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A MESSAGE OF LOVE Singer Toby Tobias heads to Comsewogue Public Library in concert on Jan. 21. Photo by Clyde Berge
Thursday January 18

Four Harbors Audubon lecture

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a winter lecture via Zoom at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Jennifer Ackerman will discuss her latest book, What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds, in a multimedia presentation with photos, videos and audio recordings. Registration required by visiting 4has.org/upcoming-events.

Comedy Night at the CAC

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents an evening of comedy with Peter Bales and Rich Walker at 8 p.m. Hosted by Steven Taub, the program will include a screening of a video segment ‘Day in the life of a stand-up comedian’ from the Emmy nominated PBS documentary ‘Laugh a Day’ featuring Dom Irrera and a grouping of legendary comedians and a sit-down interview with Bales and Walker in celebration of the art of stand-up comedy. Tickets are $40 per person, $30 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.| 

Friday January 19

No events listed for this day.

Saturday January 20

Maple Sugaring

Join the staff of Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a maple sugaring workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. $4 per person. Please call for 631-423-1770 for reservations.

Winter Wonderland Walk

Town of Brookhaven continues its Winter Nature Program series with a Winter Wonderland Walk at West Meadow Beach Pavilion in Stony Brook at 10 a.m. and at Cedar Beach Nature Center at 2 p.m. During these walks your guide will discuss the stark beauty of the beach and salt marsh in the cold season. Explore the effects of snow and ice on the natural environment, discuss wildlife adaptations, identify plants in their winter form, and observe active winter wetlands. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Health and Wellness Fair

Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill, Farmingville will host its 4th annual Health and Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Fair will feature over 70 vendors from the healthcare industry who will provide valuable information about health insurance, healthcare law and health services available to Brookhaven Town residents with complimentary refreshments, raffles, giveaways, free health screenings, interactive activities,  and face painting for children. 631-451-6331

Sunday January 21

Toby Tobias in concert

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station welcomes singer Toby Tobias in concert at 1:30 p.m. The South African-born musician will present an original multimedia performance titled Journey from Johannesburg that chronicles his story of growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 to reserve your seat.

Historic Spirits and Ghosts lecture

Celebrate St. James continues its Living History series with a lecture titled Talking with the Historic Spirits and Ghosts around St. James at the Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James at 2 p.m. Medium and paranormal investigator Joe Giaquinto will share his personal experiences during in-depth ghost investigations of local historic properties. Tickets are $25, $20 members at www.celebratestjames.org. 631-984-0201

LITMA Contradance

Join the Long Island Traditional Music Association for a Contradance at the Frank Brush Barn, 211 East Main St., Smithtown at 2 p.m. Basic instruction begins at 1:45 p.m. with live music from Torrent and Chart Guthrie as caller. Admission is $15 adults, $10 members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult. 631-369-7854

Simple Days in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Simple Days featuring Dusty Bowl and LoriAnn Lennon from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Monday January 22

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket tonight at 7 p.m. Robert Müller will make a presentation titled Long Island Lighthouses: Past & Present based on Müller’s 2004 book of the same name and his experience as a local lighthouse history researcher and preservationist. Images in the program range from the 1850s to the present and include lighthouse keepers, lightships, and lighthouses that no longer stand. Free and open to all. Donations appreciated. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730.

Tuesday January 23

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a concert by singer/guitarist Alex Alexander — an NSJC favorite — in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Preschool Fair

Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook will host a Preschool and Daycare Showcase at 6 p.m. Meet with representatives of local preschools and daycare services. No registration required. 631-588-5024

Wednesday January 24

No events listed for this day.

Thursday January 25

Library Book Sale

Center Moriches Free Public Library, 235 Main St., Center Moriches will hold an Antique, Vintage, and Premium Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library today from 2 to 8 p.m., Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit Library. 631-438-6972

Beyond the Book Club

Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor continues its Beyond the Book Club series with The Soul of the Octopus at 6:30 p.m. Can an animal — not to mention an invertebrate — possess intelligence? Consciousness? A soul? These are some of the questions author Sy Montgomery tackles in her emotional and enlightening portrait of one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures — the octopus. Explore historical documents from the museum’s collection that reveal how 19th century whalers viewed whales and discover how these views have changed over time. $15 per participant. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Film
Robert Hays in a scene from ‘Airplane!’

‘Airplane!’

“Roger, Roger. What’s our vector Victor?” Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of the Comic Gem Airplane! on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. In this quintessential parody of disaster movies traumatized ex-fighter pilot Ted Striker has been unable to hold a job due to his fear of flying and “drinking problem.” When his ex-girlfriend, Elaine Dickinson, now a flight attendant, leaves him before boarding her assigned flight,Ted drops everything and buys a plane ticket to try to win her back. After the pilots become ill, it’s up to him to land the plane. Introduction by film historian Glenn Andreiev. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To order tickets in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘The Gin Game’ 

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents D.L. Colburn’s The Gin Game from Jan. 13 to Feb. 3. A fierce battle of wits and wills is revealed as a mismatched pair in a retirement facility inadvertently reveal their hearts as they show their hands in increasingly combative rounds of gin rummy. Poignant, powerful, and heartbreakingly honest, The Gin Game shows that secrets held close to the vest are not safe from being put on the table. The production stars Theatre Three veterans Bradlee and Marci Bing. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. See review on page B13.

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect …’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life, from Jan. 18 to March 3. Set in the modern world and told in a series of vignettes and songs, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘(Mostly) True Things’

The Performing Arts Studio, 224 East Main Street, Port Jefferson presents a production of (Mostly) True Things on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. with stories on the theme Sucker For Love about those times we go to extremes, abandon reason and take big leaps because of love. Four storytellers will compete to win the audience’s choice for the biggest “sucker for love.” Also 3 of the stories will include subtle little lies, but all the stories are otherwise true. The audience gets to question the storytellers, then vote for the person they think told it straight. Tickets are $20 online at eventbrite.com, $25 at the door (cash only). 

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 28. 631-802-2160

Class Reunions

•Centereach High School Class of 1974 will hold its 50th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on April 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, email Jean Ann Renzulli at [email protected].

•Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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METRO photo

By David Dunaief

Dr. David Dunaief

Happy 2024! If you’ve watched any media in the past week, you’ve probably been inundated by ads for weight loss plans, apps and other tools intended to help us achieve our New Year’s resolutions. Many of these are oriented around helping us increase the “stickiness factor” of our new habits.

Setting a goal that is simple and singular helps. We often overdo it by focusing on an array of resolutions, like eating better, exercising, developing better sleep habits, and managing stress better. While these are all admirable, their complexity diminishes your chances of success. Instead, pick one to focus on, and make the desired impact part of your goal, for example: improve health by losing weight and reversing disease. 

Changing habits is always hard. There are some things that you can do to make it easier, though. 

Your environment is very important. According to David Katz, M.D., Director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, it is not as much about willpower as it is about your environment. Willpower, Dr. Katz notes, is analogous to holding your breath underwater; it is only effective for a short time. Instead, he suggests laying the groundwork by altering your environment to make it conducive to attaining your goals. Recognizing your obstacles and making plans to avoid or overcome them reduces stress and strain on your willpower. 

According to a study, people with the most self-control utilize the least amount of willpower, because they take a proactive role in minimizing temptation (1). If your intention is to eat better, start by changing the environment in your kitchen to one that prompts healthy food choices.

Support is another critical element. It can come from within, but it is best when reinforced by family members, friends and coworkers. In my practice, I find that patients who are most successful with lifestyle changes are those whose household members are encouraging or, even better, when they participate in at least some portion of the intervention, such as eating the same meals.

How long does it take to form a new habit?

When does a change become a new habit, or automaticity? The rule of thumb used to be it takes approximately three weeks of daily practice. However, the results of a study at the University of London showed that the time to form a habit, such as exercising, ranged from 18 days to 254 days (2). The good news is that, though there was a wide variance, the average time to reach this automaticity was 66 days, or about two months.

How do you choose a diet that will help you achieve your goals?

US News and World Report ranks diets annually and sorts them by objective, such as weight loss, healthy eating, diabetes diets, heart-healthy diets, etc. (3). Three of the diets highlighted include the Mediterranean diet, the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet, and the Flexitarian diet, ranked one through three, respectively. These were also the top three for healthy eating, for diabetes, and for heart health, although their rankings among the top three shift in some cases.

What do all the top diets have in common? They focus on nutrient-dense foods. In fact, the lifestyle modifications I recommend are based on a combination of the top diets and the evidence-based medicine that supports them.

For instance, in a randomized cross-over trial, which means patients, after a prescribed time, can switch to the more effective group, showed that the DASH diet is not just for patients with high blood pressure. The DASH diet was more efficacious than the control diet in terms of diabetes, decreasing hemoglobin A1C 1.7 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively; weight loss, with patients losing 5 kg/11 lbs. vs. 2 kg/4.4 lbs. It also achieved better results with HDL (“good”) cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure (4).

Interestingly, patients still lost weight, although caloric intake and the percentages of fats, protein and carbohydrates were the same between the DASH and control diets. However, the DASH diet used different sources of macronutrients. The DASH diet also contained food with higher amounts of fiber, calcium and potassium and lower sodium than the control diet. 

Therefore, diets high in nutrient-dense foods may be an effective way to lose weight while also treating and preventing disease. 

I will share one more tip: take it day by day, rather than obsessing over the larger picture. I have found many patients make better headway by choosing to change one meal at a time — like starting with what they choose to eat for breakfast or for snacks each day. Once this is a habit, they shift their focus to another meal.

Best to you for optimal health in 2024!

References:

(1) J Pers Soc Psychol. 2012;102: 22-31. (2) European Journal of Social Psychology, 40: 998–1009. (3) www.usnews.com/best-diet. (4) Diabetes Care. 2011;34: 55-57.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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Douglas Pfeiffer. Photo from SBU

Douglas Pfeiffer, associate professor in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University recently received an honorable mention from the Modern Language Association of America (MLA) for his book “Authorial Personality and the Making of Renaissance Texts: The Force of Character.” The MLA recently reported Pfeiffer’s distinction through a news release announcing the 2023 MLA Prize for a First Book, which was awarded to Vanderbilt University’s Akshya Saxena.

According to the MLA, this annual award honors an exceptional scholarly work authored by one of the association’s 20,000 global members and published the previous year as their first book-length text. Eligible works include literary or linguistic studies, critical editions of important texts, and critical biographies. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the award.

“I feel extremely gratified and proud to see a project that I’ve been following since its early stages get recognized as a major contribution not only to Professor Pfeiffer’s field of early modern studies, but to the general field of literary scholarship,” said Andrew Newman, professor and chair of the Department of English. “Anyone who reads it will come away with a much richer understanding of authorship.”

In addition, Pfeiffer’s book was also recently awarded the Roland Bainton Prize which was selected  by the Sixteenth Century Society which recognized its quality/originality of research; methodological skill and/or innovation; development of fresh and stimulating interpretations or insights and the book’s literary quality.

Professor Pfeiffer is an expert on the history of rhetorical and literary theory, Renaissance humanism, and English poetry of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. A former professor at the University of California, Irvine, he joined the faculty at Stony Brook in 2007 and went on to receive a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2022. He holds a PhD from Columbia University.

The MLA announcement cites Professor Pfeiffer’s book as “a tremendous achievement. In this substantial volume,” it continues, “Pfeiffer traces the phenomenon of author centrism to the scholarship of early Renaissance humanists. Focusing on several well-chosen case studies, this deeply researched multilingual monograph brings welcome new interpretations and insights not only to Renaissance studies but to literary studies more broadly.”

The Prize for a First Book, along with 21 additional MLA awards, will be presented at the association’s annual convention in Philadelphia on Friday, January 5, 2024.

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BREAKING BOUNDARIES Catch a free concert featuring eGALitarian Brass at All Souls Church in Stony Brook on Jan. 13. Photo from Dan Kerr
Thursday Jan. 11

Art History lecture

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Second Thursday series with a free art history lecture by Kevin McEvoy on Leonardo da Vinci from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light snacks will be served. No reservations are required to attend. 631-751-7707

Art reception 

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for Coalescence, an art exhibit featuring a selection of works by painter Paul Jay Edelson and sculptor Arthur Bernstein, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on view from January 11 to February 18. 631-751-2676, www.gallernorth.org. See more on page B14.

Friday Jan. 12

Game Night

Celebrate St. James will host a Game Night for adults at the Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy an evening playing board games and card games with light refreshments. $10 donation. To register visit www.celebratestjames.org or call 631-984-0201.

Grounds and Sounds concert

Grounds and Sounds Cafe at the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, East Setauket welcomes Pete Mancini and the Hillside Airmen in concert with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Open mic starts at 8 p.m.  Refreshments available for purchase.  Tickets are $15 per person at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door on the night of the event.

Saturday Jan. 13

All Souls Poetry Reading

The Second Saturdays poetry series continues at All Souls Church in Stony Brook via Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon. The featured poet will be Suffolk County’s Teen Poet Ella Scarlett O’Connor. An open-reading will follow; all are welcome to read one of their own poems. For more information, please call 631-655-7798. Participants can access the program through the All Souls website https://www.allsouls-stonybrook.org/ 

Superheroes of the Sky

Join Jim at Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown from 11 a.m. to noon for a walking tour while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 adults, $5 children. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Saturdays at Six Concert

All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook continues its Saturdays at Six concert series with eGALitarian Brass, a New York based ensemble comprised of female brass players, at 6 p.m. Program will feature a diverse program of new music for brass from Renaissance music by Hildegard von Bingen and Leonora Duarte, to more groove-oriented works by Gwyneth Walker and their bass trombonist Gina Benalcazar Lopez. They will also perform tangos by Astor Piazzolla, Episodes and more. Free. Please bring a can of food to help feed the hungry in our community. Call 631-655-7798 for more information.

Sunday Jan. 14

PJVC Exhibit Reception

Join the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson for a reception for its latest historical installation,  Rivets & Rails, on the second floor Gallery from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy and curated by Village Historian Chris Ryon, the exhibit will be on view daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Feb. 28.  631-473-4778

Northport Historical Society lecture

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport kicks off its Lecture Series with a presentation by Brian E. O’Connor, author of Death By Fire And Ice at 2 p.m. O’Connor discusses the harrowing tale of the ill-fated steamboat Lexington, whose tragic sinking in 1840 still haunts Long Island to this day. The presentation will be followed by audience Q&A. Copies of Death By Fire And Ice will be available for purchase and signing after the event. Refreshments will be served.$10 per person. To register, visit www.northporthistorical.org. 631-757-9859

Joe Piket and the Storm in Concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook will host a concert by Joe Piket and the Storm from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. For more information, call 689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.

Monday Jan. 15

Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon

Town of Brookhaven will host its annual  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Luncheon at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served followed by an opportunity to participate in an onsite community service project. Tickets are $20 adults, $5 kids and youth. To register, visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov/MLK. 631-451-6963

Tuesday Jan. 16

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a screening of The Story of Film in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Needle Felting Workshop

Huntington Historical Society will present a Needle Felting Workshop in the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join local fiber artist Michele Miroff and learn how to create an adorable needle felted wool snowman. $40 per person, $35 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Wednesday Jan. 17

Business Workshop

Ever wish you could own your own business, but have no idea where to begin? Join the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to learn the basics of setting up a business, including legal entities, business plans, insurance, marketing and more.  Presented by SCORE. Register by calling 631-585-9393 x 558.

Thursday Jan. 18

Vanderbilt lecture

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its lecture series in the Reichert Planetarium tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rachel Miller an accomplished blacksmith and co-owner of Spirit Ironworks in Bayport, will discuss Restoring Historic Ironwork, with a focus on Samuel Yellin. Miller will guide the audience through the history and craftsmanship of Yellin’s works at the Vanderbilt Estate, Mansion, and Museum. Tickets are $10 per person (members free) at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Film

Alfred Hitchcock Perspective

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington in celebrating Alfred Hitchcock from Jan. 12 to 18 with the screening of six films including North by Northwest on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., The Birds on Jan. 13 at 7 p.m., The Man Who Knew Too Much on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., Blackmail on Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m., To Catch a Thief on Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and The 39 Steps on Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. To order tickets in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘The Gin Game’ 

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents D.L. Colburn’s The Gin Game from Jan. 13 to Feb. 3. A fierce battle of wits and wills is revealed as a mismatched pair in a retirement facility inadvertently reveal their hearts as they show their hands in increasingly combative rounds of gin rummy. Poignant, powerful, and heartbreakingly honest, The Gin Game shows that secrets held close to the vest are not safe from being put on the table. The production stars Theatre Three veterans Bradlee and Marci Bing. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect …’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life, from Jan. 18 to March 3. Set in the modern world and told in a series of vignettes and songs, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 28. 631-802-2160

Vendors Wanted

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

Class Reunion

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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A TALE AS OLD AS TIME Catch one of the last performances of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. The enchanting musical runs through Jan. 7. Photo from The Engeman Theater
Thursday Jan. 4

Community Blood Drive

Mather Hospital, 75 North County Road Port Jefferson will host a blood drive in Conference Rooms A & B from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Blood donations and blood supplies are usually low after the holidays, so donations are needed early in the new year. Register by calling 1-800-933-2566.

Friday Jan. 5

No events listed for this day.

Saturday Jan. 6

Gallery Highlights Tour

​Join the Whaling Museum, 301 main St. Cold Spring Harbor for a Gallery Highlights Tour at noon. Get to know Long Island’s whaling history in this highlight tour beginning with the model of the whaleship, explore the star of the museum’s collection, the whaleboat, learn about the museum’s special exhibit, Whalers of the African Diaspora, which highlights the experiences of African American whalers, and explore the artwork created by whalers known as scrimshaw. Adults and kids welcome. Free with museum admission of  $8 adults, $6 seniors and children. 631-367-3418

An Evening of Comedy

The Comedy Club @ Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson returns for its’ first big show of 2024 at 8 p.m. featuring a full line-up of top comedians direct from Long Island, NYC, and beyond including Art Schill, Jack Cloonan, Laura Patton, John Santo and more. Come early and enjoy a glass of local wine or beer from the bar’s extensive selection. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening of non-stop hilarious fun. Tickets are $40 per person. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Sunday Jan. 7

Winter Seasonal Stroll

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington hosts a Winter Seasonal Stroll for adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On this short stroll, you’ll discover that nature is beautiful and interesting in winter too. $4 per person. Advance registration required by calling 631-423-1770.

Ridotto Concert

Huntington Jewish Center, 510 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a Ridotto concert featuring The Bayberry String Quartet at 4 p.m. Program will include Mozart’s String Quartet no.4, Beethoven’s Op.74 and Dvorak’s deeply moving ‘American’ Quartet. Tickets are $35 adults, $30 seniors, $25 members, $12 students. To order, call 631-385-0373, or email [email protected].

‘Friend or Foe?’

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Smithtown presents its annual Spotlight Showcase 2023 “Friend Or Foe?” at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown at 5 p.m. Enjoy very different show dance numbers in which you’ll have to decide for yourself who’s a “friend or foe,” “black or white,” “yin and yang.” Just use your imagination to decide which side you are! Tickets are $50 per person, free for kids. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Monday Jan. 8

Community Blood Drive

Bundle up and give. Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington hosts a community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. Please remember to eat, drink and bring your ID with your name and photo. Appointments are preferred; walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits. Each donor will receive a pair of socks as a gift, while supplies last. For more information or to make an appointment, email [email protected]. 631-421-5835

Sound Beach Civic Meeting

The next meeting of the Sound Beach Civic Association will be held at the Sound Beach Firehouse, 152 Sound Beach Blvd., Sound Beach at 7:30 p.m. On the agenda will be an update on the Sound Beach post office closure. All are welcome. For more information call 631-744-6952.

Movie Trivia Night

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a Movie Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Try to answer 50 questions based all around film, actors and actresses, awards, and everything else associated with the world of film. Challenge like-minded film fans in a battle of wits for cash and other prizes. You can form teams, so bring some friends and work together. Feel free to come alone and play solo as well! Hosted by Dan French. Tickets are $11 per person, $7 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org. 

Avalon Astronomy Event

The Observatories at Avalon Nature Preserve, Shep Jones Lanes, Stony Brook will host a live observing session (weather permitting) focusing on Jupiter and many wintertime deep space objects from 7 to 9 p.m. This is an outdoor event. Pre-registration not required. Free. 631-689-0619

Tuesday Jan. 9

Whaling Museum Trivia Night

Join the Whaling Museum of Cold Spring Harbor online for winter-themed trivia night, including movies, music, animals, sports, geography, and Broadway, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You will be asked frosty questions and facts will be shared about ice cream logos, snowy countries, blizzards in art, winter sports, with a narwhal or two thrown in! Free. (Suggested donation of $10 appreciated) To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Wednesday Jan. 10

Ring Making Workshop

Huntington Historical Society will host a Ring Making Workshop in the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This workshop will be an intro to silver smithing with artist Jennifer Salta owner of Unmarked Industries. You will learn how to cut, file and solder your very own silver ring. Each person will leave with a completed piece at the end of the night. All tools and materials will be supplied included. Fee is $65 per person, ​$60 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Thursday Jan. 11

Art History lecture

The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Second Thursday series with a free art history lecture by Kevin McEvoy on Leonardo da Vinci from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light snacks will be served for your enjoyment. No reservations are required to attend. 631-751-7707

Crafts & Cocktails

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor continues its Crafts & Cocktails series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Celebrate one of the world’s most iconic duos—oysters and champagne! Explore the fundamental role oysters have played in the history of New York and discover current efforts to bring these bivalves back to Long Island Sound. Then, dive into the surprising history of champagne and enjoy a glass of bubbly while designing a unique seashell trinket tray.​ (For adults 21+) ​$30 per participant, ​$20 members. To register, visit www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 

Art reception 

Gallery North, 90 North Country Road Setauket invites the community to an opening reception for Coalescence, an art exhibit featuring a selection of works by painter Paul Jay Edelson and sculptor Arthur Bernstein, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on view from January 11 to February 18. 631-751-2676, www.gallernorth.org.

Film

‘All the President’s Men’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of All the President’s Men on Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, the film is based on the 1974 Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name which focuses firmly on the first five months of the Watergate scandal. Hosted by Wallace Matthews, former columnist for Newsday, the New York Post and ESPN. Tickets are $16, $10 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Wings of Life’

Join Joyann Cirigliano of the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a viewing and discussion of Wings of Life an intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and the flowers that need them, at the Smithtown Main Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown on Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Open to all. To register, call 631-360-2480.

‘Bigger Than Life’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a special screening of Bigger Than Life on Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Though ignored at the time of its release, Nicholas Ray’s Bigger Than Life is now recognized as one of the great American films of the 1950s. This Eisenhower-era throat-grabber, shot in expressive CinemaScope, is an excoriating and wildly entertaining take on the nuclear family. Hosted by Professor Foster Hirsch. Tickets are $18, $12 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now extended through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Gin Game’ 

Theatre Three, 412 Main Street, Port Jefferson presents D.L. Colburn’s The Gin Game from Jan. 13 to Feb. 3. A fierce battle of wits and wills is revealed as a mismatched pair in a retirement facility inadvertently reveal their hearts as they show their hands in increasingly combative rounds of gin rummy. Poignant, powerful, and heartbreakingly honest, The Gin Game shows that secrets held close to the vest are not safe from being put on the table. The production stars Theatre Three veterans Bradlee and Marci Bing. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect …’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life, from Jan. 13 to March 3. Set in the modern world and told in a series of vignettes and songs, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Jan. 7 to April 28. 631-802-2160

Vendors Wanted

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

Class Reunion

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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BOOK TOUR STOP Actress and author Illeana Douglas visits the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington on Dec. 28 to promote her new book. Photo courtesy of CAC
Ongoing

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through December 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.

Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. For tickets, visit www.gssclightshow.com.

Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778

Thursday Jan. 28

Holiday Train Display

Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today through Dec 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820

Author Talk

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington welcomes acclaimed author/actress Illeana Douglas at 7 p.m. for enlightening discussion of her new book Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream House to Dark Suburbia as well as a screening of one of the movies featured in her book, The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster. In addition to the film screening and discussion, tickets will include a copy of Connecticut in the Movies and a book signing reception. Tickets are $40, $35 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming 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.

Friday Jan. 29

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 28 listing.

Friday Night Face Off

Friday Night Face Off, Long Island’s longest running Improv Comedy Show, returns to Theatre Three’s Second Stage, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson tonight at 10:30 p.m. Using audience suggestions, FNFO pits two teams of improvisers against each other in an all-out championship! Recommended for ages 16 and up, due to adult content. Tickets are $15 at the door – cash only. 631-928-9100

Saturday Jan. 30

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 28 listing.

Sunday Jan. 31

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 28 listing.

New Year’s Laughin’ Eve

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a New Year’s Laughin’ Eve at 6 p.m. (early bird show) or 8 p.m. with comedians Paul Anthony, Bryan McKenna, Maria Walsh and Chris Roach. Tickets are $65 for the early bird show, $75 for the prime time show. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

New Year’s Eve Comedy Night

Ring in the new year with laughs as the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown and Governor’s Comedy Clubs host a night of comedy on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. Stand-ups include Rich Vos, Bryan McKenna, Debbie D’Amore and Carla Oakerson. $80 per person includes an open bar of beer and wine, a selection of hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Monday Jan. 1

First Day Hike at Caumsett

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a habitat hike through the fields and forest of Caumsett to enjoy the history and nature of the park at 10 a.m. Please remember to dress warm and for rain, bring water. Meet at flagpole by office.  No registration necessary. Free. Call 631-423-1770 for further info.

First Day Hike at Sunken Meadow

Join the staff at Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park in kicking off the new year with a hike to explore Sunken Meadow State Park at 1:30 p.m. Take in the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound as you travel along the Sunken Meadow boardwalk and trails. Meet at Field 1, Park Office. Call 631-269-4333 for further details.

Tuesday Jan. 2

No events listed for this day.

Wednesday Jan. 3

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Jan. 4

Community Blood Drive

Mather Hospital, 75 North County Road Port Jefferson will host a blood drive in Conference Rooms A & B from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Save the date for Mather Hospital’s Jan. 4, 2024 blood drive. Blood donations and blood supplies are usually low after the holidays, so donations are needed early in the new year. Register by calling 1-800-933-2566.

THE ROLE OF THE FREE PRESS
Catch a screening of the political thriller ‘All the President’s Men’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on Jan. 4. Photo courtesy of CAC
Film

‘Con Air’

Cage Match! Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave. Huntington for a screening of Con Air on Dec. 29 at 9:30 p.m. When a group of the most dangerous and notorious prisoners in the U.S. penal system are transferred to a new super-maximum security facility, parolee Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) hitches a ride on their Con Air transport flight only to find himself embroiled in a meticulously planned midair hijacking masterminded by Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom (John Malkovich). Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘All the President’s Men’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of All the President’s Men on Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman, the film is based on the 1974 Pulitzer Prize–winning book of the same name which focuses firmly on the first five months of the Watergate scandal. Hosted by Wallace Matthews, former columnist for Newsday, the New York Post and ESPN. Tickets are $16, $10 members. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the  38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Farmers Markets

Huntington Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March (except Dec. 23 and Dec. 31). 631-470-9620

Port Jefferson Farmers Market

The Port Jefferson Winter Farmers Market returns to the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Jan. 7 to April 28. 631-802-2160

Vendors Wanted 

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

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METRO photo

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Dear Santa,

It’s that time of year again and, like so many others, I have a last-minute request. You are a model for kindness and generosity around the world, for which I’m grateful. I would like you to be a role model in another arena, as well — health.

Kids marvel at your round belly, which shakes when you laugh like a bowl full of jelly. They literally feed that belly by setting out cookies and other sweets for you on Christmas Eve to sustain you during your travels.

I have nothing against your round belly, but I’m concerned about the message it sends. We’re currently facing an epidemic of overweight kids and an ever-increasing number of children with type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, the percentage of U.S. children between ages 10 and 19 with type 2 diabetes nearly doubled from 2001 to 2017. You, Santa, with your influence, can help reverse this trend.

Obesity has a high risk of shortening your life span, not to mention affecting your quality of life. The most dangerous type of obesity is visceral adipose tissue, which means central belly fat. An easy way to tell if someone is too rotund is if their waistline, measured from the navel, is 40 inches or more for a man and 35 inches or more for a woman. Risks for pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer and heart disease increase dramatically with this increased fat.

Santa, here is your opportunity to lead by example — and, maybe fit back into that skinny tracksuit you’ve had in the back of your closet since the 16th century, when you were trim.

Think of the personal advantages of losing that extra belly weight. Your joints won’t ache with the winter cold; it will improve your posture, so your back doesn’t hurt as much; and you will have more energy. Plus, studies show that a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reverse clogged arteries and help you avoid strokes, heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease. With a simple change, like eating a small handful of raw nuts each day, you can reduce your heart disease risk significantly.

Losing weight will also change your center of gravity, which will make it easier for you to keep your balance on those steep, snowy rooftops. No one wants you to take a tumble and risk a broken bone – or worse.

Exercise will help, as well. Maybe this Christmas Eve, you could walk or jog alongside the sleigh for the first continent or so. During the “offseason” you and the elves could form small groups of workout buddies to keep each other on track with your workout goals. And who doesn’t love an impromptu game of tag with the reindeer? With time, you’ll start to tighten your abs and slowly see fat disappear from your midsection.

This might also make it easier to steal a base or two during the North Pole Athletic League’s Softball season. The elves don’t even bother holding you on base anymore, do they?

Of course, the cookies don’t help. You might take a cue from the reindeer, who love their raw carrots and celery. Broadcast that the modern Santa enjoys fruits, especially berries and veggies, with an emphasis on cruciferous veggies like broccoli florets dipped in humus, which have substantial antioxidant qualities and can help reverse disease.

And, of course, skip putting candy in our stockings. We don’t need more sugar, and I’m sure that, over the long night, it’s hard to resist sneaking a few pieces. Why not reduce the temptation? This will also help you minimize the waves of fatigue you feel as you pull your worldwide all-nighter.

As for your loyal fans, you could place active games under the tree. You and your elves could create an app or website with free workout videos for those of us who need them; we could follow along as you showed us “12 Days of Dance-Offs with Santa and Friends.”

You could gift athletic equipment, such as baseball gloves, footballs and basketballs, instead of video games. Or wearable devices that track step counts and bike routes. Or stuff gift certificates for dance lessons into people’s stockings.

As you become more active, you’ll find that you have more energy all year round, not just on Christmas Eve. If you start soon, Santa, maybe by next year, you’ll be able to park the sleigh farther away and skip from chimney to chimney.

The benefits of a healthier Santa will ripple across the world. Your reindeer won’t have to work as hard. You might fit extra presents in your sleigh. And Santa, you will be sending kids and adults the world over the right message about taking control of their health through nutrition and exercise. That’s the best gift you could give!

Wishing you good health in the coming year,

David

P.S. If you have a little extra room in your sleigh, I could use a new baseball bat. I know the Yankees need help, so I’ve been practicing.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com or consult your personal physician.

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Timothée Chalamet stars as chocolatier Willy Wonka. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Reviewed by Jeffrey Sanzel

Among British author Roald Dahl’s best-known children’s novels are James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Matilda, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. The hilarious but macabre tales garnered controversy for their darkness and violence, as well as racist and sexist bents. However, his work remains popular, with many stage and screen adaptations. Published in 1964, his ninth and most popular book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, followed a poor London boy, Charlie Bucket, and his venture in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. To date, over twenty million copies have been sold in fifty-five different languages. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes its place with classics such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Wind in the Willows, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. 

While Dahl vocally disliked the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, it remains a visually clever, entertaining, and original film. Gene Wilder’s enigmatic, eccentric, and underplayed Wonka contrasts smartly with Jack Albertson’s likably gruff Grandpa Joe and a group of excellent child actors supported by equally strong adults. The film does not ignore Dahl’s vision that children can be selfish and often reprehensible. Tim Burton’s divisive and polarizing 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory claimed to return to the Dahl’s original. But the unpleasant film was hampered by John August’s shrill script and Johnny Depp’s disturbing Michael Jackson-like Wonka.

Sam Mendes directed the stage musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in London’s West End, which ran for over three and a half years. However, the Broadway transfer barely eked out nine months. 

The prequel Wonka offers a technicolor glimpse into the early life of the inventor. Director Paul King (best known for the popular Paddington and Paddington 2 films) co-wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby. With a potential for a rich and exciting story, King and Farnaby deliver a pedestrian, often tedious, and surprisingly bland prequel.

Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka and Hugh Grant as Lofty the Oompa Loompa in a scene from ‘Wonka.’ Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Opening with the strains of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s “Pure Imagination,” Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) boisterously arrives in an unnamed European city. The magician-inventor-chocolatier aims to open a candy shop at the Galeries Gourmet. Quickly, the city bilks the eager youth of his pocketful of sovereigns. Additionally, he comes up against the city’s Chocolate Cartel: Arthur Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Gerald Prodnose (Matt Lucas), and Felix Ficklegruber (Mathew Baynton).

Broke, with no place to sleep, the brutish Bleacher (Tom Davis) guides Wonka to a boarding house run by the sly Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Coleman). Ignoring the fine print, Wonka signs a one-night contract that sentences the boy to work in Scrubitt’s prison-like laundry. There he meets other victims of the Scrubitt and Bleacher plot: orphan Noodle (Calah Lane), Abacus Crunch (Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter), plumber Piper Benz (Natasha Rothwell), switchboard operator Lottie Bell (Rakhee Thakrar), and failed standup comedian Larry Chucklesworth (Rich Fulcher). 

With Noodle’s support, Wonka hatches a scheme to sell illicit chocolate around the city, using the sewers as a means and mode. Eventually, the Cartel destroys Wonka’s legally established store on its opening day.

King and Farnaby have gathered the components of an entertaining, if by-the-numbers plot. However, rather than seeking novel inspirations, the story rehashes successful and more effective predecessors. Elements of Oliver!, Annie, Matilda, and Newsies are “borrowed.” Coleman wickedly chews the scenery, but the character is a clumsy hybrid of Miss Hannigan, Widow Corney, and even Les Misérables’ Madame Thenardier. Her cohort, Davis, is a Disney thug come to life. (Their relationship is not for the younger audience.) 

Wonka’s underground team means well but is given so little development the resolutions to their stories hardly register. The Cartel is an amusing trio, but their predictable bits wear thin. Keegan-Michael Key’s chocolate-addicted chief of police becomes a running fat joke, and Rowan Atkinson’s corrupt Father Julius is just another one of his clerical buffoons. (However, the singing monks make for a clever aside.) The CGI-ed Oompa-Loompa, Lofty, allows Hugh Grant to display his wonderfully wry style. Still, the Oompa-Loompa subplot barely registers and contradicts most of the known Dahl mythology of the diminutive tribe. 

And it is perhaps here where Wonka fails strongly: it lacks the flavor of Dahl’s brilliant, distinctly edgy, and wildly unpredictable world. Nothing separates the film from dozens of children’s movies that build to a caper ending (here, replete with a giraffe and flamingos). Neil Hannon’s original songs offer ersatz melodies and dull lyrics. (Clearly, King and Farnaby were not unaware of this: they use “Pure Imagination” as a finale and have even brought back the Oompa-Loompa song with new lyrics.) Even the visuals seem strangely muted.

As for Wonka’s center, Chalamet is not without charm, but his performance is nothing mercurial or unexpected. The spark that will catch fire to the later Wonka is absent. Whether he is miscast or it is a failure of the material itself (most likely a combination), Wonka must be more than just likable. He must be “more than.” And Chalamet, for all his warmth, is not Wonka.

The creators had an opportunity to give insight into one of the most intriguing icons of twentieth-century children’s literature and produce a bright, thrilling odyssey. While Wonka could have soared as Mary Poppins, it instead lands with the thud of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Rated PG, Wonka is now playing in local theaters.

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A DRIVE THRU DELIGHT The Riverhead Holiday Light Show in Calverton runs through Dec. 30.
Ongoing

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.

Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. Tickets are $15 per person, $12.50 for Girl Scouts. To order, visit www.gssclightshow.com.

Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778

Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Stroll through the streets of downtown Huntington to enjoy a Winter Wonderland   Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. now through Jan. 1, 2024. The festivities will include lights, farmers market, live music ice carving, Santa, holiday markets, and other  surprises. www.huntingtonholidayspectacular.com/events

Thursday Dec. 21

Sound Healing, Guided Meditation

North Shore Public Library, 250 Route 25A, Shoreham presents a Sound Healing and Guided Meditation program from 7 to 8 pm. Celebrate the season with tonal balancing using crystal singing bowls that produce powerful vibratory sound waves which resonate deeply within the body. Donna Nesteruk uses multiple instruments to create these meditative sounds that provide you with a restorative and relaxing. To register, please call the library at 631-929-4488.

Jazz Christmas Party

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook presents Nicole Zuraitis’ Jazz Christmas Party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis appears backed by a 17-piece big band ensemble to present classic holiday chestnuts to celebrate the season. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895

Friday Dec. 22

Tom Manuel’s Egg Nog Romp!

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave, Stony Brook presents Tom Manuel’s Egg Nog Romp from 7 to 9:30 p.m. featuring Tom Manuel on cornet. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students, $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org. 631-751-1895

‘Season of Light’ at the Vanderbilt

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport will show the holiday-themed Season of Light tonight at 8 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. Season of Light explores the reasons humans are so fascinated with lighting up their lives during the December holiday season. Tickets range from $14 to $17 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Saturday Dec. 23

‘Season of Light’ at the Vanderbilt

See Dec. 22 listing.

Caumsett Hike

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a History Hike from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Relax and socialize on this hilly, moderately paced 6-mile walk, as you make stops to discuss some spots of historic interest. Adults only. $4 per person. Call 631-423-1770 for reservations.

Sunday Dec. 24

CHRISTMAS EVE

Monday Dec. 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tuesday Dec. 26

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a Barbershop quartet concert, “Once Upon a Time,”  at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Holiday Train Display

Town of Brookhaven’s Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today, Dec. 27 through Dec 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820

Wednesday Dec. 27

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 26 listing.

Thursday Dec. 28

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 26 listing.

Author Talk

Illeana Douglas

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington welcomes acclaimed author/actress Illeana Douglas at 7 p.m. for enlightening discussion of her new book Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream House to Dark Suburbia as well as a screening of one of the movies featured in her book, The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster. In addition to the film screening and discussion, tickets will include a copy of Connecticut in the Movies and a book signing reception. Tickets are $40, $35 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Native American Drumming

All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook hosts an evening of Native American Drumming from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Led by elder drummer, Ric Statler, drumming meditation seeks to integrate the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of the human self, creating a state of well-being. 631-655-7798

Film

‘Die Hard’

Cinema Arts Centre presents a special Night Owl Cinema screening of Die Hard on Dec. 22 at 9:30 p.m. We dare you to say it’s not a Christmas movie!! It’s Christmas Eve, and New York Detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) is in L.A. visiting his estranged wife and children. At her holiday office party the festivities are interrupted by a group of German terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise and begin taking hostages. McClane is the only one who can save them from criminal mastermind Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Yippee-ki-yay mistletoers! Tickets are $15, $10 members, free for Young Film Fan Members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

A SYMBOL OF HOPE
Celebrate the holidays with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim at Theatre Three’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’ The show runs through Dec. 30. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots.com

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the  38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Vendors Wanted 

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

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SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum will give a special evening tour of the decorated Eagle’s Nest Mansion on Dec. 16. Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Museum
Ongoing

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton runs through Dec. 30. The largest drive-through light show in Suffolk County features dozens of dazzling displays to delight the entire family! Tickets can be purchased online at www.holidaylightshow.com.

Girl Scouts Holiday Light Show

The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County presents its 20th annual Girl Scout Holiday Light Show at Southaven County Park in Yaphank through December 30. This year, the light show will be a fully immersive, walk-through Enchanted Forest, which features 80 illuminated holiday-themed displays along with photos with Santa, picnics with s’mores, music, and games for visitors to enjoy. For tickets, visit www.gssclightshow.com.

Holiday Illuminations

The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 Main St., Smithtown presents Holiday Illuminations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Explore the Society’s grounds illuminated for the holiday season! Every half hour, the historical buildings will be brought to life with stunning visuals and animations, telling enchanting holiday tales. Food trucks, vendors, live music and a visit from Santa will add to the festive atmosphere. Tickets online are $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 children at www.holidayilluminations2023.com. 631-265-6768

Festival of Trees

Visit the Festival of Trees, a month long extravaganza to kick off the holiday shopping season, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson Dec. 1 through Jan. 2, 2024 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 473-4778

Thursday Dec. 14

Winter Secrets Walking Tour

Bundle up and enjoy the historical spirit of Stony Brook this winter with a Winter Secrets Walking Tour today at 9:50 a.m. or Dec. 15 at 1:50 p.m. Participants stroll Stony Brook Village to discover multiple wintry stories of Stony Brook Village. Learn about Arctic fever and the icy dramas surrounding Stony Brook Village artifact, the Polaris whaleboat; hear of turn-of-the-century holiday parties hosted by “upstairs” elite socialite Alida Chandler Emmet; discover the extraordinary history of Stony Brook Village’s fire department, and more! $25 per person. Participants receive a bottle of wine from Lakeside Wine Emotion with their purchase of ticket. Registration is required by calling 631-751-2244.

Garden of Lights

The spirit of the season has returned. Sachem Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook presents it’s 5th annual Garden of Lights: A Sky Full of Stars, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages, tonight and Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Experience a community-built walk-through light show for all ages. Free. 631-588-5024

Nutcracker Holiday Show

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will present its Nutcracker Holiday Show tonight, Dec. 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, one of the most often performed Jazz versions of the holiday classic. The show will feature The Jazz Loft’s 17-piece Big Band, led by Tom Manuel, and Danny Bacher on vocals. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $30 students and $25 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

Friday Dec. 15

Winter Secrets Walking Tour

See Dec. 14 listing.

Garden of Lights

See Dec. 14 listing.

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 14 listing.

Basket Auction Fundraiser

Enjoy a good time for a good cause as the Middle Country Special Education PTA hosts a Basket Auction Fundraiser at Centereach High School, 14-43rd Street, Centereach in its cafeteria at 6 p.m. with over 150 raffles, holiday music, face painting, games and giveaways. 631-285-8010

Victorian Holiday Walking Tour

Cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and join the staff at The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for a walk through the quaint, waterside village to explore the surprising Victorian origins of many modern holiday traditions tonight at 5 p.m. or Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. View historic buildings along Main Street and discover how local families gathered for Thanksgiving, made merry at Christmas, and rang in the New Year — and how those celebrations would have been very different for whalers out at sea! Recommended for ages 12 and over. Tickets are $15 per person at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418

Holiday Spectacular

Town of Brookhaven’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, returns to Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville tonight, Dec. 16 and Dec. 17; hours on Fridays and Saturdays are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Photos available with Santa for an additional fee; credit cards only, no cash accepted. Tickets must be purchased in advance at BrookhavenNY.gov/Holiday. 631-451-5330.

Saturday Dec. 16

Nutcracker Holiday Show

See Dec. 14 listing.

Holiday Spectacular

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Train Display

Longwood Estate, corner of Longwood Road and Smith Road, Ridge will host a Holiday Train Display today, Dec. 17, and Dec. 26 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in an “I Spy” game and try to find all the hidden items in the display. Free event. 631-924-1820

Santa on the Farm

Santa Claus is coming back by to Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville by popular demand. Meet the jolly fellow in the heated Woodland Hall today and Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as Long Island Game Farm transforms into a holiday wonderland. Feed deer in the park, meet Santa Claus, bring your camera to take treasured family photos, enjoy a craft table, and explore the holiday gift boutique — all included in the admission fee. 631-878-6644.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

One of the country’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 41st annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair, will return to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 200 exhibitors offer hand picked gift items including photography, textiles, soy candles, crafted jewelry, floral, organic soaps, country crafts and more. Free admission. 631-846-1459

Superheroes of the Sky 

Stop by Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for Superheroes of the Sky from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a walking tour with Jim while he feeds the Center’s Birds of Prey and tells you about their incredible adaptations that help them survive in the wild. You’ll be seeing and learning about a Bald Eagle, Turkey Vultures, owls, hawks and many more. $10 per adult, $5 per child (Under 12y), To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Long Island Yule Festival

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington, 109 Browns Road, Huntington hosts The Long Island Yule Festival, a celebration of the Winter Solstice, from noon to 6 p.m. with local vendors, cultural workshops, free activities such as holiday crafts and a storybook time for the kids, and visits from Krampus, The Yule Goat, Santa Claus and others. 631-609-5661

Sounds of the Season

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents its annual Sounds of the Season from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy special evening tours of the decorated Eagles Nest Mansion and be serenaded by timeless Bing Crosby melodies, relive President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Christmas Eve commemorations, and special holiday episodes of Suspense Radio. The Vanderbilt Mansion’s halls were decked by the Museum’s curators in collaboration with the Dix Hills, Centerport, Three Village, Asharoken, and Nathan Hale garden clubs. $15 tickets can be purchased at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Tricycle Holiday Concert

First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a special holiday concert featuring Tricycle, the Fortier family trio, with their band and special guests at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets only are $25 adults, $15 students at www.gpjac.org/special-concerts. 516-313-3838

Sunday Dec. 17

Victorian Holiday Walking Tour

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Spectacular

See Dec. 15 listing.

Holiday Train Display

See Dec. 16 listing.

Santa on the Farm

See Dec. 16 listing.

Selden Craft & Gift Fair

See Dec. 16 listing.

Winter Farmers Market

Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road North, Huntington Station hosts the Long Island Winter Farmers market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March. With over 35 vendors, some new and some returning, plus guest vendors through out the season. Come shop local for the month of December — there will be lots of gifts for the holidays!

Holiday Craft Fair

Backstage Studio of Dance, 200 Wilson Street, Port Jefferson hosts a Holiday Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with over 30 vendors offering arts, crafts, jewelry, homemade gifts, soaps, clothing, personalized items, baked goods, hair bows, crocheted items and so much more. 631-502-3643

Northport Walking Tour

Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport hosts a walking tour at 1:30 p.m. Local historian Dan Sheehan weaves the tale of Northport’s Historic Business District during this lively walking tour of Main Street. Travel back in time as you hear the stories of the people and landmarks that helped shape Northport, including Jack Kerouac, the Northport Oyster Barons, Rum Runners and the Trolley. All ages welcome. Cost is $7 per person. To register, visit www,northporthistorical.org.

Monday Dec. 18

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society presents their last lecture of the year at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. John G. Staudt will discuss Conserving Our Natural Resources: Theodore Roosevelt and his Use of Power. After becoming president in 1901, TR used his executive authority to establish 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks and 18 national monuments on over 230 million acres of public land. This talk explores the history of TR’s conservation legacy and addresses the question: What exactly is the role of the federal government in regard to the conservation of our natural resources? Free and open to all. Donations appreciated. 631-751-3730

Tuesday Dec. 19

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a discussion by Eileen Swanberg about genealogy investigation at the “Terryville Search Center.” Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Travel Presentation Club Meeting

The Travel Presentation Club will meet at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main Street, Setauket at 7 p.m. Malcolm and Waveney Bowman will make a presentation entitled “Explosive New Zealand: volcanoes and earthquakes.” Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Wednesday Dec. 20

No events listed for this day.

Thursday Dec. 21

No events listed for this day.

Film

Kubrick: A Cinematic Odyssey

From Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington will present a retrospective featuring some of Stanley Kubrick’s most iconic groundbreaking films: The Shining (Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.); 2001: A Space Odyssey (Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.); Paths of Glory (Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.); Lolita on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.); Barry Lyndon (Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.); and Eyes Wide Shut (Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.) Tickets are $15, $10 members at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Scrooge’

Join Celebrate St. James for a screening of Scrooge (1951) starring Alastair Sim at the St. James Calderone Theatre, 176 Second St., St. James on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. with informative commentary, light refreshments and fresh popcorn. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 seniors. To RSVP, call 631-984-0201 or visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Theater

‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23. Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $32 adults, $30 seniors, $28 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org. 

‘A Christmas Carol’

“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present, and future. Join them for the  38th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. Please note: No children under 5 are permitted. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Beauty and the Beast now through Jan. 7. This timeless story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self–but time is running out! If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

Dance

‘The Nutcracker’

Seiskaya Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. With guest artist Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet Principal dancer Madeleine Martufi (Sugar Plum). Tickets are $45 adults, $38 children and seniors. 631-632-ARTS, www.nutcrackerballet.com

‘Friend or Foe?’

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Smithtown presents its annual Spotlight Showcase 2023 “Friend Or Foe?” at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown on Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. Enjoy very different show dance numbers in which you’ll have to decide for yourself who’s a “friend or foe,” “black or white,” “yin and yang.” Just use your imagination to decide which side you are! Tickets are $50 per person, free for kids. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org

Vendors Wanted 

■ Town of Brookhaven seeks vendors for a Health Fair at Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville on Jan. 20, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 vendor registration fee. For an application, visit BrookhavenNY/gov/Health or call 631-451-6331.

Class Reunion

•Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

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