A SIGN OF SPRING
These hardy snowdrops were spotted blooming in a wooded area on Mount-Sinai Coram Road in Mount Sinai on March 5, a sure sign that spring is right around the corner. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
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By Heidi Sutton
Fans of the classic movie The Wizard of Oz will fall in love with Theatre Three’s current children’s production, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz. Adapted from the stories of L. Frank Baum, the show, written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, features an original score, a clever script, and wonderful cast — Samantha Fierro, Danielle Pafundi, Steven Uihlein, Sean Amato, C.J. Russo, Louisa Bikowski, Stephanie Moreau, Liam Marsigliano and Kaitlyn Jehle with a special appearance by Shay Francis Feldman — who bring this magical story to life.
Dorothy Gale, chief editor of her high school newspaper, the Baum Bugle, is busy putting the paper to bed when a fierce storm blows in and knocks her to the ground. When she wakes up, she finds herself in Munchkinland. Her news stand has landed on the Wicked Witch of the East causing her demise, much to the delight of the Munchkins.
When the scary Wicked Witch of the West shows up, Dorothy is protected by Glinda the Good Witch who gives her those famous ruby slippers and sends her down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to find the Wizard of Oz who can help her get home. Along her journey, Dorothy meets a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tinman who yearns for a heart, and a Lion who longs for courage. The three join her on her quest and the adventure begins.
Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, all of the iconic scenes are here, from the talking apple trees, the enchanted poppies, to meeting the Wizard in the Emerald City, the flying monkeys, the Witch’s castle, the Winkies and the melting scene (what a world!). A nice touch is the flawless scene changes — each time Dorothy meets a new friend, they walk through the aisles of the theater (the yellow brick road) as the next scene is set up. The costumes by Jason Allyn are just perfect and the special effects are top notch. And did I mention there is a special surprise with four legs and a tail?
In the end, the show reminds us to be true to our hearts and that there truly is no place like home. Don’t miss this one. Stop by the lobby on your way out for a group photo with the cast.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz through March 18. Running time is 1 hour and 20 minutes with one intermission. Children’s theater continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 and Cinderella from May 27 to June 17. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
By Heidi Sutton
Each time I go to review a children’s show at Theatre Three I am amazed at what I witness; from the performance of an original musical, to the audience reaction, to the lessons that are learned, to meeting the cast at the end of the show. Last Saturday’s production of The House That Jack Built was no exception.
Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, the play features seven stories inspired by the Brothers Grimm and Aesop’s Fables. It originally opened in 2007 but has been revamped with a brand new score and dazzling lighting design. The end result is pure entertainment.
Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, and starring Sean Amato, Samantha Fierro, Jason Furnari, Kaitlyn Jehle, Danielle Pafundi and Steven Uihlein, the show opens where six friends are hanging out in a beach cottage on a rainy day. Bored, they decide to have some fun and after reciting the timeless nursery rhyme, The House That Jack Built, they invite the audience to visit “some special places to see some special faces.” They proceed to act out The Lion and the Mouse That Returned a Favor, The Fisherman and His Wife, The Town Mouse and Country Mouse, Henny Penny, Stubborn as a Mule, The Tortoise and the Hare and The Bremen Town Musicians.
While all of the stories are wonderful, one of the best is The Fisherman and His Wife where the fisherman (Jason Furnari) catches a magical fish (played to the hilt by Steven Uihlein) who agrees to grant him a wish if he is released back into the ocean. After wishing for a beautiful home, his wife (Danielle Pafundi) gets greedy and sends the fisherman back to ask for a castle, to be king and then to become the Lord of the Sun and the Moon. But it all ends with one too many wishes.
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse is almost too adorable for words. The Town Mouse (Steven Uihlein with a Brooklyn accent) visits his cousin (Samantha Fierro in a Southern accent) in the country but finds it very boring. Before leaving, he invites her to visit him in the city. Shortly after arriving, the Country Mouse is bombarded with sensory overload and dangers lurking at every turn. Oh, did I mention this story is acted out entirely in rhyme?
But the audience favorite hands down is the hilarious rendition of The Tortoise and the Hare. Bullied by the Hare (Sean Amato) “You have two speeds; slow and stop,” the Tortoise (Jason Furnari) challenges the Hare to a race. Sprinting through the theater, the Hare decides to take a nap in one of the seats. As much as they try, the audience cannot wake him and the tortoise, cheered on by the kids, meanders through the aisles and back on stage with a big grin to cross the finish line in slow motion. Great stuff.
The actors take turns narrating the stories while the remaining cast quickly changes costumes and act out the parts. A nice touch is the audience participation — helping to be waves in the ocean in A Fisherman and His Wife, and raising their index finger every time the actors say ‘I have an idea’ in The Bremen Town Musicians — which keep the young audience captivated at the edge of their seats.
Utilizing the mainstage set of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, superb lighting design by Steven Uihlein, original rap songs arranged by Ryan Alvarado, expert piano accompaniment by Douglas J. Quattrock and the cute costumes by Jason Allyn tie everything together.
Funny, clever , brilliant and beautifully executed, The House That Jack Built is not to be missed. Your children are guaranteed to love it.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents The House That Jack Built through Feb. 4. Running time is one hour and 20 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. Children’s theater continues with Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz from Feb. 22 to March 18, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 5 to 29 and the classic fairytale Cinderella from May 27 to June 17. All seats are $10. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
By Heidi Sutton
Sometimes when your inner chocolate lover comes out, it’s time for a chocolate cookie. The following recipe for “Flourless Chocolate Cookies” from Danielle Rye’s “Live Well Bake Cookies: 75 Classic Cookie Recipes for Every Occasion” (Rock Point) offers the added benefit of being flourless. That means that even those with gluten allergies or intolerances can indulge.
What if you could replicate the taste of hot chocolate in a cookie? That’s just what happens with the next recipe for “Hot Chocolate Cookies” courtesy of creator Rachel Perry and American Lifestyle magazine. Enjoy them on their own, or paired with a mug of hot cocoa.
Flourless Chocolate Cookies
YIELD: Makes 24 to 36 cookies
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups powdered sugar
3⁄4 natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1⁄2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 large egg, at room temperature
11⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder together, then whisk in the instant espresso powder (if using) and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set. Remove from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
YIELD: Makes 24 cookies
INGREDIENTS:
1⁄2 cup butter
1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips
11⁄4 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
11⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 large marshmallows, sliced in half
DIRECTIONS:
Place the butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat on high for 1 minute. Stir, and then heat for 30 seconds; repeat until chocolate is melted. Beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together on medium speed, and then blend in the chocolate mixture. Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix on low until combined. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 325 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 12 tablespoons of dough onto each cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, remove from oven, and top each cookie with 1 piece of chocolate and 1 piece of marshmallow. Bake for another 4 minutes, and let cool for 5 minutes before placing on wire racks to cool completely.
By Heidi Sutton
Theatre Three continues its 52nd season with a lovely production of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club. The show opened last Saturday and runs through Feb 4.
Written by Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, the play features five very different Southern women who begin a friendship on their college swim team and make a pact to get together one weekend in August every year to catch up on their lives. For over 50 years, they meet at the same oceanfront beach cottage, the “Sweet Delilah,” on North Carolina’s Outer Banks for conversation, drinks, dinner and a dip in the ocean.
The audience is treated to four of these reunions — the first is 22 years after their college graduation, the second and third 5 years apart, and a final visit to the cottage before it is to be demolished 23 years later.
Expertly directed by Linda May and armed with a cleverly written script, the cast is superb and put on a beautiful show.
Tamralynn Dorsa is perfect as Sheree Hollinger, the perennial team captain who is always governing the group, from serving healthy mung bean appetizers that the others quickly dispose of in a houseplant, to distributing a written itinerary for the week and even packing her friends’ suitcases.
Stephanie Moreau is incredible as event planner Lexie Richards, the four-time divorcee who has her plastic surgeon on speed dial and is always on the lookout for the next cute guy to come along (think Samantha Jones from Sex in the City).
Lori Beth Belkin plays workaholic (and perhaps alcoholic) Dinah Grayson who has put her successful career as an attorney before her personal life and now has regrets. Armed with a dry martini, her character delivers some of the funniest lines in the show.
We see the most change in Elizabeth Ladd’s character, Jeri Neal McFeeley, aka Sister Mary Esther, who goes from being a nun to a single mother at age 44 and then finds the man of her dreams to spend the rest of her life with.
Suzie Dunn is outstanding as school teacher Vernadette Simms. Bad luck seems to follow her everywhere and she appears in each scene with a different cast. She also shares tales of her dysfunctional family, from an abusive husband to a jailbird son. Her appearance in the last scene suffering from dementia is one of the most poignant in the show.
The set, a cozy beach cottage designed by Randall Parsons; period costumes and wigs by Jason Allyn; and sound effects by Tim Haggerty tie everything together nicely. Grab the girlfriends, a box of tissues, and catch a performance of this hilarious and touching show before it’s gone.
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Sweet Delilah Swim Club on the Mainstage through Feb. 4. The season continues with Side By Side By Sondheim from Feb. 18 to March 18, Pride @ Prejudice from April 7 to May 6, and Something Rotten! from May 20 to June 24. Tickets are$35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
See trailer here:
By Heidi Sutton
‘Tis the season for frost and snow, which means coming downstairs in the morning to a chilly home. One way to rally the troops out of bed when it’s cold and snowy is to reward them with a sweet breakfast. Classic crepes, Belgian-style waffles or homemade muffins can be just what’s needed on blustery days.
Classic Crepes
YIELD: Makes 10 crepes
INGREDIENTS:
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon fine salt
Confectioner’s sugar(optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine first six ingredients in a large bowl. Heat an 8-inch (or larger) nonstick pan over medium heat. Add 1⁄2 teaspoon butter to coat the bottom of the pan. Pour 1⁄3 cup batter into the center of the pan and swirl to spread evenly. Once the bottom side is golden in color, flip it with a spatula and cook the other side for about 15 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding 1⁄2 teaspoon of butter/oil for every crepe. If the batter thickens over time, add a little milk. You can keep the ready ones warm on a plate in the oven at low temperature. Spread each crepe with jam (or filling of your choice) and roll it from one side to the other. Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving if desired.
Belgian-Style Waffles
YIELD: Makes 8 waffles
INGREDIENTS:
8 waffles
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
Combine flour, sugar baking powder and salt in bowl; mix well. Combine milk, melted butter, eggs and vanilla in another bowl; mix well. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Cook batter in Belgian waffle maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup, or desired toppings.
Triple Chocolate Muffins
YIELD: Makes 12 muffins
INGREDIENTS:
1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1⁄2 cup white chocolate chips
2 large eggs beaten
1 1⁄4 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl. Add the semisweet and white chocolate chips, and stir. Place the eggs, sour cream, sugar, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl, and mix well. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined.
Using two spoons, divide the batter evenly among the paper liners and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until well risen and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and serve warm, or place on a cooling rack and let cool.
By Heidi Sutton
At this year’s holiday gatherings, you can put together a showstopping menu from the beginning of the party to the final bite with mouthwatering recipes that bring guests back for more. Start with some savory appetizers, enjoy an elegant main course with an award-winning side dish, and top it off with a sweet cocktail and delectable dessert.
Holiday Mini Meatball Skewers
Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans
Makes 12 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh zucchini, grated
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small yellow onion, diced 1/2 inch
2 red bell peppers, diced 1/2 inch
2 green bell peppers, diced 1/2 inch
12 skewers (6 inches)
1 can (16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 F. In medium bowl, lightly mix ground beef, zucchini, egg, salt and pepper until thoroughly combined. Shape into 24 1-inch meatballs. Alternately thread meatballs, onions, red peppers and green peppers onto skewers. Place skewers on shallow-rimmed baking sheet. Bake 22-25 minutes, or until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meatball registers 160 F.
To make cranberry barbecue sauce: In medium saucepan, combine cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce; simmer 5 minutes, or until flavors blend. Drizzle sauce over skewers or serve as dipping sauce.
Classic Beef Wellington
Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 chateaubriand tenderloin roast
8 ounces mushrooms
1 large shallot
2 tablespoons dry red wine
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
flour
1 sheet puff pastry
DIRECTIONS:
In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 teaspoon oil until hot. Combine salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Press evenly onto all surfaces of roast. Place roast in skillet; brown evenly. Remove roast from skillet. Heat oven to 425 F. In food processor, pulse mushrooms and shallot about 10 times until finely chopped. Do not overprocess. Place same skillet used for roast over medium-high heat and heat remaining oil until hot. Add mushrooms and shallot; cook 4-6 minutes until tender and all liquid is evaporated, stirring often. Add wine; cook 2-3 minutes until all liquid is evaporated. Stir in mustard, thyme and remaining pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet to medium bowl; cool.
Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place in oven. On lightly floured cutting board, unfold pastry dough. Roll pastry out to 12-by-9-inch rectangle; lay dough with shortest edge toward you. Spread mushroom mixture onto pastry dough, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Place roast in center of mushrooms. Fold pastry dough neatly around roast, stretching dough if necessary. Cut off excess pastry dough; press to seal overlapping edges.
Remove baking sheet from oven and dust lightly with flour. Place pastry-wrapped roast, seam-side down, on baking sheet. Cut four (2-inch) vents in top of pastry. Bake 35-50 minutes, or until golden brown and instant-read thermometer inserted into center of roast registers 135 F for medium-rare or 150 F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board. Let stand 10 minutes. Temperature will rise about 10 F to reach 145 F for medium-rare or 160F for medium. Carve into slices and serve.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple
Recipe courtesy of Susan McGreevy of Port Jefferson Station, who was recently awarded a blue ribbon for this side dish by Just a Pinch Recipes
Makes 8 servings
“Not too many people like Brussels sprouts, but I happen to love them. I have made a believer out of them with this recipe. I always make it for special dinners.”
View the recipe here.
Espresso Martini
Recipe courtesy of the Beverage Team at Mirabelle Restaurant in Stony Brook
Makes 1 serving
INGREDIENTS:
1.5 oz Titos Vodka
1.5 oz Black Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Fresh Espresso
1 oz Vanilla Simple Syrup
3 espresso coffee beans for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Shake over ice and strain into martini glass.
Guy Reuge’s Ginger Almond Tart Mirabelle
Recipe courtesy of Chef Guy Reuge
Makes 8 servings
“This pie is part of the early history of Mirabelle. I created the recipe for our dessert list when the restaurant opened in 1983. The recipe has been printed many times, and still today my customers ask for it…so I keep it on the menu. Personally, I love it with a cup of great coffee; it just goes well together.”
Pâte sablée (pastry dough)
INGREDIENTS:
4 ounces confectioners’ sugar
8 ½ ounces all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
4 ½ ounces butter, chopped into small cubes
1 egg
DIRECTIONS:
In a the bowl of an electric mixer (such as a Kitchenaid) fitted with the paddle combine the confectioners’ sugar, flour, salt, butter, and egg. Form the dough into a ball and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Roll out the dough 1/8-inch thick to fit a 10-inch tart shell mold. Fit the dough into the tart mold and freeze it for 1 hour before baking. Bake the tart shell in a preheated 325 F. oven for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and reserve it.
Ginger Almond Filling
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound light brown sugar
1 cup blanched sliced almonds
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot
6 ounces unsalted butter
4 large egg yolks
confectioners’ sugar for dusting the top of the tart
unsweetened whipped cream
DIRECTIONS:
In a saucepan combine the brown sugar, almonds, cream, grated gingerroot, and butter, cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it is liquefied but not too hot. Rapidly stir in the egg yolks. Pour the mixture into the reserved tart shell and bake it in a preheated 240 F. oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it is semi-firm and the top looks shiny. Remove the tart and let it cool for at least 3 hours before unmolding. Sprinkle the tart with the confectioners’ sugar and slice it into 8 pieces. Serve each slice with the unsweetened whipped cream.
By Heidi Sutton
Tradition plays a big role during the holiday season. Food is at the center of many families’ traditions, which may include big family dinners and Sunday brunches together.
Holiday baking sessions also hold a sacred spot in many households. Such sessions are a great opportunity for adults and children to have some fun in the kitchen and create some tasty treats the whole family can enjoy.
Baked goods devotees may find it hard to imagine the holidays without gingerbread, and this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s Tartine cookbook (Chronicle Books) can ensure the whole family enjoys this holiday season staple.
Soft Glazed Gingerbread
YIELD: Makes 12 to 20 cookies
INGREDIENTS:
Dough
3 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
11⁄2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
11⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1⁄2 cup dark molasses
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Glaze
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons water
DIRECTIONS:
To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Add the egg and mix well.
Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner. Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. Roll out the dough 1⁄3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth.
When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. Do not freeze.
By Heidi Sutton
Creativity is in full display in the Village of Port Jefferson as more than 20 businesses take part in a Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Shoppers can vote for their favorite window display at any of the participating businesses or by scanning the QR code on the flyer located outside the store.
Participating businesses include The Amazing Olive, Breathe, Century 21 Icon, Curry Club Saghar, Fedora Lounge, Fetch Doggy Boutique, Fame and Rebel, Lavender and Co., Organically Connected Dispensary and Kombucha Tap Bar, Luna Nova, Pattern Finders, Port Jeff Salt Cave, Pasta Pasta, Pattern Finders, The Spice and Tea Exchange, SkinMed Spa, The SoapBox, Sue La La Couture, Tabu Boutique, Torte Jeff Pie Co., The East End Shirt Company, The Smokin’ Gentleman and WILD Plant Shop. Winners will be announced in the first week of January, 2023.
The festive event is sponsored by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 631-473-1414.
Photos by Heidi Sutton
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, 2023 (except Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 473-4778.
Garden of Lights
The spirit of the season has returned to Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook with the Garden of Lights, a community-built walk-through light show for all ages tonight and Dec. 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Call 588-5024.
Book signing in East Northport
Barnes and Noble, 4000 Jericho Turnpike, East Northport hosts a book signing with Hilary Topper, three-time author, business owner, and now endurance athlete, at 7 p.m. Topper will discuss her latest book, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete — A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete followed by a Q&A and book signing. Call 462-0208.
Garden of Lights
See Dec. 15 listing.
Holiday Light Spectacular
Brookhaven Town’s Holiday Spectacular, an indoor, walk-through holiday light show, continues tonight and Dec. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m and Dec. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville. Walk through the winter wonderland of lighted, festive displays, before stopping to take a photos with Santa in his workshop. Admission to this event is $10 per adult; $8 for seniors, veterans and children under 12; children 3 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brookhavenny.gov. All proceeds benefit the Holtsville Ecology Site. Call 451-5330.
Winter Lantern Festival
The Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown celebrates the holiday season with Suffolk County’s FIRST immersive Winter Lantern Festival tonight, Dec. 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 8, 2023. The walk-through holiday light show will feature lanterns and displays in the shape of flowers, mushrooms, farm animals, dinosaurs and many more, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication to their craft. Tickets are $22 per person, $12 ages 3 to 12. To order, visit https://www.showclix.com/tickets/suffolk-winter-lantern-festival. Call 265-6768.
Third Friday at the Reboli Center
Join the Reboli Center for Art & History, 64 Main St.. Stony Brook for an artist reception for its newest exhibit, Celebrate the Season, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments and music. Call 751-7707.
Holiday concert
St. John the Baptist Church, 1488 North Country Road, Wading River hosts a holiday concert by the North Shore Community Band at 7:30 p.m. Join them for musical comfort and joy. Selections will include your Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. Admission is free and enjoyment is guaranteed. Visit www.nscbli.org.
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 16 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 16 listing.
Selden Craft & Gift Fair
One of the country’s longest continuously running indoor craft fairs, the 39th annual Selden Craft & Gift Fair heads to Newfield High School, 145 Marshall Drive, Selden today and Dec. 18 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. Call 846-1459.
Holiday Walking Tours
The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents Holiday Walking Tours today and Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. These educator-led tours through historic Cold Spring Harbor village will explore Victorian seasonal traditions in the 19th century. Participants will learn about how local homes and businesses celebrated holidays in December. Hot chocolate will be served inside the museum’s workshop at the start of the tour while participants arrive. The tour starts on the pavement outside of the museum. Tickets are $15 per person. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org or call 367-3418.
Harbor House West Shore , 8 West Shore Road, Huntington invites the community to a leg lamp lighting featuring the iconic leg lamp from A Christmas Story at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to bring a non perishable food item which will be donated to the local pantry. Call 470-4955.
Jazz Nativity Holiday Show
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will premiere a new holiday show called Jazz Nativity at 7 p.m. This candlelight nativity service will feature the Biblical Christmas story with a jazz tentet and Metropolitan Opera soprano Susanna Phillips. This performance, based on Wynton Marsalis’ arrangements of Christmas jazz classics, will include an impressive lineup of jazz artists teamed up with guest narrators. Tickets are $35, $30 seniors; $25 students, $20 for children at www.thejazzloft.org.
St. James Winter Walk
St. James Community Association invites the community to take part in a Holiday Winter Walk along Lake Avenue from Moriches Road to Woodlawn Ave. from 3 to 9 p.m. Enjoy Chorus Line performances, Santa at Celebrate Park, carriage rides, music by the Sts Philip and James Choir and Smithtown School District and more.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, tonight, Dec. 18 and Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library. The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 children ages 12 and under at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Spotlight Dance Show
Fred Astaire Dance Studios will hold their annual Spotlight Dance Show at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown at 6 p.m. Titled “Peace Around the Earth,” the show will deliver the importance of many global topics such as justice, racism, human rights, religion, fairness, equality, respect, freedom and peace. A huge part of the show is dedicated to the bravery of The People of Ukraine during the current Russian invasion. Tickets are $50 adults, $25 children with all proceeds to be donated to support the People of Ukraine in need due to the Russian invasion. To purchase, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Tricycle Holiday Show
First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson hosts a special holiday concert by the Tricycle Trio — Andie, Andrew and Cole Fortier — at 7:30 p.m. Join them for a night of music, love, family and friends. Presented by the Greater Port Jeff-North Brookhaven Arts Council. Tickets are $25, $10 students in advance only at www.gpjac.org.
Chamber Music Concert
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a chamber concert at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a live performance by a string quartet under the stars of the Reichert Planetarium. Talented musicians from Long Island Chamber Music will play a selection of pieces composed by Bach, Ravel, Sibelius, and more. Beautiful panoramic views of the stars projected onto the 60-foot planetarium dome will complement the music. Tickets are $30 per person at www.vanderbiltmuseumm.org.
Holiday Light Spectacular
See Dec. 16 listing.
Winter Lantern Festival
See Dec. 16 listing.
Selden Craft & Gift Fair
See Dec. 17 listing.
Holiday Walking Tours
See Dec. 17 listing.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 17 listing.
Huntington Winter Farmers Market
The John J. Flanagan Center, 423 Park Ave., Huntington hosts the Huntington Winter Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March with over 40 vendors plus guest vendors. Visit www.longislandfarmersmarkets.com.
Winter FUNderland at the NHS
The holidays are here and the Northport Historical Museum, 215 Main St. Northport has been transformed into a Winter FUNderland starting at 1 p.m. with holiday craft stations by the Society’s Education Committee, gingerbread house crafting with SweetArts, hot cocoa and cookies provided by The Northport Chamber of Commerce, reading of the Night Before Christmas by Northport Mayor Donna Koch, photos with Santa and more! For all ages. $5 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Northport Walking Tour
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for its final Parading Down Main Street walking tour of the year at 1:30 p.m. Tour guide Dan Sheehan makes the past come alive during this lively and informative walking tour of Northport’s historic Main Street business district. $7 per person. Register at www.northporthistorical.org.
Stanton Street Trio in concert – just added!
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes the Stanton Street Trio (Stanton Anderson Band acoustic) in concert at 3 p.m. An offshoot of the legendary Stanton Anderson Band, members Larry Luby, Tom Pecoraro & Mark Fowler will be performing acoustic versions of SAB originals spanning almost 50 years.The performance is free with admission to the museum. Call 689-5888.
Greenlawn Christmas Tree Lighting
The First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn invites the community to a Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Sing at 5 p.m. After the tree lighting, come inside and enjoy Christmas carols, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and some surprises! Call 261-2150.
Chanukah Comedy Night
The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills hosts a Comedy Night at 7 p.m. Join them to celebrate Chanukah with comedian Gary Vider (of AGT fame). Enjoy an evening out with friends including Menorah lighting, appetizers, donuts and a latke bar. $25 per person. RSVP at www.thechaicenter.com. Call 351-8672 for more info.
Travel Presentation Club – just added!
The Travel Presentation Club will meet at the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. Jason Platt will make a presentation on the Galápagos Islands. All are welcome. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
The Menorah and the Mentalist
Chabad of Mid Suffolk, 318 Veterans Highway, Commack will host an adult Chanukah Social titled The Menorah & the Mentalist, at 7 p.m. with a live performance by Israeli Master Mentalist Eran Biderman, Menorah Lighting 4th candle, appetizers, drinks, sushi and fine wines. $36 per person. To register, visit www.chabadmidsuffolk.com/RSVP.
Hard Luck Café Concert
Long Island-based singer-songwriters Pete Mancini, Nico Padden, Rorie Kelly, and Delaney Hafener of The Belle Curves will share the bill and swap songs during the monthly Hard Luck Café series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington, in the Cinema’s Sky Room from 7 to 10 p.m. An open mic precedes the concert. Tickets are $20 at www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Bright Lights at the Vanderbilt
See Dec. 17 listing.
Live Nativity
One night only! Caroline Church of Brookhaven, One Dyke Road, Setauket will host a live nativity with animals at the Carriage Shed from 5 to 8 p.m. with hot beverages and Christmas carols. Free. All ages welcome. Call 941-4245 or visit www.carolinechurch.net.
Native American Drumming
All Souls Parish House, 10 Mill Pond Road, Stony Brook will host an evening of Native American Drumming Meditation 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.
‘A Christmas Carol’
Join the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport for a Movie at the Museum special screening of the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, (1951) starring Alastair Sim on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Refreshments and light fare will be served. Ages 21 and over only. $8 per person. Registration required by visiting www.northporthistorical.org.
‘Meet Me in St. Louis’
The Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Best of the Big Screen series with a screening of Meet Me in St. Louis on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary star Judy Garland. Beginning in the summer of 1903 and ending in the following spring, the film chronicles a very busy year in the lives of the Smith family amidst the excitement leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair. Tickets are $15. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
‘A Christmas Carol’
“I will honor Christmas in my heart…” Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for its 38th annual production of A Christmas Carol in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit. from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30. Follow the miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey that teaches him the true meaning of Christmas — past, present and future. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Nutcracker’
A perennial favorite, Seiskaya Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook for five performances from Dec. 17 to 19. The cast will be led by guest artist, Max Lippman (Cavalier) and Seiskaya Ballet’s award winning principal dancers Maya Butkevich, Vivian Ye and Madeleine Martufi plus returning principal dancers Brianna Jimenez, Diana Atoian and Eva Pyrros. Tickets range from $34 to $40. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
‘A Christmas Story’
The John W. Engeman Theater presents A Christmas Story, The Musical from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Nine-year-old Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. Based on the beloved movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical is the perfect holiday gift for the entire family! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Northport Nutcracker Ballet’
Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road Northport hosts the Posey Dance Company’s production of the Northport Nutcracker Ballet on Dec 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call 757-2700 or visit www.poseyschoolofdance.com.
All phone number are in (631) area code unless otherwise noted.
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