Tags Posts tagged with "Theater"

Theater

Up next at the Argyle Theatre, 34 West Main Street in Babylon, is six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man, directed by Evan Pappas, choreographed by David Grindrod, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Performances begin Thursday, July 10 and run through August 31.

The Music Man has been an American institution since it first marched onto Broadway in 1957. With book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, this family-friendly, feel-good musical is packed with rousing marches, heartwarming ballads, barbershop quartets, and a story that’s equal parts funny, romantic, and touching.

Set in River City, Iowa, the show follows fast-talking salesman Harold Hill as he cons the townsfolk into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he has no intention of organizing. But Harold’s schemes hit an unexpected chord when he falls for the town’s skeptical librarian, Marian Paroo—who may just teach him a thing or two about integrity, love, and the transformative power of music.

“The Music Man is joyous, nostalgic, and deeply human,” said Artistic Director and Director Evan Pappas. “It reminds us of the beauty in community and the magic that happens when we believe in something—even if it starts with a bit of mischief.”

The cast is led by Elliott Litherland* (Argyle’s: Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Opera North) as Harold Hill and Natalie Duncan* (International: The Sound of Music) as Marian Paroo, with Paul J. Hernandez (Disney Cruise: Frozen, Aladdin) as Marcellus Washburn, Steve McCoy* (National Tour: Monty Python’s Spamalot,) as Mayor Shinn, Bevin Bell-Hall (NYC: Swingtime Canteen) as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, Kara Mikula* (Off-Broadway: A Man of No Importance) as Mrs. Paroo, Evan K. Latta (Regional: Something Rotten) as Tommy Djilas, Katie Gwen Morris (Regional: A Christmas Carol: AGSOC) as Zaneeta, Chris Donovan (Argyle’s: Fiddler on the Roof) as Charlie Cowell. The ensemble features Ben Adair(Regional: Cabaret), Carlyn Barenholtz (Argyle’s Fiddler on the Roof), Evan Ellis Blackwell (National Tour: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas), Kyra Lynn Burke (National Tour: GIRLS NIGHT: The Musical, Argyle’s A Christmas Carol), Anna Anhui Chin (The New Jack Cole Dancers), Ollie Cirelli (Argyle’s: Bye Bye Birdie), Maya Jane Galipeau(Regional: West Side Story), Ayaan Geer (Regional: The Polar Express), Ben Hahn (Regional: Bye Bye Birdie), Shea Hager (Regional: The Wedding Singer), Jared Houde (Regional: Hairspray), Tim Hotchkin (NYC: Freedom’s Last Stand), Garrison Hunt (Argyle’s: A Christmas Carol the Musical, Beauty and the Beast), Coulby Jenkins (Regional: Rock of Ages, Argyles Fiddler on the Roof), Miranda Noelle Jones (Regional: No, No, Nanette), Madelynn Justice (Regional: Shrek),  Jessica Mae Murphy (Regional: The Miracle Worker), Tyler Renaud (Argyle’s: A Christmas Carol), with Saki Masuda* (National Tour: The King and I) as Dance Captain/Swing, Jackson Gifford (Regional: Charlie Brown Christmas) as Swing, and Nikki Rinaudo-Concessi (Regional: Argyle’s Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol) as Swing.

(*Members of Actors’ Equity Association)

The creative team includes Scenic Design by Elizabeth Olson, Lighting Design by David Sexton, Costume, Wig, Hair & Makeup Design by Amanda Scanze (with assistant Holly Romero), Sound Design by Kimberly O’Loughlin (with Peter Papangelopoulos, Assistant), Props Design by Callie Hester, and Music Coordination by Russell Brown. Daniel Vaughn* serves as Production Stage Manager, with Gabrielle P. Guagenti*, Katelyn Chiappone, and Gabby Duarte as Assistant Stage Managers. Technical Director is Pat Downes. Casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA.

Performance schedule is Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m,  Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.,  Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tickets for The Music Man range from $70 to $90 and may be purchased online at www.argyletheatre.com or by calling 631-230-3500.

Captain Corcoran (Chris Jurak, left) is shocked to learn that his daughter Josephine (Kara Vertucci) has fallen in love with common sailor Ralph Rackstraw (Aaron Mor) in a scene from the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island’s 2025 production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore.  (Photo by Delaney R. Page.  Copyright 2025 The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island.)

H.M.S. Pinafore, the classic comic opera that made Gilbert & Sullivan world famous almost 150 years ago, returns to Long Island in the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island’s all-new 2025 production, coming to the Star Playhouse at Suffolk Y/JCC on Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m., in a full production with orchestra and chorus.

Little Buttercup (Delaney R. Page) flirts with Captain Corcoran (Chris Jurak) in a scene from the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island’s 2025 production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore.  (Photo by Delaney R. Page.  Copyright 2025 The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island.)

H.M.S. Pinafore—which debuted in 1878, with book and lyrics by W.S. Gilbert and music by Arthur Sullivan—is among the most beloved of all the Gilbert & Sullivan operas, with its combination of sparkling lyrics, beautiful music and satirical dialogue.  The current production is the Light Opera Company’s first since 2015.

The comical plot centers on the love story of Josephine, the Captain’s heart-driven daughter, who is torn between devotion and duty. She is betrothed to the wealthy, high-ranking politician Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Navy (a post equivalent to the American Secretary of the Navy), but her heart yearns for the lowly, earnest and strangely eloquent sailor, Ralph Rackstraw. As the sinister Dick Deadeye warns them, love across the boundaries of rank is unheard of, but will he take measures to thwart the lovers? The love story is mirrored by the cheerful shipboard saleswoman Little Buttercup, who hints at a dark secret and a furtive love of her own. Can the Captain steer this ship safely through this maelstrom of emotion?

Anne Elise Teeling of Brooklyn sings Josephine and Aaron Mor of Forest Hills sings Ralph. Chris Jurak of Hempstead is Captain Corcoran, with Chris Diamond of Glen Cove as the supercilious Sir Joseph.  Ian Joyal of New Hyde Park plays the scheming Dick Deadeye, with Henry Horstmann of Lindenhurst as the good-natured Bos’n’s mate, and David Aubrey of Great Neck as the phlegmatic Carpenter’s Mate. Delaney R. Page of Lynbrook plays the secretive Little Buttercup, with Mary DeMarco Lee of Huntington as Sir Joseph’s bumptious Cousin Hebe. The director is David Macaluso and the music director is Northport’s Isabella Eredita Johnson, with Michael C. Haigler conducting.

H.M.S. Pinafore is buoyant,” says Macaluso, a Gilbert & Sullivan expert who has been seen frequently with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players and other companies. “It has an effervescent story with heart, and our talented cast brings these colorful characters to life through a trove of quintessential G&S songs. H.M.S. Pinafore was a global phenomenon when it premiered, and its combination of exciting music and comic wit have charmed audiences for 147 years, it’s as bright as ever. We’re having a great time polishing this gem.”

The score for HMS Pinafore is full of classics, ranging from Sir Joseph’s self-congratulatory “When I Was a Lad” to the Captain’s strutting “I Am the Captain of the Pinafore,” with its famous “What, never?  Well, hardly ever!” refrain.  There’s Ralph’s captivating “A Maiden Fair to See,” Josephine’s thrilling scena “The Hours Creep on Apace” and sailors’ close-harmony trio, “A British Tar Is a Soaring Soul” – not to mention Buttercup’s signature “I’m Called Little Buttercup” and the Bos’n’s patriotic “He Is an Englishman.”

“There’s something for everyone,” Macaluso concludes. “The real secret isn’t what Buttercup reveals at the end, the real secret is the way Gilbert and Sullivan seem to come together so closely that it’s as if the show was penned by one person.  H.M.S. Pinafore has been a favorite with American audiences since the day it premiered on these shores, and I think it always will be.”

H.M.S. Pinafore will be presented on Sunday, June 29 at 3 p.m. at the Star Playhouse at Suffolk Y/JCC, at 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack.

Admission is $35 for adults at the door (seniors/students $30), $30 for adults in advance (seniors/students $25).  For further information, call (516) 619-7415 or visit https://gaslocoli.org/tickets.

The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport continues its Main Stage season with a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29.

The beloved musical takes place on a South Pacific island during World War II where two love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. With songs such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” “Younger Than Spring-time,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” the show’s lush score contains some of the best songs ever written by Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Directed by Tony-nominated director, actor, and writer Hunter Foster, with musical direction by Kyle Dixon, the cast features Taylor Aronson as Nellie Forbush, Mike McGowan as Emile De Becque, Carol Angeli as Bloody Mary, Philip Bryan as Luther Billis, Malia Munley as Liat,  and Alec Nevin as Lt. Joseph Cable.

The cast also includes Ellie Baker, Madeline Benoit, Michael Bingham, JR Bruno, Peyton Cassity, Ylvie Cuisine, Maxime Detoledo, Joah Ditto, Travis Flynt, Tyler Gallaher, Mike Keller, Landon Koh, Leo London, Danny Maguire, Carmella Manapat, Vivica Powell, Kristin Tagg, Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez and Elizabeth Zhang.  

South Pacific‘s schedule includes Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $82 and may be purchased by calling 631-261-2900, going online at engemantheater.com, or visiting the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

 

 

Lloyd Harbor Elementary School’s recent production of “The Addams Family Musical” in the Cold Spring Harbor School District proved to be a resounding success, captivating audiences with its charm, wit and theatrical flair. Featuring a cast and crew of fifth and sixth grade students, the show brought the iconic Addams family to life in a spirited performance that showcased the incredible talent, creativity and dedication of the young performers.

With a perfect blend of spooky charm and heartwarming humor, the fifth and sixth grade cast and crew welcomed brave souls and curious mortals to a world where the creepy is endearing, the kooky is captivating and being different is something to celebrate. From the opening number to the final bow, the talented young performers delivered an incredible show filled with impressive singing, polished choreography and impeccable comedic timing.

The fan-favorite number, “Full Disclosure,” captured the spirit of the musical’s message – that even the strangest families can bond over dinner. And while the characters may have emerged from the cobwebs of Broadway, it was hard to believe these stars-in-the-making were only in elementary school.

Under the inspired direction of Jennifer Cové, the production shined with professional- level quality. The costumes, makeup and set design were extraordinary, while the backstage crew executed seamless scene changes with quiet precision and tireless dedication.

Bravo to the entire cast, crew and production team for embracing the eccentric, celebrating the macabre and reminding us all that there’s magic in the mysterious.

 

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in the Port Jefferson School District recently presented a production of Into The Woods from March 28 through March 30.

A Stephen Sondheim musical, Into The Woods debuted on Broadway in 1987 and intertwined the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, reimagining them as if they all took place at the same time. Vandermeulen High School presented the show through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

The Port Jefferson production, which was directed by Anthony Butera and narrated by Marlo Pepe, starred Gianna Vivano as Cinderella, Patrick Hutchinson as Jack, Albert Jack Peterson as the Baker, Rose Meliker-Hammock as the Baker’s Wife, Eve Cruz as Little Red Ridinghood, Victoria Snaden as the Witch, and Isabela Thornsen as Rapunzel.

Into The Woods is a show that I am incredibly proud of, and I know the cast and crew are too,” said Anthony Butera. “It was extremely special to share all of our hard work with the Port Jefferson community.”

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.

Hauppauge High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Department presented their production of “Mamma Mia!” from March 14-15, bringing ABBA’s timeless classics to the stage. 

“Mamma Mia!” follows Sophie, a young woman living on an idyllic Greek island who is about to marry her fiancé. She’s determined to have her father walk her down the aisle, but there’s one big problem: she doesn’t know who he is. Sophie embarks on a mission to uncover his identity, inviting three men from her mother’s past to her wedding, each of whom could potentially be her father. As the mystery unfolds, Sophie and her mother, Donna, learn valuable lessons about love, family and the journey to self-discovery. 

“The cast, crew and creative team poured their hearts into this production, dedicating countless hours to perfecting every song, dance and scene,” said Theater Director Jordan Hue. “Their passion, commitment and teamwork truly brought ‘Mamma Mia!’ to life in a way that was both joyful and unforgettable.” 

 

Menopause The Musical®
A  Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change

It’s back! Menopause the Musical returns to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from March 15 to April 6.

Come join the sisterhood! Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what more than 15 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for over 20 years!

Saturday March 15 2 PM

Sunday March 16 2 PM

Friday March 21 8 PM

Saturday March 22 8 PM

Sunday March 23 2 PM

Friday March 28 8 PM

Saturday March 29 8 PM

Sunday March 30 2 PM

Friday April 4 8 PM

Saturday April 5 2 PM

Saturday April 5 8 PM

Sunday April 6 2 PM

Tickets are $61.50, $56.50 seniors. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage season with Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show from March 1 to March 30.

From the heart of the songs of singer-songwriter Johnny Cash comes a unique musical show about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, home and family. RING OF FIRE captures America’s legendary Man in Black in an exhilarating, tuneful, foot-stomping celebration. His life story is told through the songs he composed, recorded, and shared with the world, including “Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” “The Man in Black,” and his final hit, “Hurt.

Come early and enjoy a cocktail or snack, downstairs at Griswold’s Cafe. Opening night, Saturday, March 1, will feature Me, Like Many performing your favorite country hits on the second stage from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The MainStage season continues with Wait Until Dark from April 18 to May 11 and Half Time from May 24 to June 22.

Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100, visit www.theatrethree.com or click here.

 

Zoe Abelson's serenading scene singing 'Take A Chance on Me'. Photo courtesy of CSHSD

Straight from the island of Kalokairi, this year’s Cold Spring Harbor High School musical delivered four unforgettable evenings of fast-paced performances and brilliant storytelling. From Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, audiences of all ages were treated to a fun-filled production of Mamma Mia! While bright costumes, talented vocals, and exciting dance scenes set the stage, it was the cast’s incredible chemistry that made this a spectacular performance. Based on songs recorded by Swedish group ABBA, the musical was clearly a cast favorite, featuring stand-out performances by seniors Zoe Abelson, Samantha Fiore, and Amelia Saladino.

From left, Zoe Abelson, Amelia Saladino and Samantha Fiore singing the encore of ‘Dancing Queen’. Photo courtesy of CSHSD

“I’ve been obsessed with Mamma Mia! and ABBA songs for years, so I was thrilled to find out it was my final musical at Cold Spring Harbor. The cast, stage and music came together better than I could have imagined,” said Zoe Abelson. “This year we had such a talented cast, including junior Sarah Thatcher who starred as Ellie, sophomore Charlotte Wells who played Tanya, and freshmen Max Yulico, Nick Apergis, and Andrew Bobelian who delivered amazing performances playing Sophie’s dads. I didn’t expect the last show to be so bittersweet. There was a lot of laughter but also a lot of tears. To my friends Samantha and Amelia, my cast and directors, I have loved every moment I spent with you. They were defining and something I will always treasure.”

Memorable performances include senior Zoe Abelson’s uplifting Chiquitita and hilarious rendition of Take a Chance on Me, senior Samantha Fiore’s charismatic Lay All Your Love on Me and energetic dance numbers like Gimme-Gimme-Gimme, and senior Amelia Saladino’s melancholy Slipping Through My Fingers and The Winner Takes It All.

Poster Perfect: Sophomore Charlotte Wells and seniors Zoe Abelson and Amelia Saladino. Photo courtesy of CSHSD

“I am exceptionally proud of our Cold Spring Harbor students in their performance of Mamma Mia! As the vocal director, I worked with the cast to learn an exceptionally high number of songs for one musical. Most songs had ensemble chorus as well, and the students took it in stride,” said Mr. Daniel Santangelo, chorus and theatre director. “They were able to achieve a great musical performance in addition to their acting and dancing. During the show, I wore a different hat as bassist in the pit and I was so glad to be able to contribute to the show and see it from that perspective. Bravi to the entire cast and crew!”

The encore of Dancing Queen inspired audiences to dance and sing along, and the performance of Super Trouper stole the show.

“I had a great experience conducting the pit this year. We brought back many previous musicians who have played for us, making it something of an all-star band,” said Mr. Andrew Hochler, band and wind ensemble teacher at Cold Spring Harbor High School. “It doesn’t hurt that I personally love the music of ABBA. The musical is one of my favorite things to do all year, and Mamma Mia! was no different!”

The Paul Taylor Dance Company will close out the season on May 3. Photo courtesy of Staller Center

By Rita J. Egan

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts has planned an upcoming spring season filled with diverse entertainment options, from music to dance to comedy and nights out on the town to family-fun experiences.

Season openers

STAR POWER: Two-time Tony® Award-winner Sutton Foster returns to the Staller Center on February 1. Photo courtesy of Staller Center

Alan Inkles, Staller Center director, said the season kicks off on the Main Stage with family fun on Sunday, Jan. 26. The circus act The Great DuBois, featuring Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy, will feature juggling, aerial stunts, comedy and more,

“It’s that time of year where it’s three weeks after the holidays are over, you’re looking for something to do, and I thought a nice family show would be a good time for that,” he said.

Later that week, on Saturday, Feb. 1, the venue will host its annual gala. This year will be An Evening with Sutton Foster, featuring the two-time Tony Award winner in her solo concert. Foster has released three studio albums that mix Broadway and jazz classics along with her own compositions.

Regarding Foster, who has starred in several Broadway productions, including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes and The Music Man, Inkles said, “No one is working harder or doing more shows.”

For the first time this year, gala attendees can purchase tickets for the show, a pre-concert dinner and a post-show dessert reception. As in previous years, they can also buy tickets for the show only or the show and reception. 

According to Inkles, the money raised from gala ticket sales helps to produce other Staller Center shows and to fund its educational outreach programs. This outreach includes making tickets available to underrepresented families and university students and bringing petting zoos to various schools, churches and libraries.

Let the music play

Among this season’s musical acts will be Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez on Feb. 15 with Voice and the Violin. The husband-and-wife act will play classical art songs and operas to show tunes and selections from Latinx composers. Mardi Gras will be celebrated on Feb. 21 in the Staller Center’s Recital Hall with New Orleans Songbook, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Melissa Errico, accompanied by prolific jazz pianist Billy Stritch, will return to the Staller Center on March 22 for a tribute concert honoring the late Stephen Sondheim. Inkles described Errico as the “quintessential singer of Steven Sondheim.”

The Tony nominee will interpret the songwriter’s works, including Send in the Clowns and Good Thing Going and offer insights into the stories behind the pieces.

“Every Broadway singer in the world knows if you want Sondheim, Melissa Eririco is your gal,” Inkles said.

Returning on April 2 is Starry Nights. Directed by Colin Carr, Stony Brook University Department of Music musicians will perform chamber selections, including the works of Schubert, Schoenberg and Schulhoff.

On April 14, the Emerson Legacy Series will perform with former Emerson String Quartet member Paul Watkins. While known for being a cellist, Watkins will be playing piano in the April show, accompanying soprano Christine Goerke. The night will feature classical and cabaret styles and also include Eugene Drucker on violin and Larry Dutton on viola.

Make them laugh

The Staller Center will present two comedy productions this season. The Comedy of Errors by The Acting Comedy, in conjunction with the nonprofit Play on Shakespeare, takes place on Feb. 8. The comedy incorporates mistaken identities with whimsical adventures.

Brooklyn native Chris Distefano will perform his comedy show on March 8. Inkles described the comedian, known for his work on MTV’s Guy Code and Girl Code, as charming and having a growing fan base and said the act is a relatively clean show.

More fun for the family

The month of March will end with the classic Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf on March 30. The Staller Center Outreach Ensemble, which includes SBU music department students, allows audience members to learn how each instrument represents a character in the tale. The student-actors will also mingle with ticket holders after the show, where attendees can try the instruments. Inkles said the play is a way to introduce young people to the arts. In addition to the performance on March 30, the following day, children from a few of Suffolk County’s school districts will attend free of charge. During the year, the outreach ensemble also performs at schools, senior centers and hospitals.

Circus company The 7 Fingers will present Duel Reality on April 11 and 12. The company blends circus, theater and dance. Inkles said the storyline is loosely based on Romeo and Juliet with two feuding families and includes stunts and illusions.

In addition to the circus element, Inkles said, “I think the adults will enjoy the story that’s going on behind it.”

Dancing feet 

The Syncopated Ladies, known for fusing storytelling with tap dancing and winning the first dance crew battle of So You Think You Can Dance, will perform at the Staller Center on March 14. The all-female tap group is choreographed by Emmy Award-nominated choreographer Chloé Arnold, who collaborated with Beyoncé in the past.

“This is going to be a phenomenal night,” Inkles said. “It’s really great for young people, and people who love tap.”  

A week later, on March 21, audiences can enjoy Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond, which features traditional Indian dances from classical to Bollywood hits. Inkles said the production includes approximately 30 to 40 dancers.

Inkles said the Staller Center has partnered with Indu Kaur, owner of Curry Club at SaGhar in Port Jefferson, to bundle a ticket to the show and dinner at the restaurant for $95.

“I want to get the Indian community to our show, and I want the American community, too, because I want them to see the culture,” Inkles said. “I really want this amazing Indian community to make sure they come to this and get to see the culture and share with our audience.”

The last dance performance and show of the Staller Center’s spring season will be on May 3 with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. The modern dance group will perform classics and new works.

And, more

Inkles said in addition to the Staller Center’s spring season, the venue hosts the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra; and offers the Met Opera: Live in HD series on the Main Stage screen and art exhibitions in the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery.

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts is located at 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. To order tickets, call the box office at 631-632-2787 or visit stallercenter.com.