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The Clark Gable Museum in Cadiz, Ohio will be one of the beneficiaries of the telethon. Pictured, are Nan Mattern, director of the museum and Mike Cope, president of the Clark Gable Foundation during the museum’s 120th birthday celebration for its namesake this February. Photo by Angie Cope

By Tara Mae

Let them entertain you! In a time marked by social isolation, St. George Living History Productions strives to bring together entertainers and audiences in its 24 hour “SALathon,” a fundraiser to benefit celebrity museums and other nonprofit institutions hit hard by the pandemic. 

Beginning 8 a.m, Monday, May 17th, and running through 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 18th, the Zoom event will be hosted by pop culture historian and adjunct professor Sal St. George and feature the practical and artistic support of his son, Darren. Together, they manage the company and oversee all of its operations.

This occasion marks one year since St. George Living History Productions started providing comprehensive digital entertainment, like virtual lectures about legendary icons of stage and screen as well as virtual tours of celebrity museums. 

The museums, a number of which remain closed, have been adversely impacted by the ongoing pandemic and the celebration is designed to raise money for these and similar organizations, ranging in theme from the Phil Silvers Archival Museum in Coventry, England to The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook. 

“[It] all came about simply because we started doing the virtual road trips to celebrity museums around the world. I recently realized that two of them had already closed their doors because of the pandemic. I know that all museums are suffering. My intention is to put together a special event for them. With all of the money going to museums, it may alleviate some of the loss of income. Many of the museums are mom and pop museums, only two or three working it,” Sal said. 

Dr. Thomas Manuel, founder and president of The Jazz Loft, views Sal’s programs as a way to make meaningful connections that will outlive the pandemic and continue to benefit nonprofit organizations. 

“It makes us think about things we otherwise wouldn’t. Sal’s [project] is a great example of this: people being able to virtually visit, make connections, etc. The pandemic will be over but those relationships will still exist. People who heard about the Jazz Loft, Jimmy Stewart Museum, Phil Silvers Museum, will patronize them later,” said Manuel. 

“I think what Sal is doing is really cool, trying to bring attention to museums, especially since  all proceeds are going directly to the museums. This is a big project … having done a lot of online programming, I recognize it is a huge production. It shows his passion for the arts,” he said.

Every hour of the SALathon will be presented by a different museum, and audience members will be provided a direct link to its website. St. George Living History Productions does not make a profit from the fundraiser, which is free to attend; audience members are encouraged to support the museums through online donations or gift store purchases. 

During the event, viewers will be able to enjoy trivia contests, games, opportunities to win prizes, a midnight screening of a classic movie, and virtual museum tours, according to Sal. Additionally the SALathon will feature live performances, including monologues, songs, and dance numbers, as well as lectures about celebrity and entertainment. 

“Everyone we reached out to agreed: actors, singers, dancers, from around the world will be with us. They signed up without hesitation,” Darren said. “Some of our talent is also coming on, some of whom dad has worked with for 45 years.”

“We have a very loyal following that has come to us over the years, especially through The Ward Melville Heritage Organization. We have tapped into many of the performers who have appeared there and sing a song or do a routine,” added Sal. 

Several  artists are reuniting with Sal for the first time since the pandemic began. 

“I met Sal many years ago via various theater connections … he cast me in one of his living history/interactive experiences … I played George M. Cohan. I was asked to participate in a discussion about my Sal experience, as well as my work and career — past, present and future,” said actor Bob Spiotto of Holbrook. 

For actress Mary Lauren, of Long Island City, who played cinematic icons such as Ginger Rogers and Natalie Wood, the fundraiser provides the opportunity to nurture her own interests and again work with Sal and Darren.  

“Working with St. George Living History Productions was a dream job for me. It mixed some of my favorite loves; history, old movies, musical theatre and drama! But more importantly, working with them felt like I was working with a family,” she said. “A family of warm caring people who put on shows of the highest caliber.” 

This family business also consists of Program Director John Higgins and Sal’s wife and Darren’s mother, Mary, who “does it all,” according to Sal. 

Having portrayed New York City mayor’s wife Augusta Gaynor, star Judy Garland, and other 20th century figures in previous St. George productions, years of working with the team in a congenial atmosphere is what drew actress Christine Jordan, of Greenlawn, to the project.

“I am participating in the fundraiser because of my collaborations and friendship with the entire St. George family; they are very special people and I am honored and proud to have worked with them over the many years. I can truly say that being a part of Sal’s shows holds a special place in my heart,” Jordan said. 

Spiotto, Lauren, and Jordan will each be performing a couple of musical numbers and chatting with Sal. There are also surprise guests, unknown even to Sal. “There are a number of them that Dad doesn’t know are participating,” said Darren. “We have some very special surprises throughout the day for him.” 

For more information about the Salathon and other programs or to attend the show, visit www.stgeorgelivinghistory.com. The 24-hour telethon will also be streamed through the company’s Facebook page, St. George Living History Productions.

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Photo by Heidi Sutton
A Message from Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts:
Since COVID 19 forced us to close the doors of our historic town icon, the community of Smithtown has been shut out from attending events on Main Street for the first time in the 88-year history of this majestic building.
We are pleased to inform you that we will be reopening on May 15, 2021 at 8 PM for a night of Stand Up Comedy with four Smithtown favorites – Buddy Fitzpatrick, Melvin George II, Tommy Gooch and Andrew Kennedy – taking the stage 428 days since March 16, 2020. Our GRAND reopening will occur on Saturday, May 29, 2021 with “The Cast of Beatlemania”, our 20-year Labor Day staple, ushering in the summer of 2021 for Memorial Day Weekend. (ADDED SHOW FOR BEATLEMANIA: Friday May 28, 2021)
Both of these events have extremely limited availability as we open under capacity restrictions due to COVID 19.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our patrons and supporters who have endured the last year plus and held on to their tickets to the many events that had to be postponed over the last year. Your gracious act has allowed us to survive through these difficult times.
As conditions improve and capacity restrictions are lifted, we will begin to add to our schedule. We are doing our best to present to you all that was on our schedule when it became necessary to close. Please understand – there are many factors that must be taken into consideration when working towards providing you with these productions or concerts. Some of these are as simple as certain bands not yet comfortable in a live indoor environment, to performer and technician unions not yet allowing their members to work. It is our hope to have a full schedule of events running at the theatre by the end of the summer.
In person box office personnel will not be available until further notice. Tickets to these 2 events are available ON- LINE only at Smithtownpac.org. Existing ticket holders are asked to direct their inquiries via email to [email protected]. We will answer each inquiry as quickly as possible and if a phone call is necessary, we will coordinate with you to arrange a time that works for you. Please be patient as we have limited personnel at present to attend to your needs.
Again – thank you ever so much for your patience in these difficult times. We are working diligently to provide you, and the artists performing for you, a safe environment where indoor live entertainment can once again be enjoyed in Smithtown.
For All Inquiries – PLEASE EMAIL: [email protected]

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The marquee at Theatre Three in April 2021. Photo by Brian Hoerger

After going dark over a year ago, Theatre Three in Port Jefferson will reopen on July 9. The announcement was made in a press release on April 22.

The summer line-up will kick-off with two performances of The L.I. Comedy Festival:  Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10, at 8 p.m. Featuring stand-up comedians from the New York City and Long Island comedy scene, The L.I. Comedy Festival is the hottest place for comedy. All tickets are $35.

The Mainstage will open with the world’s longest-running musical: The Fantasticks. A boy, a girl, two fathers, and a wall … Here is a timeless tale of love and loss, of growth and acceptance. Featuring a score blending musical theatre and jazz, the show is a heartfelt celebration of moonlight and magic. The Fantasticks will run July 16 through August 15. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 children ages 5 to 12, $28 seniors and students.

Children’s Theatre will return on July 10 with a perennial favorite, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit — an original musical based on the characters created by Beatrix Potter. Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-Tail, Benjamin Bunny, the McGregors and their friends come to life in this Theatre Three tradition. The show runs on Saturdays at 11 a.m. through Aug. 14. All seats are $10.

*Tickets for all above shows go on sale Tuesday, May 4th.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will follow all CDC and New York State safety protocols. Seating for summer events will be assigned based on updated CDC and New York State guidelines. Patrons must wear face covers while inside the theater.

To purchase tickets, please call the Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (631) 928-9100.
or visit www.theatrethree.com.

 

 

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Volunteers at Theatre Three's food drive. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Volunteers from Theatre Three in Port Jefferson hosted its ninth food and personal care items drive to benefit Open Cupboard Pantry at Infant Jesus Church last Saturday and the donations poured in. 

“We filled the theater’s van three times floor to ceiling and completely filled the hallway of the Convent building where the food pantry is housed. In addition, we received close to $800 in cash and grocery gift cards,” said board member and facilities manager for Theatre Three Brian Hoerger. 

“Our donors have been so generous, and we get a lot of ‘regulars’ each month who always come with bags full of groceries and supplies. People really want to help and always thank us for organizing these events and ask us when we are doing our next one,” said Hoerger. 

The theater’s next drive will be held on Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our amazing volunteers who have given up a part of their Saturday each month to help us collect, sort and carry all of the donations to the pantry. Their dedication is truly awesome. They all deserve a standing ovation!” he said. 

Theatre Three is scheduled to reopen on July 9 and 10 with The L.I. Comedy Festival followed by a Mainstage production of The Fantasticks from July 16 to Aug. 15.

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Jo Ann Havrilla in a scene from 'Stephen Wins the Olympics' with Stephen Colbert

By Barbara Anne Kirshner

Dreams do come true. How terribly worthless and dull life would be if we didn’t aspire for something even though we might be surrounded by those voices of “reason” warning us to be practical. But sometimes that dream plays out in ways we never would have imagined.

Jo Ann Havrilla

Take acting for instance. What does it mean to be an “actress”? Is it someone walking the red carpet, cameras flashing, posing in a sequined Versace gown and dripping in Harry Winston diamonds? Is it making major motion pictures or bowing on a lavish Broadway stage to enthusiastic applause or being featured on a long-running television series?

There’s Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Viola Davis living the dream; all household names commanding oodles of money acquired from the wheelings and dealings of big-time agents securing Academy Award-worthy roles for them. But not all actresses luck out with this iconic recognition. In fact, most don’t “make it.”

“There’s a broken heart for every light on Broadway” is an adage that holds much credence. Many come to the Great White Way in search of a life in the theater, but few receive the recognition that Lin-Manuel Miranda with his Hamilton has enjoyed. 

There are some actors who aren’t house-hold names, yet they manage to earn a living wage doing what they love.

Meet 70-year-old working actress, Jo Ann Havrilla, who grew up in Jericho. She pursued the dream refusing to give up. That persistence paid off with some major motion pictures, television, stage and commercials. What makes Havrilla stand out as a formidable presence is her greater than life upbeat nature, energetic persona and timing equal to that of Carol Burnett.

Hers is a life of perseverance. At 23 years of age, she moved from her family’s Jericho home to a studio apartment in Manhattan where she resides to this day with her husband, Brad Firminger.

She earned her equity card while in her early twenties and doors opened for professional stage work.

Jo Ann Havrilla in a scene from ‘Hairspray’

Havrilla’s ability to play characters of all ages, especially those much older than her years, landed her the role at age 38 of Prudence Pingleton, the overprotective mother of Tracy Turnblad’s friend, Penny, in John Waters’ 1988 cult classic film Hairspray. 

In 1989, Havrilla appeared as  Boolie Werthan’s loyal secretary, Miss McClatchey, in another classic film, Driving Miss Daisy, this time with the legends, Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy. That same year she was in the Tom Selleck, James Farentino film, Her Alibi.

A role on the 1989-1990 television series True Blue followed the films. Other television credits include All My Children, One Life to Live and the Michael J. Fox series, Spin City. 

In 2004 Havrilla was featured in the comedic role of diner waitress Maxine  in the short film Sara Goes to Lunch which received recognition at the 2005 Fargo Film Festival.  

In 2010, Havrilla landed a role on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report opposite Stephen Colbert performing in a satirical skit titled “Stephen Wins the Olympics.” Havrilla played Colbert’s coach, Svetlana Oranskaya, strong as nails with a thick Russian accent. Her hysterical performance made the scene so successful that she was invited back during the 2014 Olympics to recreate Oranskaya. Hopefully, Colbert will resurrect Oranskaya during this coming summer’s Olympics. 

In 2018 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences celebrated the 30th anniversary of the making of Hairspray by reuniting Havrilla and the cast with their director, John Waters, at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. 

Much commercial work and personal speaking appearances keep her busy to date. Havrilla centers her talks on her lengthy career and what it was like working with some of the most prominent personalities in show business. She enjoys retelling how John Waters worked with a mere budget of 2 million dollars, making it imperative for the actors to nail the scenes on the first take. 

Havrilla knows she has been lucky though her name may not trip off your tongue. But look through magazines or newspapers and you just might see her inviting grin or watch the original 1988 Hairspray, Driving Miss Daisy or Her Alibi and see her doing what she loves best — being a working actress.

Her advice is don’t ever give up. Your dream may not materialize quite as you envision, but persistence pays off. Doors will open and opportunities will unfold. Believe in yourself and you can make dreams happen.

Postscript: Havrilla’s inspirational message of ‘never giving up’ happened in a dramatic way on January 26, 2021, when 48-year-old country singer/songwriter, Thad Cockrell debuted on The Tonight Show, getting a chance of a lifetime to perform his original song “Swingin” remotely with the Tonight Show band, The Roots. 

This story is as fantastic as it gets. Jimmy Fallon heard Cockrell’s anthem song while he was in  the local hardware store. The lyrics, with the motivating chorus “If I’m gonna go down, I wanna go down swinging,” so impressed Fallon that he invited Cockrell, who had been a struggling artist for decades, to perform his song on The Tonight Show. Cockrell’s album, If In Case You Feel the Same, released in 2020, hit number three on iTunes, shooting him to instant success.

Miller Place resident Barbara Anne Kirshner is a freelance journalist, playwright and author of “Madison Weatherbee —The Different Dachshund.”

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COVID-19 made it impossible for the traditional Run to the Port Jeff Brewing Company happen in 2020, but the Brewery and the Greater Long Island Running Club [GLIRC] banded together to stage a “virtual” 15K, 10K, and 5K that raised $1000 for the 2020 charitable beneficiary Theatre Three in downtown Port Jefferson.

A check for $1000 was presented to Theatre Three at the Brewing Company on Dec. 18.

Theatre Three is a not-for-profit dedicated to developing an appreciation for the art of live theater among the residents of Long Island. The theater presents a diverse program of fresh and imaginative revivals of classics and modern plays and is an arena for previously unproduced plays, and works towards their future development. Theatre Three provides an environment in which talent can be nurtured, encouraged, and trained in the pursuit of a professional career. 

During the pandemic, there have been no live performances at Theatre Three, so the Brewery and GLIRC were happy to be able to help the theatre stay afloat in these troubled times.

Pictured at the presentation, from left, is GLIRC Race Director Ric DiVeglio; Theatre Three Board of Directors member Brian Hoerger; Theatre Three Managing Director Vivian Koutrakos; Theatre Three Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel; Port Jeff Brewing Company owner Mike Philbrick; and GLIRC Executive Director Sue Fitzpatrick.

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THE SECOND SPIRIT Andrew Lenahan stars as the Ghost of Christmas Present in Theatre Three’s virtual production of ‘A Carol for Christmas.’ The show premieres on Dec. 12. Photo by Eric J. Hughes

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson will premiere A Carol for This Christmas, a virtual performance adapted from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, on Dec. 12.

For over thirty-five years, Theatre Three has been presenting its acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol to thousands of Long Island theatergoers.  To continue this tradition, the theater has produced a virtual production that will be accessible through the theatre’s website and Facebook page on the Vimeo platform.

This new take on the holiday classic features six actors playing the many roles in the holiday classic, filmed socially distanced, with actors both onstage and in the theatre’s auditorium.  Jeffrey Sanzel has played Scrooge nearly 1,500 times and will once again play the miser who is redeemed by the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future.  He is joined by Theatre Three Christmas Carol veterans Andrew Lenahan, Michelle LaBozzetta, Linda May, Douglas J. Quattrock, and Steven Uihlein.

Sanzel has adapted and directed the 40-minute presentation, adhering closely to the heart and spirit of the 177 year-old novel.  Melissa Troxler is the Director of Photography.

As a gift to the Long Island community, the presentation will be offered for free at www.theatrethree.com. Donations to Theatre Three are greatly appreciated.

A Carol for This Christmas is made possible by the sponsorship of Andrew Markowitz.

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Lorelai Mucciolo and Jae Hughes reprise their roles as Emily and Amos the Mouse this year. Photo by Carmen Barbosa

By Heidi Sutton

While the doors of the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts (SPAC) on Main Street remain shuttered, the theater continues its partnership with the Smithtown Historical Society to present the magic of live theater for young audiences. Following in the footsteps of sold-out performances of Moana Jr. in the summer and Spookley the Square Pumpkin in the fall, SPAC now brings the community a socially distant outdoor production of Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The show will run on various Saturdays and Sundays on the grounds of the society through Dec. 24.

It’s Christmas Eve and Uncle Brierly (Evan Donellan) attempts to read his favorite poem, Clement C. Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to the audience. He gets as far as, “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” only to be interrupted by a mouse who is in fact stirring batter to make cookies for Santa in hopes that he’ll show up this year.

The mouse, named Amos (Jae Hughes), insists that Santa skipped the house the year before, a claim backed up by Emily (Lorelai Mucciolo), Brierly’s niece and Amos’ best friend. An elf named Calliope (Gabrielle Arroyo) suddenly appears and confirms that Santa’s naughty-or-nice list went missing last year and other families suffered the same fate.

With only a few hours left until Christmas Day, Calliope, Emily and a very reluctant Amos set off on a plane to the North Pole on a quest to prevent this from happening again and to save Christmas.

When they arrive at Santa’s workshop, they overhear a former elf, Sir Guy of Gisbourne (Donellan), tell his sidekick Mulch (Anthony Panarello), how he sold the children’s Christmas wish list to retailers last year and plans to do it again this year. What follows is a madcap rush to retrieve this year’s list with a surprise appearance from Amos’s brother from Kansas (the incredible Hughes in a dual role), a hysterical case of mistaken identity, an exciting sword fight, an elf cheer, a visit from Santa Claus (Panarello) and a hilarious chase scene around the stage to the Benny Hill theme song.

Will Emily, Amos and Calliope succeed in their quest? Will all the boys and girls receive presents this year? Was it all a dream? With the underlying holiday message that the best Christmas presents don’t come in packages and to make life an adventure, this show is truly a joyful tribute to the holiday season!

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in the open air outdoor performance space behind the Smithtown Historical Society’s Roseneath Cottage, 239 Middle Country Rd., Smithtown on Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24 at 11 a.m. Running time is one hour with no intermission. Masks are required. Tickets are $18 per person.

For an additional $7 per family (5 person maximum), guests are invited to stay after the show for a distanced photo opportunity with a live Santa followed by photo opportunities at other locations on the property with Santa’s elves, field of snowmen, lighted Christmas tree, etc., all outside and safely distanced, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Bring your own camera.

To order tickets for either event, please visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director at Theatre Three, won't be playing the role of Scrooge in-person this season. Photo by Julianne Mosher

By Julianne Mosher

Local theatergoers are saying “Bah Humbug” this Christmas because two of their favorite traditions will not be happening.

During the holiday season, families would gather to watch Scrooge confront the ghosts of his past, present and future. In another venue, little children would admire ballerinas in white tutus up on their toes. The Rat King would clash with the Nutcracker.

But because of the COVID-19 crisis, two staples in the Village of Port Jefferson’s art community — Theatre Three’s “A Christmas Carol” and Harbor Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — have been canceled, leaving these two nonprofits hoping for a brighter 2021.

Jeffrey Sanzel, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, is working on a new virtual play, ‘A Carol for Christmas.’ Photo by Julianne Mosher

According to Jeffrey Sanzel, executive artistic director at Theatre Three, between 12,000-15,000 Long Islanders have viewed their production of “A Christmas Carol” over the last 35 years.  Sanzel has portrayed the role of Ebenezer Scrooge 1,437 times. “This is the first time in 33 years I’m not doing a stage production of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” he said. “It’s a shame, but I don’t want to do anything to exacerbate the problem.”

In a pre-COVID world, the theater would run the show six days a week with anywhere from 50 to 60 performances per year. Around 30 local actors would take on multiple roles of Charles Dickens’ characters.

After speaking with the village, he and Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant considered an outdoor, socially distanced performance of the treasured production. Sanzel said they had it all figured out; it was going to be four 15-minute shows — a smaller adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” — with a minimal cast, at Harborfront Park.

“I got a cast. We went into rehearsal, and then the governor’s office told [the mayor], ‘No,’” he said.

Three weeks ago, the village received word from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s (D) office that they were not allowed to host an event outside that could draw a crowd. “I was all for it, and the actors were all set,” he said. “We were right down to discussing what they need to wear under the costumes when it’s below zero outside, socially distanced, in face shields.”

So, it was back to the drawing board. Sanzel and his team decided to create a free, virtual performance that will be filming this week. Titled “A Carol for This Christmas,” it will be available for viewing on Facebook, Vimeo and the theater’s website (www.theatrethree.com) in mid-December

“In a period of two days, I cast it, wrote it and went into rehearsal again,” he said. The 45-minute film will be set in a closed theater and features six actors playing the many roles in the story. The actors will be filmed socially distanced, in various parts of the theater, while wearing masks.

Sanzel said this would be the theater’s gift for the community. “This will be our contribution,” he said. “The actors have all donated their services because they’re just happy to be doing something.” He hopes that this event will keep the theater’s name alive and bring attention to an industry that is struggling hard throughout this crisis. “We want people to know that we understand what’s going on in the world,” he said.

This weekend would’ve marked the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival’s 25th anniversary, an event that always kept Theatre Three busy. The announcement of its cancellation this year is devastating for the community, said Sanzel. “The Dickens Festival brings people into the village,” he said. “It’s a great weekend, and even if people aren’t seeing the show, they become aware of the show and buy tickets for the future.”

Amy Tyler
Worrell had to cancel the Harbor Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ this year. Photo by Julianne Mosher

Amy Tyler Worrell, who owns Amy Tyler School of Dance up the hill on Reeves Road with her husband John, agreed. “People who are coming to town can go out to dinner in Port Jeff and then come see ‘The Nutcracker’ or go shopping,” she said. “Being able to go out to ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’ gets people excited.”

Worrell’s studio is celebrating its 33rd year in the Port Jefferson community. Within the school is the couple’s nonprofit, Harbor Ballet Theatre, which puts on ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School during the Dickens Festival. This would have been their 29th year.

“My family — my parents, my husband, my kids — all helped out with it,” she said. “But there are a lot of other families here who had the same experience. It’s kind of a letdown for them.”

When COVID-19 began in March, the studio needed to shut its doors and move to online classes via Zoom. They couldn’t hold their annual recital in June in-person, resulting in doing it online. During the summer, they found out they couldn’t hold their ballet in-person this December.

“The families say this kicks off their holiday season,” she said. “Some of the parents are in the show, some help backstage.”

And while ‘The Nutcracker’ is a family affair, it’s also a growing experience that students won’t be able to participate in this year. “We had seniors this year who have done the show since they were little angels,” she said. “It’s rough.”

In a pre-pandemic world, the dancers would audition in the late summer. Every weekend they’d rehearse for the big show. “I think what the kids are missing is being together and building something together,” she said.

Although things might look a little different for the arts this season, the hope is that the traditions will continue on next year.

“I think ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a story that resonates with audiences; from a six or seven-year-old, who comes for the wonder of the story … to a teenager who sees the frustration of the characters, to adults who look at their own lives and hope,” Sanzel said. “I guess the bottom line is when people look at the story and see that Scrooge can change and be better, so can we.”

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From left, Lorelai Mucciolo, Evan Donnellan and Jae Hughes rejoin the cast of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Smithtown Historical Society for the holidays. Photo from SPAC

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents an outdoor performance of Ken Ludwig’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Smithtown Historical Society’s Roseneath Cottage, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown on Nov. 27 to 29, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24 at 11 a.m. Join a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl on a quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. A joyful tribute to the holiday season! Tickets are $18 per person. Masks are mandatory. Stay after for photo opportunities with Santa at his workshop (5 person maximum) for an extra fee. For more information or to order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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