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A scene from 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical.' Photo courtesy of John W. Engeman Theater
Engeman Theater brings beloved book series to life on stage

By Julianne Mosher

“Zoo-Wee Mama!” The Long Island premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical at The John W. Engeman Theater  in Northport sure does have an animal heart. Full of laughter, love and just a hint of silliness, this one is perfect to bring the kids to. 

Michael Deaner as Greg Heffley in ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’. Photo from John W. Engeman Theater

Directed by Marquez, and based on the popular book series by Jeff Kinney and the 2010 movie of the same name, Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows Greg Heffley (Michael Deaner, Matthew Eby), an awkward middle child who’s just starting junior high. 

His popularity level is low and the entire show is him trying to rise in the ranks. This is something he writes about in his journal … not a diary. His parents (Daniel Meglio and Jessica Mae Murphy) are preoccupied by Greg’s older punk brother, Rodrick (Kieran Brown) and their baby brother (depicted on stage as a puppet).

Navigating school with his overly sensitive BFF Rowley Jefferson (Amare Tavarez, Oliver Cirelli), his weird neighbor Fregley (Brady Goldman, Elliot Torbenson), and schoolmate Chirag Gupta (Nathan Benites, Pranav Ramkumar), Greg tries his hand in all things popular. He runs for school government against his arch nemesis, Patty Farrell (London Delvecchio, Claire Daly), which fails epically, and becomes a cartoonist for the school paper, which ultimately doesn’t work out either. 

Oh, did I mention poor Greg is doing all this while constantly being picked on by the eighth graders (Lexi Cid and Will Logan)?

With other twists and turns, the ensemble cast — Finn Brown, Liam Von Schmidt, John Moger, Scott Maciorowski, Camryn LaFemina, Zachary Kanakaris, Sophie Achee, Caraline Quackenbush, Erin Risolo and Sofia Jarmel — makes this show so relatable to anyone who has every attended middle school. Without them, the show would be incomplete. 

A scene from ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical.’ Photo courtesy of John W. Engeman Theater

And while the student population at this school has a bunch of differences and varying popularity ratings (which are shown on stage), the kids have one thing in common: Joshie (Jae Hughes) — a European popstar who has a standout solo song right after intermission. Everyone loves Joshie, but their biggest fan is definitely Rowley who has the “Animal Heart” singer’s poster on his wall. 

On stage, the scene is set with your typical school lockers, cafeteria and kids’ bedrooms. Always on stage, however, is Greg’s journal, which updates the audience with his drawings and notes throughout the show. His life literally becomes an open book. 

Overall, this show is catchy, fun and a great afternoon out for children of all ages. Parents will be completely impressed by the professionalism and talent of these young actors, while kids will laugh at the relatable song and dance. So, grab your “Mom Bucks” and purchase a ticket to the Engeman’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You won’t regret it.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical through April 27. Children’s theater continues with Madagascar A Musical Adventure from July 19 to Aug. 24. Tickets are $20 per person. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Chessa Metz (Jenna) in a scene from 'Waitress'. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
LaRaisha DiEvelyn Dionne (Becky), Chessa Metz (Jenna) and Kalea Leverette (Dawn) in a scene from 'Watiress' Photo from John W. Engeman Theater
Chessa Metz (Jenna) and Gregory North (Joe) in a scene from 'Waitress'. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Chessa Metz (Jenna) and Jack Cahill - Lemme (Dr. Pomatter) in a scene from 'Waitress'. Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
The cast of 'Waitress.' Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater

By Julianne Mosher

The Engeman’s latest production is as sweet as, well, pie.

Now on the main stage of the Northport-based theater, Waitress, written by Jessie Nelson with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, is based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 indie movie of the same name. 

This production, however, was directed by Marc Tumminelli and stars an all-star cast that creates an atmosphere that will surely have you dancing in your seat.

The show starts off with Joe’s Diner. Three waitresses, Dawn (Kalea Leverette), Becky (Laraisha Dievelyn Dionne) and Jenna (Chessa Metz) slave away at the local joint off a highway in a small town. Dawn is a nerdy hopeless romantic who soon falls for Ogie (Matthew Dengler), while Becky is a strong-willed independent woman who has a secret (spoiler alert: it involves Cal (Adam Du Plessis), their boss). 

But the biggest secret of all is that Jenna is pregnant by her terrible, deadbeat and abusive husband, Earl (Trevor St. John-Gilbert). Devastated, and unhappy, Jenna finds solace in making pies, just like she did with her late mother (Ashely Margaret Morton). And she’s good at it, even winning over old Joe (Gregory North), the diner’s owner, who is not a fan of much else.

Jenna heads to the OBGYN to confirm the pregnancy and there she meets Dr. Pomatter (Jack Cahill-Lemme) who she soon falls in love with. The two start an affair. From then on, we see the ups and downs of Jenna’s life as she tries to navigate her friendships, her unhappy marriage and the few things that bring her joy: sneaking around with Dr. Pomatter and imagining new, exotic pies, and planning her escape from this small town.

Each actor does a phenomenal job of bringing Shelley’s characters to life on the big stage. From the set design, which is made up to look like an old-school diner, to the costumes, you’ll truly believe you’re watching drama (with a dash of music and choreography mixed in) unfold over your own breakfast.

Metz shines bright as Jenna, with an amazing voice that literally wowed the audience as she held extended notes. The supporting cast, too, brings their own fun flair to the show like Dionne and Du Plessis’ hilarious, and surprising, chemistry and Leverette’s adorable quirkiness (that’s then matched by Dengler’s Ogie). You’ll even love to hate Earl. Even though he’s a bad guy, St. John-Gilbert’s portrayal of him is outstanding. Joe, who seems like you’d dislike the old man for his attitude, actually becomes a special character who makes your heart melt by the end of the show thanks to North’s talent.

But what was most fun to watch, though, was the fun Metz and Cahill-Lemme had together on stage. As Jenna and Dr. Pomatter, they were a perfect match.

So, let the theater whisk you away to a story that will make your heart feel good. Just like a warm piece of pie, Waitress is a sweet one.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Waitress through April 27. The season continues with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific from May 15 to June 29 and Footloose the Musical from July 10 to August 24. For tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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The cast of the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'A Happy Child' by Melinda Gros. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Monster Love' by D.L. Siegel. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Too Much Fondant' by Melanie Acampora. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Final Dress' by Matthew Green. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Where Illusions End' by Mark Mulkerin. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Sinergy' by James McLindon. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Cliff' by Teri Foltz. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

By Julianne Mosher

Seven small plays packed into a two-hour festival will leave you with plenty of emotions; you’ll laugh, cry, gasp and smile. 

Now in its 26th year, the Festival of One-Act Plays at Port Jefferson’s Theatre Three has been the place where world premieres have been shown. Throughout it’s almost three decades, they have received 14,000 submissions worldwide. This year, 1,000 plays were sent in and seven made the cut. 

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the festival starts out with the somber “A Happy Child” featuring the incredible Jae Hughes and Linda May. Written by Melinda Gros, Hughes plays Rory, the child of the woman (May), who is a drifter. They won’t go home to a stable shelter where their child lives and grows, and it hurts both them and their mom. The mom expresses how much she misses them when they’re away and the end of the show will leave your heart hurting for the family that seems to be holding on by a thread. 

“Monster Love,” written by D.L. Siegel, is next featuring Steve Ayle as Victor and Julia Albino as Bonnie. Bonnie is getting married, and she must plan the festivities with her scientist father, Victor Frankenstein. He really wants his late wife, Bonnie’s mother, there, so he shows off his new creation (Samantha Fierro) … And it happens to have his wife’s head. You’ll laugh at this one, it’s silly, but a clever take on modernizing the classic tale and making it more… relatable? While Fierro doesn’t have much speaking parts, she plays a great monster with her hilarious body language and facial expressions. Albino is a successful working woman and Ayle’s mad scientist is absolutely hysterical. 

Port Jefferson local Melanie Acampora’s third show in the festival premiered with “Too Much Fondant” which starts off with funny banter between a husband (Evan Teich) and wife (Brittany Lacey). Teich, a workaholic, is unimpressed by a piece of cake Lacey brought home after the neighbor’s birthday party. Too much fondant can ruin a cake. But in a quick turn of events, we see their relationship completely unravel. What went wrong? Teich and Lacey’s chemistry on stage is beautiful and tragic, especially when we watch the relationship fall apart. 

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. 

Before intermission, Larry (Jason Furnari), Jess (Hughes), Luke (Will Brennan), Amy (Fierro), Bobbi (Phyllis March) and Desi (Steven Uihlein) are putting on a community theater production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in “Final Dress, or Places for the End of the World” by Matthew Green. The five are rehearsing the famous end scene, and Bobbi is tired and wants to leave the theater … which is actually a shelter from the end of the world outside. When Bobbi leaves, Jess, who has become stage manager and director, needs to figure out how to produce “Romeo and Juliet” with just four actors. This one feels all too real in a post-pandemic world. 

Mark Mulkerin’s “Where Illusions End” is a sad one, but also relatable to people who have felt the effects of cancer firsthand. Cam (Furnari) and his brother Alex (Teich) are navigating how to better care for their sick mother. Alex is a magician by trade, and he is completely against their mom trying a new type of treatment that he is convinced is a scam. An illusionist, himself, he says he can do a better job at pretending to cure her than an expensive doctor can. 

On a lighter note, we’re then brought to a business pitch in James McLindon’s “Sinergy.” Aubrey (Lacey) plays a businesswoman whose specialty is combining medieval prayer with modern cleansing … of your sins. She’s pitching this wellness practice to Taylor (Ayle), and to prove it works, Tistram (Uihlein), a poor man dressed in pauper’s clothing, who reluctantly will take on the sins of the consumer, clearing their conscious and making them feel great. This one is funny. It’ll be a sin to not to laugh at it. 

The festival ends with “Cliff” by Teri Foltz. Cliff (Douglas Quattrock) is sitting in a waiting room anticipating a cancer diagnosis. His hurricane of a wife, Carrie (May), is there with him along with four other patients; (Albino, Brennan, Fierro and March). Cliff, a quiet, delicate man tells us the story of his life. He’s always been known as shy, kind of a doormat, and relatively awkward in social settings, but he’s kind, and deep down he wants more. This diagnosis, whether it’s negative or positive, could be the start of a new chapter for Cliff. 

Quattrock’s performance received a standing ovation and should continue on throughout the remainder of the shows. 

Overall, the festival was an amazing production of short and sweet plays that will appeal to everyone. There’s a reason The Festival of One-Act Plays has been selling out shows for 26 years.

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays at the Ronald F. Peierls Theatre on the Second Stage through April 5. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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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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'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
Join Dorothy and Toto for Theatre Three's 'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' this weekend! Photo courtesy of Theatre Three Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc
The cast of 'Dorothy's Adventures in Oz.' Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

By Julianne Mosher 

Theatre Three’s latest children’s show has a lot of brains, heart and courage, but you certainly won’t want to go home. 

An original musical adapted from the stories of L. Frank Baum by Jeffrey Sanzel and Douglas J. Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz is a fun-filled tale of the timeless classic that will have families in the audience smiling from ear to ear. 

As the show opens, we meet Dorothy Gale (Cassidy Rose O’Brien), chief editor of her high school newspaper, the Baum Bugle. She brings her dog Toto (Tasha Poyfair) around, much to her teachers’ dismay, and unintentionally hurts her best friend, Judy Gumm’s (Sophia Del Carmen) feelings when she cuts her story from the latest edition. 

We meet her teachers, Mr. Green (Jason Furnari), the nasty Miss Ravine (Louisa Bikowski) and the sweet Miss Morgan (Julia Albino), along with her principal, Mr. Henry (Liam Marsigliano), who all warn Dorothy to get inside before a big storm comes by.

A tornado hits and when Dorothy awakes, her newspaper stand has fallen upon a witch wearing ruby red slippers. She’s greeted by Glinda (Albino), the Good Witch of the North, along with the people of Munchkinland (Del Carmen, Marsigliano and Furnari) who declare her a hero for killing the Wicked Witch of the East. Glinda tells Dorothy to take the ruby slippers because they hold magical powers and the evil Wicked Witch of the West (Bikowski) wants them for herself.

Dorothy just wants to go home and in order to do that she must see the great and powerful Wizard of Oz in Emerald City. All she has to do is follow the yellow brick road which leads her down a trailway of surprises and adventure. 

On the first stop she meets the loveable Scarecrow (Katy Snair) who wants to ask the Wizard for a brain. The duo head further down the road and run into the stiff, yet emotional, Tinman (Steven Uihlein) who is looking for a heart. After some trials and tribulations, thanks to the evil witch watching their every move from her lair, they meet the soft Lion (Sean Amato) who wants courage (and to stop being such a scaredy cat!).

Do the four new friends make it to the Emerald City and does the Wizard make all their wishes come true? That’s for you to find out. 

Directed by Sanzel with musical direction from Quattrock, Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz features wonderful original songs and fantastic choreography from Sari Feldman. While the set is small, the theater does a great job of letting your imagination run free, along with the help of a trap door on stage where someone may or may not melt into.

But what truly stands out, alongside the professionalism, talent and commitment to character from the amazing cast, are the costumes designed by Jason Allyn. From Dorothy’s signature blue and white gingham dress; the scarecrow, tinman and lion’s costumes; all the way to the gowns of the elite Emerald City citizens, the outfits are stunning. 

So, buy your tickets now or the Wicked Witch will get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! And don’t forget to 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 29 with a sensory friendly performance on March 2 at 11 a.m. Children’s theater continues with The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10; and Snow White and the The Seven Dwarfs from May 29 to June 21. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
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Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Michel Vasquez (Priscilla Preslley) and Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) and ensemble in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Sarah Rose (Ann Margaret) and Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
Joe Caskey (Elvis Presley) in a scene from 'Heartbreak Hotel,' Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater

By Rita J. Egan

Ninety years after Elvis’s birth, his music still resonates with rock ‘n’ roll fans. Currently, at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, the cast of the biographical musical Heartbreak Hotel are presenting a production overflowing with talent to celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s legacy and music.

With book by Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti, Heartbreak Hotel is based on a concept by Floyd Mutrux, one of the co-writers of Million Dollar Quartet. The musical shares Elvis’s journey from his younger days to the singer’s comeback television special in 1968. The production offers nostalgia for older fans and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll history for younger audiences. 

The fast-paced production, which has been performed in regional theaters across the United States but never on Broadway, encompasses more than 40 of the singer’s hits, including “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” For the Northport stage, Engeman’s director and choreographer, Paul Stancato, has created an energetic and engaging show.

As the musical opens, we see Elvis Presley mentally preparing for The Comeback Special in 1968. He receives a visit from his younger self, who advises that maybe the answers aren’t in the future but in the past. Throughout the musical, the audience witnesses the singer’s rise to fame and flashbacks to his younger days and humble beginnings. His love for Gospel music and the sounds of Beale Street in Memphis, where his family moved to from Tupelo, Mississippi, when he was a young teen, are beautifully commemorated. 

When touching on the singer’s setbacks, the production handles it gracefully by giving enough details but not diving too deep, keeping the musical as upbeat as possible despite some of the downsides of his career.

Joe Caskey, as Elvis, understands the assignment. He embraces the confidence, moves and voice of the King without coming across as a campy impersonator. His vocals are strong, whether belting out “Jailhouse Rock” or serenading baby daughter Lisa Marie with a tearjerking “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Caskey’s acting abilities are center stage during Act II, especially earlier in the act when it’s apparent that the weight of Elvis’s career and the responsibilities that come with it — including keeping his staff employed — are weighing heavily on him.

Spencer Chase is impressive as a young Elvis Presley. Like Caskey, the teenager has a confidence that one can imagine even young Elvis having. At the same time, he possesses the enthusiasm of a boy falling in love with music. 

Pamela Bob, as Gladys Presley, is ideal as the loving mother, and her and Chase’s singing of “Peace in the Valley” is heartwarming. 

Michel Vasquez plays Priscilla Presley and seamlessly transitions from the young woman exuding enthusiasm for her new love to the frustrated wife vying for his attention as he is distracted by other women.

Sara Rose is delightful as Elvis’s first girlfriend, Dixie. The actress shines even more later in the musical when she plays actress, singer and dancer Ann-Margaret. Rose’s powerful dance moves also take center stage during other numbers.

William Thomas Evans, as Col. Tom Parker, captures the sleaziness of Elvis’s manager. Matthew Schatz is perfect as Sam Phillips, demonstrating the record producer’s stress earlier in the musical and later his enthusiasm in promoting Elvis’s music to DJs. Playing another Phillips is Jeff Gallup, who as DJ Dewy Phillips captures the era’s energy. Hailey Aviva, as Sam Philips’ secretary, Marion Keisker, also adds to the vibrancy of the production. Matt Allen plays both Vernon Presley and Frank Sinatra and is fun to watch playing Sinatra, emulating the crooner’s mannerisms and accent.

Audiences should be prepared for toe-tapping even before the Elvis hits begin with “Welcome to Beale St.” sung by Troy Valjean Rucker, Tarik Ziegler, Lena Richard, Danielle McKnight, Chase and the ensemble. A few scenes later, Ziegler is a scene stealer as Reverend Brewster during the number “This Train is Bound for Glory.”

What makes this musical so unique is the actors playing instruments right on stage instead of an orchestra. The technique makes one feel as if they are actually at a live performance, especially during the closing act, when Caskey is in full concert mode. While several of the actors play instruments, Noah Berry, Chris Coffey and Luke Surretsky, as Elvis’s band members, are on stage most of the show and easily juggle acting and playing instruments.

The show’s cast and crew have gone above and beyond to produce a show that honors the musical legacy that Elvis left behind. During the cold, dark winter months, the Engeman’s Heartbreak Hotel is a shining star, just like the legend the musical honors.

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main Street, Northport, presents Heartbreak Hotel through March 2. Tickets start at $82. For more information, call 631-261-2900 or visit engemantheater.com. 

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A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
A scene from 'Crossing Delancey' at Theatre Three. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.
The cast of 'Crossing Delancey'. Photo by Peter Lanscombe/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

By Julianne Mosher

Looking for something to do on a cold winter’s day? May I recommend the latest offering at Theatre Three as the stage turns into 1980s New York City where we meet a 30-something single lady who’s trying to navigate dating, the prospect of marriage and an overbearing (yet lovable) grandmother.

With a small, yet strong, cast of five, Crossing Delancey is a refreshing romantic comedy that will make anyone in the audience smile. Although it has simple, predictable plot (especially if you’ve seen the 1988 film starring Amy Irving), Theatre Three’s production is still a must see. 

The show, written by Susan Sandler and directed by Colleen Rebecca Britt, follows Isabelle “Izzy” Grossman (Michelle LaBozzetta), a young, single bookstore worker who spends almost every day at her Yiddish grandmother, Ida’s (Ginger Dalton) apartment on the Lower East Side. 

We watch Grossman as she falls for local author Tyler (Antoine Jones), who frequents her bookshop, meanwhile Ida recruits a matchmaker, Mrs. Mandelbaum (Catherine Maloney) to find her granddaughter a nice boy. Mandelbaum has the perfect suitor for the independent Izzy — Sam (Steven Uihlein), a local pickle vendor who comes from a nice, Jewish family. Izzy must answer one question; does she go after her crush who barely knows she exists, or does she “settle” with someone who’s seen her standout amongst the crowd in their community for years?

Upon entering the theatre, the stage transforms to a typical 1980s kitchen to the right and small bookshop on the left thanks to Randall Parsons’ scenic design. There, Ida and Izzy share stories, food and drink. LaBozzetta’s Izzy is a bold modern-day woman (with great 80s style from Jason Allyn’s costume design) and her monologues make you laugh when she breaks the fourth wall. Her colorful jumpsuits and bowler hat are straight out of a John Hughes film’s closet.

The two suitors of the plot, Jones and Uihlein, bring a table full of emotions; you’re going to fall in love one, but hate the other, audibly rooting for the pickle man to win Izzy’s heart. Maloney’s Hannah Mandelbaum is an unsung hero as a supporting actor whose comic relief brings joy to the stage. Portraying a stereotypical Jewish matchmaker, her character is a lot of fun.

However, Dalton’s Ida, or Bubbie as she’s lovingly called by her family, is a riot. Dalton does a great job playing this dynamic granny who’s just looking out for her granddaughter. Everyone knows a Bubbie — she looks out the window, tells tales about how all the boys wanted her back in the day, shows off her muscles and sings in Yiddish full of heart and humor.    

With funny and authentic dialogue throughout the show, the characters are genuine and shine bright on the stage. You won’t want to miss this one.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson  presents Crossing Delancey through Feb. 9. The season continues with Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical from March 1 to March 30. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12, $25 Wednesday matinees. To order, cal 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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The cast of 'It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.' Photo by Jackie St. Louis

By Julianne Mosher

Just in time for the Christmas season, the Smithtown Performing Arts Center is now playing It’s a Wonderful Life on its main stage. But this version is slightly different compared to Frank Capra’s award winning 1946 film. In true 40s fashion, the show is cleverly set at a New York radio station where five voice actors tell the whole story as if you’d hear it on the air back in time: a live radio broadcast.

Originally written by Joe Landry, the stage turns into WBFR Radio located in the heart of Manhattan. Old microphones litter the stage while a pianist (Vincent Donnadio) plays the music live. Directed by Jordan Hue, we soon meet the broadcast’s cast — dressed in their best 40s attire — who will then be playing a whole other cast, portraying several different characters each (with different voices) straight from the movie.

And just like during a broadcasted show, there are commercials, too.

While It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the 1943 short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, the tale is loosely based on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. What’s common between the two? Christmas ghosts. 

The show starts off with George Bailey (Zach Johnson) who is a generous and well-meaning man. When he was young, he had big plans of traveling the world and going to college. He wanted to get out of Bedford Falls. But things fell through, and fate had some other plans for him. 

He marries a neighborhood girl named Mary (Elle Lucksted) and the two move into an old, abandoned house in town. Their family grows quickly while George takes over the family business, but Mr. Potter (Chris Dippel) — who is a member of the board, owns the bank and basically the rest of town — looks to dissolve the company. 

Through a string of bad luck and some unfortunate circumstances, George starts to spiral. While he falls further and further into a depression, he’s being closely watched by Clarence (Eugene Dailey), his guardian angel. Clarence is told that if he helps George out, he will soon get his wings. 

On Christmas Eve, George gets drunk at a bar and then contemplates jumping off a bridge. Before he can fall to his death, Clarence, straight from heaven, dives into the river forcing George to rescue him. Clarence explains he’s an angel here to help George, but George doesn’t believe him and states out loud that he wishes he was never born.

Similar to the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future haunting Scrooge, Clarence shows George a timeline of events that happened in a world where George was never born. He soon learns that even the smallest interaction with someone made a big difference and his life does matter.

While the cast is small and fast-paced, the actors do a phenomenal job of keeping the audience engaged. While Johnson and Lucksted play just two of the main characters, the supporting actors shine with their impressive voice changes and ability to switch personalities quickly on their feet. 

Some other characters include Dippel (Freddie Filmore: Joseph, Tommy, Old Man Collins, Bert the Cop, the Bridgekeeper, Binky and Nick); Dailey (Harry Heywood:  Peter, Charlie, Harry, Schultz, Mr. Welch, Pete, Horace, Ed); Christine Boehm (Lana Sherwood: Violet, Rose, Zuzu, Ruth, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Matilda, Sadie and Janie); and Andrew Lenahan (Sam Seymour: Stage Manager, Old Man Gower, Ernie, Sam Wainwright, Uncle Billy, Dr. Campbell and the Sheriff).

So, be prepared to step into the Smithtown Performing Arts Center and be transported to 1946 for this great rendition of a Christmas classic.

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The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on weekends through Dec. 29. Tickets are $36.50 for adults, $33.50 seniors and $26.50 students. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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The cast of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket) and Sarah Colt (Mrs. Bucket)
Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
From left, Steven Bidwell (Ensemble), Caroline Eby (Ensemble), Zoe Gillis (Ensemble), Howard Pinhasik (Grandpa Joe), Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket), and Sarah Colt (Mrs. Bucket). Photo from The John W. Engeman Theater
Sarah Colt (Mrs. Bucket), Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket), and Howard Pinhasik (Grandpa Joe). Photo from The John W, Engeman Theater
Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket) and Cooper Grodin (Willy Wonka)

By Julianne Mosher

Oompa Loompa doopity-doo, here is another theater review for you.

The Engeman Theater’s latest production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is as sweet as candy and will have you itching for more sugar by the end of it. 

Directed by Drew Humphrey and choreographed by Mandy Modic, the show has similarities between the other Wonka films, but this is entirely its own. 

We meet Willy Wonka (Cooper Grodin) who discloses to the audience that he is looking for someone to take over his candy factory. He’s going to hold a genius marketing campaign of placing five Golden Tickets in his famous Wonka bars with a grand prize of visiting the factory, while also working incognito as a candy store salesman, watching the winners revealed on television one by one. 

At his store, Wonka meets Charlie Bucket (Matthew Eby), a young boy with a big imagination and very little money. Coming from poverty, he lives in a shack with his single mother (Sarah Colt), and his four grandparents (Steven Bidwell, Caroline Eby, Zoe Gillis and Howard Pinhasik) who all sleep in one bed and haven’t emerged from it in decades.

Grandpa Joe (Pinhasik), who is also Charlie’s best friend, used to work at the factory many years ago. He instilled his love for chocolate and fills the young boy’s head with stories from the good old days. But because of their lack of wealth, Charlie gets just one chocolate bar a year for his birthday. 

Wonka has lived in recluse for many years after a spy tried to steal his recipes, but the campaign becomes an international hit with five children finding the tickets: Augustus Gloop (Oliver Cirelli and Elliot Torbenson), Veruca Salt (London DelVecchio and Elyana Faith Randolph), Violet Beauregarde (Briahna Gribben and Satya Mae Williams), Mike Teavee (Benjamin Corso and Luca Silva) and Charlie. 

Spoiled rotten and mean to their parents, Augustus, Veruca, Violet and Mike have far different personalities from the last winner, Charlie, who lucked out finding a candy bar with his last remaining pennies after his birthday bar had no winning ticket.

The five kids and their parents, Mrs. Gloop (Caitlin Burke), Mr. Salt (James Channing), Mr. Beauregarde (Rickens Anantua) and Mrs. Teavee (Molly Samson) along with Grandpa Joe, enter the factory and witness all the magic Wonka has created over the years. Greed and the lack of listening skills from the kids, however, results in some pretty bad outcomes which are narrated by the cleverly created Oompa Loompas (small fabric marionettes attached to the dancers of the ensemble). 

A more modern take on the original 1971 film and less creepy than the Tim Burton version from the early 2000s, the Engeman’s version is spectacularly done with a dynamic set, innovative props and gorgeous costumes for the kids and adults, alike. They do a great job transforming the stage into Wonka’s factory from the slums of the Bucket’s household with ease and inside the factory itself is a magical interpretation of what a candy factory ought to be. 

You’ll be able to sing along to some well-known favorites like “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination,” with newer bops like “More of Him to Love” (to introduce Augustus), “When Veruca Says” (to introduce Veruca), “The Queen of Pop” (to introduce Violet) and “Little Man of Mine” (for Mike’s character). The second half of the show has the ensemble of Oompa Loompas singing farewell jingles when the kids are taken away to their individual demises. 

The talent from not just the adult ensemble but the child cast is excellently done and each actor shines on stage.

Perfect for audiences of all ages, the theater has also created specialty cocktails (for the grownups) made of sweet syrups and candy while also selling Wonka chocolate bars with the chance to win a real Golden Ticket inside with various prizes including season tickets to the theater. 

You’re sure to get a sugar high from this show, where dreams and chocolate collide. 

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main Street, Northport presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory through Dec. 29. The season continues with Heartbreak Hotel from Jan. 16 to March 2 and Waitress The Musical from March 13 to April 27. 

For more information or to order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

See a sneak preview of the show here.

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A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots
A scene from 'A Christmas Carol' at Theatre Three 2024. Photo by Steve Ayle/Showbizshots

By Julianne Mosher

Celebrating its 40th year, Theatre Three’s production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is as great as it is in the present, just as it has been in the past, and as it will be in the future. 

A pillar of the holiday season, not only in Port Jefferson but across Long Island, the Dickensian tale of Ebenezer Scrooge (Jeffrey Sanzel) and the ghosts of Christmas Past (Cassidy Rose O’Brien), Present (Scott Hofer) and Christmas Yet to Come (Steven Uihlein) is a story that taps into the hearts of the young and the old, making it the perfect way to kick off the season of giving. 

The theater opened its annual show on Nov. 9 to a packed-out house filled with an audience dressed in their best Christmas best. Young girls wore their red velvet dresses with bows, while fathers wore silly, ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats. Ushers greeted visitors to their seats in top hats and Victorian-era gowns, a nice touch to the show which is set in the mid-1800s.

When the curtains opened up, the stage turned into the dark, dreary streets of London where the poor and hungry begged for food. We are brought inside Ebenezer Scrooge’s office, that he once shared with the late Jacob Marley (Stephen T. Wangner), where he works during Christmas Eve — a holiday he absolutely despises. Scrooge’s nephew is Fred (Uihlein), a young man who is starting a family of his own, but who yearns for his uncle’s approval since it’s the last piece of his mother he has on earth after her death during childbirth. Scrooge, an angry, frugal man, wants nothing to do with the holiday, and isn’t shy about how he feels about it. Bah-humbug.

Scrooge has an underpaid, overworked clerk, Bob Cratchit (Ray Gobes Jr.), who is a man of simple means and a high spirit. Scrooge is unkind to him, as well, but reluctantly gives him off on Christmas Day. 

Later that night, Scrooge is visited by his former partner’s ghost. Marley warns Scrooge that he has the opportunity to avoid the same fate — a dire one where he roams the earth entwined in chains and money boxes because of his lifetime of greed and selfishness — with visits by three ghosts. He must listen to them or he will be cursed and spend eternity in the same purgatory as his friend.

The visits of the ghosts are done spectacularly. The Ghost of Christmas Past brings Scrooge back to scenes of his boyhood and young adulthood where we see the relationships between him, his family, his sister, Fan (Ash Stalker), Belle, his first love (Julia Albino) and his first job — an apprenticeship with Mr. Fezziwig and his wife (Scott Hofer and Ginger Dalton).

The Ghost of Christmas Present enters next and takes Scrooge to the homes of Fred and Bob Cratchit. Fred’s holiday party shows the group making fun of Scrooge, while the Christmas dinner with the Cratchit’s shows how poor the family of six copes with Scrooge’s poor wage. We meet Tiny Tim (Stanley Zinger), Cratchit’s ill son who the family prays gets stronger by the day. This opens Scrooge’s eyes. 

Enough so that when the Ghost of Christmas Future comes on stage, the audience lets out an audible gasp.

Upon the stage is a 13-foot grim reaper who towers over Scrooge and his grave. Scrooge watches his possessions be stolen and sold, while mourners mock him during his funeral. He begs for forgiveness to the reaper and he vows he’ll change for good. 

On Christmas morning, Scrooge is a new man. He sends a turkey to the Cratchit home, donates money to a charity he previously rejected and attends Fred’s Christmas party where he is welcomed with lovingly opened arms. The next day, Scrooge increases Cratchit’s wage in which Tiny Tim says the famous line, “God bless us, everyone.”

Theatre Three’s rendition of A Christmas Carol is always a treat, but this production was quite magical. Sanzel, who also serves as the show’s director, celebrated his 1,590th performance as the bitter, but complex, Scrooge — and he keeps getting better.

In fact, after performing the show for 40 years, the entire company has perfected the show. They have it down to a science with their special and unique adaptation, impressive set design (by Randall Parsons), stunning costumes (by Parsons and Jason Allyn) and fantastic lighting (Robert W. Henderson Jr.). After performing the show for four decades, we can’t wait to see how the next 40 look at Theatre Three. Don’t miss this one.

CAST and CREW: Julia Albino, Jason Allyn, Karin Bagan, Steven Barile, Jr., Kyle M. Breitenbach, James Bressler, Kelsie Curran, Ginger Dalton, Olivia Davis, Angelina Eybs, Sari Feldman, Roy Fleischer, Brad Frey, Jason Furnari, Christina Gobes, Ray Robes Jr., Skye Greenberg, Tim Haggerty, Kathleen Arabelle Han, Robert W. Henderson Jr., Scott Hofer, Patrick Hutchinson, Zach Kanakaris, Giovanni Ladd, Linda May, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Randall Parsons, Mia Rofrano, William Roslak, Vivian Leigh Rumble, Jennifer Salvia, Jeffrey Sanzel, Aidan Sharkey, Ash Stalker, Amelia Theodorakis, Melissa Troxler, Steven Uihlein, Stephen T. Wangner and Stanley Zinger

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson will present A Christmas Carol through Dec. 28. All tickets are $25 in November and range from $25 to $40 in December. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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