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A CLASSICAL EVENING The award-winning Emerson Quartet (from left, Paul Watkins, Eugene Drucker, Philip Setzer and Lawrence Dutton) heads to the Staller Center on Jan. 26. Photo from Staller Center
Thursday January 20

Theater Talk

Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave., Northport presents a program titled New Hollywood— American New Wave Cinema of the 1970s at 7 p.m. The 1970s brought some of the most momentous films and filmmakers of all time. Historian Greg Blank will explore directors and their films, including Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, and George Lucas’ Star Wars. To register, call 261-6930.

Friday January 21

Friday Night Face-Off – Update: This event has been canceled.

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for Friday Night Face-Off, Long Island’s longest running improv comedy show, tonight at 10:30 p.m. on the Second Stage. For ages 16 and up. $15 cash at the door. Call 928-9100 for more information.

Saturday January 22

Maple Sugaring Day

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Maple Sugaring program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This interactive program for adults will teach you how to identify and tap a maple tree so you can make real maple syrup at home. You will also learn the cultural, historical, economical, and scientific background of this uniquely American craft. Very short-walk. $4 per person. Advance reservations required by calling 423-1770.

Sunday January 23

The Golden Age of Broadway

Join Celebrate St. James for a program titled The Golden Age of Broadway with Jack Ader at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, 176 Second St., St. James at 1 p.m. Enjoy a video presentation of interviews with some of the stars during the golden age of Broadway along with anecdotes of Ader’s own personal experiences. Donation $20/ $15 seniors. To register, call 984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Monday January 24

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday January 25

Medicine Collection

The Northport Police Department and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office will collect unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill form only at the Northport Public Library, 151 Laurel Ave, Northport and the East Northport Public Library, 185 Larkfield Road, East Northport from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. No questions asked. Call 261-6930.

Wednesday January 26

Cinema at the Library

Northport Public Library continues its Cinema at the Library series tonight at 6:30 p.m. Join Cinema Arts Centre co-director Dylan Skolnick for a viewing and discussion of The French Dispatch (rated R). The plot follows three very different storylines as the French outpost of the fictional Evening Sun newspaper creates its final issue. Registration required by calling 261-6930.

Emerson Quartet in concert 

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook presents the award-winning Emerson String Quartet in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. The program will include String Quartet #2 by Walton, Quartet #1 by Bartok and Quartet #3 by Shostakovich. Tickets range from $52 to $60. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.

Atelier Art Talk – Update: This event has been moved to February 2

The Atelier at Flowerfield in St. James presents an online lecture titled Noctures: A Brief History Art of the Night Sky from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join instructor Randall DiGiuseppe in exploring different artists and landmark works from the Paleolithic Age to modern times and how our ever-evolving understanding of the night sky has influenced art. Free. To register, visit www.theatelieratflowerfield.org.

Thursday January 27

Native American Drumming

All Souls Church of Stony Brook hosts a Native American Drumming Meditation program at its Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, tonight from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer Ric Statler, the meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. Call 655-7798 for more information.

Film

‘Homecoming: A Story of African American Farmers’

The Cinema Arts Centre will present a free online screening of Homecoming: A Story of African American Farmers via Zoom on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. On Long Island there were once numerous Black-owned farms stretching from Queens to the East End. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Black Long Islanders established farms in and around the communities of Sag Harbor, Manhasset, New Cassel, Roslyn Heights, Amityville, Glen Cove, Setauket, Bridgehampton, as well as many others. The screening will be followed by a live discussion and Q&A with director Charlene Gilbert. Free. To register, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Baskerville’

A scene from ‘Baskerville.’ Photo by Brian Hoerger

The play is afoot! Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery from Jan. 8 to Feb. 5. The play is afoot! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The Baskerville heirs have been dispatched one by one and, to find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest descendant. Watch as the intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Rock of Ages’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Rock of Ages from Jan. 27 to March 13. The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical smash tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. Rock of Ages’ electric score features all your favorite ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose has its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love is,” Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and more! Tickets range from $75 to $80 with free valet parking. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Marvelous Wonderettes from Feb. 19 to March 26. This blast-from-the-past musical takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! Featuring over two dozen classic ’50’s and ’60’s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and older. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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The Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main St., Babylon kicks off the new year with the world premiere of PUNK ROCK GIRL! from Jan. 20 to Feb. 27. 

With book and arrangements by Tony-nominated Long Island composer Joe Iconis, arrangements and orchestrations by Rob Rokicki and directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, the new musical features a score of popular songs written and made famous by female artists and female-fronted bands including Blondie, Pat Benatar, Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett, P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and more.

16-year-old Angela Quivers is a perfectionist who never takes chances and feels like there’s no place where she belongs … until she meets Proxi, a teenager who pulls her into a world of grungy guitars, shocking secrets, and big, loud, messy emotions. A musical about a young person finding a community and creating her tribe, PUNK ROCK GIRL is a noisy celebration of all things raw and ragged; trashy and heartfelt; familiar and alien.

The cast includes Philippe Arroyo (Broadway: Aladdin), Kayla Catan, Seth Eliser, Jaylan Evans (Regional: The Scottsboro Boys), Kalonjee Gallimore, Ashley LaLonde (Lincoln Center’s The Black Clown), Lauren Marcus(Broadway: Be More Chill), Jackson Mattek, Jordan Leigh McCaskill, Kelly McIntyre (National Tour: A Night With Janis Joplin), Natalie Powers, Mikaela Rada, Brooke Shapiro (Regional: Hairspray), Brad Weatherford.

The creative team includes Music Supervision by Geoffrey Ko, Musical Direction by Jennifer Peacock, Associate Direction and Choreography by Leonard Sullivan, Set Design by Nate Bertone, Costume Design by Jen Caprio,Lighting Design by John Salutz, Sound Design by Carlos Dias Jr and Prop Design by Steven Velasquez, Associate Scenic Designer is Joshua Warner, Associate Costume Designer is Anna Blazer and Heather Neil and Prop Assistant is Courtney Alberto. The Production Stage Manager is Alison Savino, with 1st Assistant Stage Manager Leah V. Pye, and 2nd Assistant Stage Manager /CSM Shannon Stewart. The Casting Director is Michael Cassara, CSA.

“We are thrilled to welcome in the new year with the world premiere of PUNK ROCK GIRL!, an exciting new musical by Long Island native and Tony nominee Joe Iconis. Bringing this new musical to the stage of the Argyle is a real coup and I’m honored that we get to help bring this hilarious, off-beat, and empowering show to life,” said Argyle Theatre’s Artistic Director, Evan Pappas.

“We are honored to be producing this exciting World Premiere and partnering with Lively McCabe Entertainment and the incredible artists behind Punk Rock Girl! Come on down and be the first to see this new exciting musical!” added Argyle Theatre Owners, Mark & Dylan Perlman.

PUNK ROCK GIRL will play Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday afternoons at 2:30 PM, and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM (added performance on Wednesday, February 23 at 7:30 PM). Tickets range from $49 to $77 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 631-230-3500.

COVID-19 POLICY, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: All patrons over 12 will be required to present proof of full vaccination (printed vaccination card or digital proof such as NYS Excelsior Pass), OR have received a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before entering the theater and present printed proof, along with a valid matching photo ID. All patrons must wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking, per current NYS mandate.

 

 

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A scene from 'Puss-In-Boots' Photo by Brian Hoerger/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from ‘Puss-In-Boots’ Photo by Brian Hoerger/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its children’s theatre with Puss-In-Boots, a hilarious re-telling of the tale of a boy and his ingenious feline on Jan. 16. When Christopher inherits his father’s cat, he sets out on an adventure that takes him to the palace of King Vexmus and beyond. Join them as this clever cat teaches us that faith comes from within.

Performances will be held on Saturdays, Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. with a sensory sensitive performance on Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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Brody Hampson and Lorelai Mucciolo sing 'Love Is an Open Door'

Do you want to build a snowman? The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Disney’s Frozen Jr. through Jan. 17. Six shows are left:

Leah Kelly as Elsa in ‘Frozen Jr.’

Sat. Jan. 15 – 10 am

Sat. Jan. 15 – 2 pm

Sun. Jan. 16 – 10 am

Sun. Jan. 16 – 2 pm

Mon. Jan 17 – 10 am

Mon. Jan 17 – 2 pm

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets are $25. Call 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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The cast of Theatre Three's 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger
A scene from 'Baskerville.' Photo by Brian Hoerger

By Barbara Anne Kirshner

Gothic!

Thrilling!

Suspenseful!

Wait a minute — It’s a comedy!!

It’s hilarious Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery now playing at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.

“Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!” That exclamation conjures up ominous chords and the audience is immediately immersed in the murder mystery at bleak Baskerville Hall perched on the edge of the desolate fog-laden moors.

In Ken Ludwig’s (Lend Me A Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo, Crazy for You) adaptation of the 1901 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel The Hound of the Baskervilles, he brilliantly takes this gothic classic and infuses it with comedy making for spine-tinglingly funny results.

The searching questions, who killed Sir Charles Baskerville and is there a legendary hound haunting Baskerville Hall, must be answered before another heir is murdered. Enter Sherlock Holmes (Evan Donnellan) and his sidekick, Dr. Watson, I presume, (Kevin Callahan). The brave duo ferret through contradicting clues and a host of suspicious characters in efforts to protect Henry Baskerville, the next heir who has just arrived from Texas. 

Donnellan takes the stage in grandiose style. His Holmes is sly, elegant and capable. When he says he knows the print of every paper in the country, we believe him. Kevin Callahan’s Doctor Watson is so much fun. He tries to keep up with Holmes though often bungles, adding to the laughs, but his genuine investigative spirit makes him the perfect sidekick to Holmes. Together they are an invincible pair despite the labyrinth of deceit and intrigue they must face in attempting to solve this crime.

The original Conan Doyle mystery is chock full of characters all necessary in creating red herrings that keep the reader guessing until the final page. Ludwig realized he would need numerous characters to tell the story, so he inventively reduced his adaptation down to five actors — Holmes, Watson and the other three playing more than forty roles. 

This challenge calls for extraordinary performers who must instantly change costumes while also changing accents, physicality and intentions, all the while making the audience believe each of their characters. 

Director Christine Boehm has accomplished just that by assembling an outstanding supporting cast — Jonathan Sawyer Coffin, Elena Faverio and Ana McCasland — who change costumes as easily as they transform into different personas. This high energy threesome bounce snappy lines into the air wrapped in an array of accents. 

Faverio’s German accent as Mrs. Barrymore is hysterically reminiscent of Cloris Leachman’s Frau Blücher in Young Frankenstein. Coffin’s booming southern drawl is a comical contradiction for the next in line of the Baskerville fortune. McCasland takes on the proper English of Dr. Mortimer as easily as she emotes the Castilian of the hotel proprietor. These outrageously high camp performances are met with rapturous laughter and applause from the audience that builds to an enthusiastic crescendo at curtain call.

Randall Parsons’ scenic design gives the necessary gothic feel with a gray backdrop detailed in swirls of black suggesting impending fog blanketing the moor. A giant screen, center, ingeniously projects settings and events. Lighting design by Robert Henderson, Jr. sets the eerie mood, then stirs things up with flashes of bright lights.

Chakira Doherty’s costume and wig designs are masterfully crafted. Actors, portraying numerous characters, must change in an instant and Doherty’s well-thought-out garments and coiffures make this task possible.

Tim Haggerty’s sound design is essential in instilling chills. Whether it be the cacophonous howling hound to the staccato of the chugging train to a deafening explosion, these sound effects build in both suspense and humor.

Since simplicity is key to this production, properties play a major part and Heather Rose Kuhn creatively plants scenes with the use of sparse props. A train is depicted with only a well-placed bench that morphs easily into a bed at Baskerville Hall for the next scene. A counter glides in and out representing Northumberland Hotel and giant wheels appear when Holmes refers to a cab.

All the twists and turns are captivating and hysterical as we follow Holmes and Watson to a startling conclusion that even gives way to an unexpected epilogue. So, take out your spyglass and join the intrepid pair on this thrilling and uproarious caper!

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery through Feb. 5. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. For more information, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

See a sneak peek of the show here!

 

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The John W Engeman Theater. Photo from Jessie Eppelheimer

The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport has announced new dates for Rock of Ages and A Bronx Tale in the New Year. All other dates have remained the same for now.

The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical smash ROCK OF AGES tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. ROCK OF AGES’ electric score features all your favorite ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, including “Every Rose has its Thorn,” “I Wanna Know What Love is,” Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and more! So, get ready to rock and roll all night. Or at least until the curtain goes down.  January 27 – March 13, 2022

Next up, the Engeman take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s with the hit musical, A BRONX TALE. Based on Chazz Palminteri’s classic movie, this streetwise musical tells the story of a young man who is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a toe-tapping doo-wop score by Alan Menken, A BRONX TALE is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family. March 24 – May 8, 2022

Next is the dazzling, Tony Award-winning Best Musical KINKY BOOTS, the freshest, most fabulous, feel-good musical and the winner of every major award, including the Tony® Award for Best Musical! With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper and book by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein, this ‘dazzling, sassy and uplifting musical celebrates a joyous story, inspired by true-life events, taking you from the factory floor of a men’s shoe factory to the glamorous catwalks of Milan! It’s the ultimate fun night out for everyone to experience the energy, joy, and laughter of this dazzling show. May 19 – July 3, 2022

The 2022 season concludes with a celebration of the sensational pop music duo Emilio and Gloria Estefan in ON YOUR FEET! From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. ON YOUR FEET! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple. Get ready to get on your feet, and dance to the smash hits “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”, “1-2-3”, “Live For Loving You”, “Conga”, and many more! July 14 – August 28, 2022

Co-Owner and Managing Director Kevin O’Neill emphasizes, “There is nothing as exciting as sharing the joy of live theater with fellow audience members and feeling the electricity of an in-person band and cast of talented performers.”

Tickets may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com, or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.  For group rates or to host an event at the John W. Engeman Theater, please contact the Group Sales Department at 631-261-9700 ext. 23.  For information on advertising in the Programs or in the Lounge, please contact the Advertising Sales Department at 631-261-9700 ext. 22.  The theater is also home to the John W. Engeman Theater Studio of the Performing Arts, offering classes and camp programs for children; for more information call 631-261-2900.

ABOUT THE THEATER
The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is Long Island’s only year-round professional theater company, casting our actors from the Broadway talent pool. From curb to curtain, we have made it our business to provide affordable, quality theater in an elegant one-of-a-kind location with outstanding facilities and extraordinary service. The renovated Theater offers stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a full orchestra pit, and a classic wood-paneled piano lounge with a full bar.

For a complete show schedule and more information contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or visit www.EngemanTheater.com

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its 2021-2022 season with a mainstage production of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery from Jan. 8 to Feb. 5.

The play is afoot! Comedic genius Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo) transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The Baskerville heirs have been dispatched one by one and, to find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest descendant. Watch as our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises, and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.

Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and over, $20 Wednesday matinees. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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New Year’s Laughin’ Eve

Laugh in the New Year with New Year’s Laughin’ Eve at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Now in its 13th year, the lineup will include Eric Haft, Joe DeVito and a surprise guest comedian. Hosted by Paul Anthony. Tickets for the early bird show are $50, tickets to the prime time show are $65. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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Jason Allyn. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Jason Allyn. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Jason Allyn. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Jason Allyn. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

By Melissa Arnold

Putting on a stage production is about so much more than actors and musicians. The staff working behind the scenes — stage managers, set builders, makeup artists and costume designers — are just as important, and their skills can make the difference between an excellent show and a mediocre one.

Costume designer Jason Allyn is all about going the extra mile to create the perfect outfit, down to the jewelry, fine detail work and sequins. He sat down recently to talk about the costume design process and his new stage home at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson.

When did you first become interested in costume design?

My mother took me to musicals when I was young, and she was also a seamstress. As for me, I’m a huge comic book nerd, a big Marvel and DC Comics nut. As a kid, I loved the stories and the heroes, but I also loved their costumes! Since I knew how to sew from my mom, I would make and recreate those outfits because I wanted to be them. But I never had the thought of wanting to be a costume designer, at least not at that time.

So when did you start thinking about making it your career?

I did both theater and sports when I was growing up, and even worked at Theatre Three in high school. I went to college for musical theater, and we had to spend a certain number of credit hours on different parts of the process — acting, lighting, design. I found myself doing a lot of costume hours because of my natural love for fashion, period movies and sewing. I got a job working at a local theater as a director, and ended up designing some things. It snowballed from there, becoming a real love.

Why is costume design so important to a production?

It’s a piece of art, just like any other aspect of the show. People know when you’re giving them a bad product, and they know when you’re giving it your best effort.

How did you start working at Theatre Three?

My last job ended around the same time as the pandemic began. It was such a dark time for so many of us in theater, and I wasn’t sure I was ever going to be able to find work again. I began considering going in a different direction with my career. But then my best friend asked me to work with her on costuming a production of The Nutcracker, and after such a long time focusing on directing, it really rekindled my love for costuming. 

I had borrowed a couple of pieces from Theatre Three, and when I went to the theater to return them I had a wonderful, two-hour conversation with [Theatre Three Executive Artistic Director] Jeffrey Sanzel. He ended up calling me some time later once the theater reopened and invited me to interview for their wardrobe supervisor position and I started work in August.

Tell us a bit about your process. How do you go about designing a costume?

First, I sit down and read the entire script, taking notes as I go. If it’s a musical, I listen to the original cast recording and sometimes try to find clips online to use as references. Some roles are very particular and iconic, like Maria’s white dress in West Side Story, which you really need to stick to. Other shows allow for the opportunity to design in the ways I feel would be most interesting. For example, I’m working on the costumes for Steel Magnolias right now for the spring, and the main character wears pink, but there is a lot of freedom there. 

Jeff and I will sit down and talk about each character and my ideas. Sometimes I’ll sketch or bring in pictures of other looks I enjoy, and he’ll make suggestions or changes. It’s a collaborative process. 

Where do you get the materials for the costumes?

Sometimes they are a part of my existing collection, other times we get them at thrift stores or I sew them. I dye pieces to get the right colors we need, and I love using wigs. I get my fabric from JoAnn’s, and the actors and staff are always excited to hear what I’m making next. With Barnaby Saves Christmas, I decided to use different styles for the boy and girl elves, with different colors and details to denote rank. It’s like creating an entire world.

Do you have a favorite fabric?

Cotton is great for children’s theater because it’s washable and doesn’t bleed — children’s shows are very active and so it’s important for the costumes to be durable and easy to care for. As for mainstage shows, it’s more about what would be appropriate for the period and setting of the show. I love confetti dot, as well as anything with sequins or a little glam. Sparkle really makes a costume pop and gives a great effect. There’s something about it as an audience member that’s exciting.

Do you have favorite shows you’ve done costuming for?

Nine the Musical, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast and  Cinderella are all on my list.

What do you love most about costuming?

Honestly, I love designing for women. Men are wonderful, but they’re simple — you put on a pair of pants and they’re good to go. But women come in so many different shapes, sizes and styles of dress. It’s all beautiful. There’s nothing that makes me happier than when a woman tries on her costume and says to me, “I feel so pretty!” or when a man says, “Wow, I feel great in this.” Everyone is gorgeous and deserves to feel that way. Each person is important and matters to me. 

Beyond that, it’s a joy for me to be in the audience and watch the faces of audience members, especially children, when a character comes onto the stage.

What are you enjoying about working at Theatre Three?

It’s such a loving work environment. Everyone is so supportive of everyone else, and it’s a joy to be a part of that. After the pandemic, I truly didn’t think I was going to be able to work again. Jeff is a wonderful director to exchange ideas with — he truly listens and gives me the freedom to be creative, and it means the world to me that he likes my work. 

I also love that I have my own workshop space there where I get to spread my wings and be creative. They even painted it purple for me and embrace how obsessive I am about organization. It’s my dream job!

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From left, Lorelai Mucciolo and Leah Kelly in a scene from 'Frozen Jr.' Photo by Courtney Braun

By Melissa Arnold

It might seem hard to believe, but it’s only been eight years since Disney’s Frozen was released, captivating all ages and making Elsa and Anna household names. Children of previous generations might have idolized Belle or Cinderella, but now it’s all about the icy queen and her bighearted sister. The majority of girls under 20 would likely admit to belting out the now iconic “Let It Go” a time or two.

Among those Frozen superfans are Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo, who star as Elsa and Anna in the Smithtown Performing Art Center’s production of the stage adaptation for kids, Frozen Jr.

The pair have an effortless chemistry onstage, and when you get to know them it’s easy to see why. Behind the scenes, they’ve been friends for years, and both call Smithtown Performing Arts Center (SPAC) their second home. 

Leah Kelly as Elsa in a scene from ‘Frozen Jr.’ Photo by Courtney Braun

Some of Lorelai’s (Anna) earliest memories are of toddling around the theater — her parents were involved there before she was even born. She admits she was “stubborn” when her family suggested she give performing a try, despite growing up at the foot of the stage.

“I actually had terrible stage fright. I was really nervous to try acting, but once I got up there I realized it was the best thing ever. It just felt right,” said Lorelai, a 15-year-old sophomore at East Islip High School.

Leah Kelly, who plays Elsa, also needed a little coaxing to make her acting debut.

“I started off with dance when I was 3 years old, but I was always singing,” said Leah, a 17-year-old senior at Smithtown West High School. “One day, my mom found me singing along to the movie Tangled while I played with my Barbies, and she asked if I wanted to take a singing class. I was and am a little on the shy side, so I was reluctant, but she suggested I go with a friend.”

It was through those singing classes at SPAC that Leah met her current voice teacher, future directors and a host of new friends, including Lorelai. The two girls have known each other for almost 10 years now, often sharing the stage. But this is the first time they’ve played sisters.

Frozen Jr. director Courtney Braun has watched Leah and Lorelai blossom into young women with confidence and grace. Braun, who is pursuing a graduate degree in social work from Stony Brook University, found her own voice on the SPAC stage as a girl.

“I first became a part of the theater’s ‘Youth Experiencing Arts’ program when I was six years old. We were doing Grease, and I showed up in a pink poodle skirt and a high ponytail, ready to go,” she recalled. “I’ve met so many wonderful people here, including my best friend.”

Braun was in elementary school when she met Lorelai for the first time — she was an infant then. Years later, Braun met Leah during a production of The Wizard of Oz.

“I’ve always been amazed by them. They are so kind — truly each other’s biggest supporters, and they’re wonderful role models for others,” Braun said of the girls.

This production of Frozen Jr. was originally planned for two years ago, long before COVID-19 shuttered theaters. Leah and Lorelai eagerly awaited their chance to audition, and when the time finally came, Braun felt that the girls were natural fits for Elsa and Anna.

Lorelai Mucciol as Anna in a scene from ‘Frozen Jr.’ Photo by Courtney Braun

“Leah is a force to be reckoned with. For Elsa, I was looking for a strong personality that was also able to show the occasional insecurity when it’s called for, and Leah accomplishes that so well,” Braun explained. “And Lorelai has all of the sweet, bubbly, unique personality quirks that make us love the character Anna — she can be a little quiet when you meet her, but as soon as she takes the stage, it’s game on. She has such deep insights.” 

For the girls, it’s a welcome relief to be back onstage, especially after enduring canceled shows and remote learning. 

“Being part of a cast is very unifying, and you get to connect with an audience emotionally, which is a great feeling,” said Leah who is enjoying her time in Frozen Jr. 

“I love the relationship that’s mended between Anna and Elsa, despite their differences. They learn to work through things together instead of on their own,” she said. “Coming out of the pandemic, I feel like we can all relate to feeling isolated and alone.”

Lorelai said that even with outdoor theater opportunities, there’s no replacement for being at SPAC.

“I love being able to look out into the audience and see the joy on people’s faces. A lot of people sing along and kids come dressed in costume,” she said. “There’s something about getting to go onstage and be somebody else for a while that I really enjoy — it’s like professional make believe, and for lack of a better word, it’s magical.”

Frozen Jr. is running now through Jan. 17, 2022 at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main Street, Smithtown. Tickets are $25. For showtimes, ticket purchases and information, visit www.smithtownpac.org or call 631-724-3700.

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