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Tony Butera

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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School students proudly presented an unforgettable performance of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, “Romeo and Juliet.” This extraordinary production brought the iconic tale of the star-crossed lovers to life, showcasing the impressive talents of over 20 students both on stage and behind the scenes.

Under the direction of Tony Butera, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s production of Romeo and Juliet featured a talented cast of students who have been rehearsing since late September, dedicating four to five days per week to perfect their performances. From the passionate balcony scene to the tragic conclusion, students performed Shakespeare’s original dialogue, delivering the powerful emotions and timeless themes of love, fate, and family conflict.

In addition to the acting, students worked behind the scenes as part of the production crew, helping to bring the play to life with sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. The collaborative effort between cast and crew has resulted in a truly dynamic performance that surely captivated the audience.

“As a director, it has been a privilege to watch our students grow both as performers and as individuals throughout this process,” said Mr. Butera. “They’ve not only embraced the beauty and complexity of Shakespeare’s language, but they’ve also taken on challenging physical aspects of the play, including sword fighting with epees and foils for the fight scenes. The level of dedication and commitment from the entire cast and crew has been inspiring, and we’re thrilled to share this production with our community.”

The students who portrayed the iconic roles of Romeo and Juliet, along with the rest of the cast, have worked tirelessly to bring these beloved characters to life. Additionally, some students have even trained in stage combat to perform the thrilling sword fights that are central to the play’s most dramatic moments.

“We’re incredibly proud of the hard work, passion, and creativity that our students have poured into this production,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, Director of Music and Fine Arts. “This show is a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, and we can’t wait to share it with the 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.

By Julianne Mosher

Nobody does camp better than Theatre Three. This time with their latest production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers, the Port Jefferson-based venue succeeds, yet again, with a phenomenal production of the hysterical musical that is bound to offend everyone and anyone in the best way possible.

Adapted from Mel Brooks’ 1967 film of the same name, the story follows two producers who scheme to get rich fast by fraudulently overselling interests in a Broadway musical they’re seeking to fail. Plot twist … it’s a smash hit, much to their dismay.

Theatre Three’s production is just as good as the latest Broadway revival (latest being 2001) which starred Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The cast and crew outdid themselves with every detail — from the constant costume and wig changes courtesy of Ronald Green III (and there are quite a few) to Randall Parson’s scenic sets that switch between the office of Max Bialystock (Scott Hofer) and Leo Bloom (Tony Butera) to the rooftop of Nazi-turned playwright Franz Leibkind (Evan Teich). 

Yes, a Nazi. Like I said, this play is going to offend. 

Hofer and Butera in the lead roles of the producers shine on stage, again, on the same level that the show’s former Broadway legends bore in the past.

With several dozen different roles — it’s a Mel Brooks show, so of course it’s going to be chaotic — every person who enters stage right and left are fantastic with an ensemble cast that literally does it all. The singing is master level, the choreography is impressive and you’ll be laughing as soon as the curtain opens during the first number, “It’s Opening Night.”

After Bialystock and Bloom find the most offensive musical out there, Springtime for Hitler, they need to find financial backers. Bialystock, a Casanova to the wealthy elderly, uses his charm on widowers while Bloom meets the beautiful and talented Ulla (Brittany Lacey) who becomes the main female lead in the play they’re hoping fails … as well as Bloom’s love interest. 

The next stop is to get the worst director out there — Roger De Bris (Ryan Nolin), a flamboyant failing director with his long-term, life “roommate,” Carmen Ghia (Jim Sluder). While Nolin and Sluder play near-deadbeats in the theater industry, both have remarkable talent in real life.

Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, the three-hour-long show is so good you want to sit through it again and again. You’ll be bound to find something new at every showing.

So, like I mentioned earlier, Theatre Three does campy musicals extremely well. “When You Got It, Flaunt It,” right? And the only advice I have moving forward is to continue and “Keep It Gay” with all that talent on stage.

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Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Producers through June 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children (ages 5 to 12) and Wednesday matinees. Please Note: Contains adult humor and situations. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

See preview here.

Port Jefferson School District students with music teacher Edward Pisano (right). Photo courtesy PJSD

Members of the Port Jefferson School District music and fine arts department joined in the festivities of the annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson Village Dec. 2-4.

Music students and teachers entertained the spectators with seasonal songs during various performances throughout the village. Students in the district’s Drama Club assisted Santa at the Village Center in the elf workshop and served as background actors in the Stony Brook University film crew taping of the event.

“They did a fantastic job of interacting with the villagers and students and children just waiting to see Santa,” drama club adviser Tony Butera said.

The unique event was another opportunity for teachers and students to share their Port Jefferson School District award-winning talents in a public setting.