cute little rodent with his buck teeth and short bushy tail will be the star of the day as the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve celebrates Groundhog Day with a special event on Feb. 2.
Hundreds will gather to hear Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro announce Holtsville Hal’s famous forecast.
According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow after stirring from hibernation on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring should arrive early. Superintendent Losquadro will reveal Hal’s prognostication at approximately 7:25 a.m.
“Our annual Groundhog Day celebration is an enjoyable tradition for many local families,” said Superintendent Losquadro in a press release. “I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring to help my snow removal budget, but either way this is a much-anticipated event each year in Brookhaven Town.”
Although he’s sure to be the center of attention, Holtsville Hal will not be the only animal available for viewing on Feb. 2. Following the ceremony, residents are welcome to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and bagels provided by 7-Eleven and Bagel Lovers and visit the more than 100 non-releasable, wild or injured animals residing at the Animal Preserve, including its latest resident, Leonardo “Leo” DiCatprio, the Eurasian Lynx.
The Preserve is also home to a buffalo, black bear, bobcat, coatamundi, hybrid wolves, an artic fox, goats, horses, pigs, cows, alpaca, deer and many more.
Gates will open at the Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, at 7 a.m.; parking is free. Residents are asked to arrive as close to 7 a.m. as possible to get a good view of Hal. Call 631-451-5330 for more information.
Narwhal Ball
As in the previous Hope and Freckles installment, this story gives young readers a first glimpse into the difficult choices made by refugees and immigrants seeking a fresh start in the United States. The book gently and compassionately explains concepts like asylum-seeking, discrimination, cultural traditions and assimilation in an age-appropriate way.
Following his retirement, political issues and humanitarian crises around the world led Kiley to do more research on refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates there are currently 37 million refugees around the world.
Their teacher had the students do the exercise at home, then write a reflection about what items they packed and how they felt throughout the process.
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