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Ryan Van Nostrand

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A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three

By Heidi Sutton

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” So begins Theatre Three’s latest offering, Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show, a fitting tribute to the life and music of the Man in Black. The show opened to a full house last  Saturday night and did not disappoint. 

Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby, the musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2006 for a limited run before heading to community theaters. 

Expertly directed by Christine Boehm, the show at Theatre Three features over 30 of Cash’s most popular songs including Jackson, Ring of Fire, If I Were a Carpenter, Get Rhythm, and I Walk the Line, sung in quick succession over two hours by an incredibly talented cast — Tina Ann Aurora, Kyle M. Breitenbach, Jeffrey Hoffman, Michael Mandato, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Dan Schindlar and Ryan Van Nostrand — as the singer’s story is told.

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Cash drew inspiration from his life experiences and embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel, earning him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas in 1932, Johnny Cash was the fourth child of Carrie and Ray Cash. As the show progresses, we learn that he and his six siblings worked alongside their parents picking cotton on their farm. Tragedy strikes when his older brother Jack dies after been injured at work, an event that deeply affected Cash for the rest of his life.

We witness the first time the singer meets June Carter at the Grand Ole Opry and is instantly smitten. Several stints in jail inspire a series of “prison” songs including Folsom Prison Blues and Orleans Parish Prison and his struggles with drugs spur him to write Cocaine Blues.

Every song is executed beautifully and with gusto and each actor has a chance to shine, taking turns to sing the lead. Highlights include Breitenbach’s version of Delia’s Gone, Van Nostrand’s hilarious rendition of Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart and Man in Black by Mandato.

Special mention must be made of Schindlar’s A Boy Named Sue which tells the story of a young man’s quest for revenge on his father for naming him Sue before abandoning him. During the performance, Schindlar comes down from the stage to look for his “father” in the audience. A nice touch. 

As with any production, it takes a village to make it all come together perfectly.

While each cast member plays multiple instruments including guitar, violin, ukulele, piano, tambourine and flute, they are accompanied on stage by a backup band featuring Marni Harris on fiddle, John Dericco on guitar and mandolin, Dave Grudzinski and Ethan Mascarenas on bass and Don Larsen on drums.

The costumes, designed by Boehm, feature modest and demure country dresses, jeans and overalls in Act I but switch to sparkly and shiny new digs in Act II to reflect the progression of Cash’s career. Even the boots glitter! 

The impressive set, designed by Randall Parsons, resembles the inside of a barn with hints of the Grand Ole Opry. Each side of the stage features a lighted porch for seating and stained glass windows illuminate the background.

Don’t miss this wonderful show. You’ll be clapping along and tapping your feet and going home with a deeper appreciation of the legendary singer/songwriter and his impact on the world of music. The standing ovation at the end of the opening performance was most deserved. 

See trailer here.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show through March 30. Come early for a cocktail and snacks at Griswold’s Cafe. Proceeds benefit the refurbishment of the historic theater.

Mainstage performances continue with Wait Until Dark from April 18 to May 11 and the Long Island premiere of Half Time from May 24 to June. 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. 

Coming up at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage is the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays featuring the world premieres of seven  plays up close and personal from March 8 through April 5. Tickets are $25. 

To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
'Pinocchio' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

Theatre Three’s Children’s Theatre closes its summer season with Pinocchio, a musical for the entire family.

Based on Carolo Collodi’s late nineteenth century Italian novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio, the story has been seen on stage and screen, both in animated and live action versions. As with all Theatre Three children’s theatre, the company creates its own musical based on the original material. Pinocchio has a book by Jeffrey Sanzel, with new songs by Jeffrey Hoffman and Douglas J. Quattrock.

Anabelle (Emilia Guzzetta), underling apprentice fairy—third class, is assigned by Ondine, Queen of the Fairies (Ginger Dalton), to help an angry and withdrawn woodcarver, Geppetto (Steven Uihlein). 

After failing to change the recluse through song, the nervous fairy teams with the energetic and outgoing Cassandra, the Enchanted Cricket (Michelle LaBozzetta). Together, they enchant a stick of wood. Hearing the wood speak, Geppetto fashions it into a wooden companion, Pinocchio (Kiernan Urso). When they realize that the puppet is alive but lacks a sense of right and wrong, they cast a spell on his nose to grow when he does not tell the truth.

Meanwhile, two wily crooks—Carpacious Cat (Gina Lardi) and Ferdinand Fox (Ryan Van Nostrand)—set up their scam “Festival El Grande” to fleece the villagers. When they discover the magic wooden boy, the pair embark on yet another scheme. 

Along with the professional acting company, Pinocchio features two dozen students from Theatre Three’s Summer Dramatic Academy.

The score features the original songs “Lovely Thoughts,” “Bad Harmony,” “You Can Count on Me,” “Taran-Tella Da Truth,” “Put Tomorrow in Your Hands,” “Keep Your Chin Up and Smile,” and the calypso “Festival El Grande.”

The production is directed by Sanzel while  Quattrock and Hoffman, who musically directed, form the two-keyboard combo. Choreography is by Kiernan Urso, costume design is by Jason Allyn and Melissa Troxler is the production stage manager.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Pinocchio through Aug. 10. Running time is one hour with a 15 minute intermission. Photos with the cast are available in the lobby after the show. Final performances are Friday, August 9, at 11 a.m., and Saturday, August 10, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Children’s theater continues with Theatre Three’s annual productions of A Kooky Spooky Halloween from Oct. 5 to 19, and and Barnaby Saves Christmas from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. 

All seats are $12. Call the box office at 631-928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com for tickets and information. 

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The cast of 'Elephant & Piggie's We're In A Play!', from left, Victoria Acquavita, Lorelai Mucciolo, Aubrey Gulle, Ryan Van Nostrand, Kat Conway and Gabriella Fugon. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

While my daughter and I enjoyed reading Mo Willem’s Pigeon and Knuffle Bunny series, she was already seven years old when his Elephant and Piggie series came out in 2007. What a shame. Geared for younger audiences, the award-winning and best- selling children’s books are filled with the many fun adventures of Gerald the Elephant and his ‘bestus’ friend Piggie.

A sign on Main Street in Smithtown welcomes ticket holders to the show. Photo by Heidi Sutton

Now several of those stories make their way to the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society for an outdoor musical titled Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play! Presented by the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts (SPAC), the adorable show runs through July 29. 

With script and lyrics by Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, the show centers mostly around Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Book! but draws from other stories including I Am Invited to a Party!, Elephants Cannot Dance!, Should I Share My Ice Cream?, Listen to My Trumpet! and I Love My New Toy!

Featuring six extremely talented young adults, the production is performed in vignettes as Gerald and Piggie solve problems throughout the day and learn friendship etiquette with the help of The Squirrelles, Ice Cream Penguin and Delivery Dog.

They go to a party hosted by the Squirrelles, wear silly hats, learn a new dance, and share ice cream. Their perfect day turns sour when Gerald accidentally breaks Piggie’s new toy and her feelings get hurt. Will their friendship end? Will The Squirelles come to the rescue?

Children have their photo taken with the cast after last Sunday’s performance. Photo by Heidi Sutton

The whole experience is very relaxed and informal and you can bring your own lawn chairs or sit on folding chairs under tents. For many of the children it is their first experience at live theater and they have the option of sitting on a blanket in front of the stage or sitting with their family. Many at last Sunday’s performance danced along to the music and giggled at all the jokes. Snacks and drinks are also permitted.

Towards the end of the show the cast suddenly realizes they are in a play with a captive audience. In a grand finale, they invite the crowd to join in the fun by clapping, shouting out “banana” and doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance, a perfect ending to a wonderful afternoon.

Don’t forget your camera! – Stay after the show for a keepsake photo with the cast.

Cast:

Gerald: Ryan Van Nostrand

Piggie: Aubrey Gulle

Squirelles: Kat Conway, Gabriella Fugon & Lorelai Mucciolo

Delivery Doggie/Ice Cream Penguin: Victoria Acquavita

Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We’re In a Play’! will be held on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown through July 29. Running time is one hour with no intermission. Tickets are $18 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

 

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Michael Gualtieri in a scene from the show. Photo by Clicks by Courtney, LLC
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
A scene from 'High School Musical Jr' at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts

By Heidi Sutton

When High School Musical was released as a Disney Channel Original Movie in 2006 it was an instant success and its soundtrack became the best selling album of the year. Spinoffs quickly followed with two more films, a series on Disney Plus, several stage adaptations and a novel. 

Now the smash hit musical comes to life on the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts stage as High School Musical Jr., a condensed production that manages to include all of the wonderful scenes, dances and songs we have come to love.

Often described as a modern version of “Romeo and Juliet,” the show follows high school junior Gabriella Montez as she transfers to East High School the day after winter break. She tells her new friends about a boy she met at karaoke night on New Year’s Eve. Turns out he’s Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team. The two rekindle their friendship and find that they share a common interest — the theater. They decide to audition for the school play together.

The decision causes an uproar with their friends from different cliques who try to stop them. As if that weren’t enough, Troy’s father, who is also the basketball coach, is mad at him for not having his ‘head in the game’ and Drama Club President Sharpay Evans and her twin brother Ryan set out to sabotage them as well in their quest to win the lead roles. Will Gabriella and Troy succumb to peer pressure or will they remain steadfast and follow their dreams?

Directed by Courtney Braun Murano, Michael Gualtieri as Troy and Adrienne Porti as Gabriella lead a 23-member talented cast in retelling the story. From the first musical number, “Wildcat Cheer,” with its cartwheels and pom poms, to its grand finale, “We’re All in This Together,” the audience is transported to East High and all of the daily drama that comes with it.

The entire cast is superb with special mention of Ryan Van Nostrand who brings flair to the role of East High’s homeroom and drama teacher Ms. Darbus and steals the show. Van Nostrand also has the pleasure of delivering the best line — “Anything is possible in the theatre, Troy. There’s not a star in heaven you can’t reach, but you have to allow yourself to reach for it.”

Choreography is top notch, especially the big numbers like “Start of Something New” and “Getcha Head in the Game.” Costumes by Liz Honig are impressive, from the basketball team uniforms to Sharpay’s flashy outfits. Large panels with the school’s colors and mascot complete the picture.

The cast has poured their heart and soul into this family-friendly production and it shows in spades. Purchase a pair of pom poms in the lobby to cheer them on and to support this wonderful theater.

Cast (in alphabetical order): Gabby Blum, Logan Borre, Kieran Brown, Mairead Camas, Catherine Diakou, Julianne Donohue. Michael Gualtieri, Brody Hampson, Derek Hough, Max Lamberg, Emmerson Lebrecht, Kaylee Nguyen, Zach Podair, Adrienne Porti, Julie Ricotta, Alia Romanelli, Ryan Romanelli, Savannah Shaw, Amanda Sidman, Ari Spiegel, Ryan Van Nostrand, Emily Ann Weaver and Justin Walsh Weiner

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents High School Musical Jr. through May 15. Running time is one hour and 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission. All seats are $25. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

All photos courtesy of Clicks by Courtney, LLC

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Leah Kelly as Elsa sings 'Let It Go' in 'Frozen Jr.'
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? 'Frozen Jr.' is now playing at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Courtney Braun
Elena Grassi sings 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman?'
Lorelai Mucciolo sings 'For the First Time in Forever'
Brody Hampson and Lorelai Mucciolo sing 'Love Is an Open Door'
Lorelai Mucciolo in a scene from 'Frozen Jr.'
Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo star as Elsa and Anna.
Ryan Romanelli belts out 'In Summer'
Leah Kelly as Elsa in 'Frozen Jr.'
Derek Hough as Sven and Brody Hampson as Kristoff sing 'Reindeer(s) are Better Than People'
Leah Kelly in a scene from 'Frozen Jr.'

By Heidi Sutton

When Hans Christian Andersen penned “The Snow Queen” in 1844 he surely had no idea that his beautiful fairy tale would live on and serve as the inspiration for Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Frozen over 150 years later. The second highest-grossing animated movie of all time, (Frozen II is the highest) it has morphed into a Broadway musical, short films, Disney on Ice and everything in between.

Now the timeless tale heads to the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts Center for 29 performances in the form of Frozen Jr. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and book by Jennifer Lee, the show features all of the beloved songs from the animated film  along with a few fun new ones.

The story follows two sisters who are princesses in the kingdom of Arendelle. The eldest, Elsa, was born with magical powers that allow her to create ice and snow. As a young child, Elsa doesn’t know how to control her powers and while building a snowman she accidentally harms her sister Anna. Although Anna is healed by the mysterious Hidden Folk, their  parents decide it would be best to protect Anna by keeping the two apart. 

Anna, who has no memory of the accident, can’t understand why her sister avoids her. When the parents are lost at sea, Elsa stays in her room, keeping her secret hidden from her sister and the outside world.

Ten years have passed and it is time for Elsa to become Queen, but on coronation day her magic unintentionally brings an eternal winter to the kingdom. Accused of sorcery, she flees into the mountains to hide. Anna enlists the help of Kristoff the icemaker to help her find her sister and free Arendelle from the spell. Will she succeed?

Directed and choreographed by Courtney Braun with musical direction by Melissa Coyle, the production is polished from start to finish. Ranging in age from 8 to 17, the 24-member cast is extremely talented and clearly love what they are doing. Special mention must be made of Leah Kelly and Lorelai Mucciolo for standout performances in the role of Elsa and Anna.

Lorelai’s bubbly personality shines in “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time In Forever” and in her fun duet, “Love is An Open Door,” with Luke Hampson who plays the role of Hans. In contrast, Leah’s character is more reserved, fearful of the powers inside her, and carries herself like royalty. Her vocals are incredible and she literally brings the house down with her powerful number “Let It Go.” Both are perfectly cast.

Elena Grassi and Jillian Cerrato as Young Anna and Young Elsa and Riley Ferraro and Gabby Blum as Middle Anna and Middle Elsa set up the relationship between the two sisters perfectly. Much to the delight of the younger children in the audience, Olaf the Snowman (played by Ryan Romanelli) and Sven the reindeer (played by Derek Hough) make an appearance as well.

Costumes, designed by Chakira Doherty, are stunningly beautiful and her attention to detail is impeccable. Of special note is when Elsa changes costumes mid-song during “Let It Go” and turns into an ice queen with a beautiful blue shimmering dress, drawing gasps from the audience.

A nice addition is the animated projections on a screen depicting different locations in the Kingdom of Arendelle including the inside and outside of the castle, the snowy mountains and Elsa’s ice castle. Large panels on either side of the stage turn with the scenes and the lighting pulls it all together for a magical experience.

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts has gone all out in this production and it shows. The team has succeeded in bringing the the mystical world of Arendelle to life on the stage. If your child loves Frozen, they will love this show. And what’s better than live theater? Costumes are encouraged and booster seats are available. Meet Elsa and Anna in the lobby for a photo and pick up a Frozen souvenir on your way out.

The cast: Leah Kelly, Lorelai Mucciolo, Brody Hampson, Ryan Romanelli, Derek Hough, Luke Hampson, Ari Spiegel, Michael Gualtieri, Ryan Van Nostrand, Gabrielle Arroyo, Justin Walsh Weiner, Zachary Podair, Alia Romanelli, Elena Grassi, Jillian Cerrato, Gabby Blum, Dori Alghrim, Riley Ferraro, Adrienne Porti, Mairead Camas, Savannah Shaw, Sophia Weiner, Jonathan Setzer and Gianna Oppedisano. 

The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. through Jan. 17 with a special sensory sensitive performance on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. All seats are $25. To order, call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

All photos by Courtney Braun

 

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