Catch These Two Shows Before It’s Too Late!
OK, so I’m not the most avid theater-goer…Broadway is “too far” and the Long Island theater scene just never really caught my attention.
But my recent visits to the Smithtown Center for Performing Arts to see “The Light in the Piazza” and to the Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City to see “A Chorus Line” have given me something to talk about. And I better talk quickly; both of these shows are closing soon!
Smithtown Center for Performing Arts
“The Light in the Piazza”, a love story between Clara, an American girl and Fabrizio, an Italian boy in 1953 Italy, has wonderful music, excellent acting, and a touching message. I was especially impressed with Phyllis March’s portrayal of Clara’s overprotective mother. Her voice was not only superb; her humorous attempts to dissuade her daughter’s romance stole every scene. Samantha Carroll and Christopher DeRosa as the young couple were also excellent; they had amazing chemistry and were well deserving of the standing ovations they received the night I visited.
The Smithtown Center, originally built in 1932, operated as a movie theater until it was renovated to accommodate live performances in 2002. The original architectural aesthetics were kept, and the feeling that you are in an old fashioned theater is felt the moment you walk in the lobby. The Smithtown Theater is a great place to experience a taste of Broadway on Long Island. And, by the way, don’t forget to bring some small bills…they even sell candy and water during intermission!
Broadway’s Schoenfeld Theatre
“A Chorus Line” was everything I expected it to be…great songs, interesting characters, and obviously, great dancing. After 15 years on Broadway from 1975 until 1990 and now ending its second run which started in 2006, “A Chorus Line” is the longest running American musical in history.
Mario Lopez (ABC TV’s “Dancing With the Stars”, anyone?) as the director, Zach, adds a celebrity name to the cast. I have to admit… I did think it was pretty cool the way he ran through the aisle right next to me to do his “directing” from the last row of the theater. (Being up-close to a celebrity is always fun!)
But Charlotte d’Amboise as his ex-girlfriend Cassie was the true show-stopper. As I sat mesmerized during her “The Music and the Mirror” song and dance solo, the fact that she was nominated for a Tony Award for her role was not the least bit surprising.
If you want to see either of these shows, make your plans fast! “The Light in the Piazza” ends its run on July 27 and “A Chorus Line” on August 17.
P.S….I now have a new appreciation for Long Island theater and have even been scoping out upcoming shows at Smithtown like “Grey Gardens” and “A Few Good Men”.
Incidentally, Broadway is not really “too far” for me anymore. Driving from Mount Sinai to New York City at 4 pm on a Wednesday was a bit under an hour and a half of (mostly tolerable!) drive time. Just enough time for a quick bite to eat and some people-watching in Times Square before the show!
For more information:
Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts
2 East Main Street
Smithtown, New York 11787
(631) 724-3700
www.smithtownpac.org
Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street
New York, New York 10036
(212) 239-6200
www.achorusline.com
Interested in other live theater performances on a Long Island stage?
Check out upcoming shows at these popular venues:
Gateway Playhouse
215 South Country Road
Bellport, New York 11713
(631) 286-1133
www.gatewayplayhouse.com
Theatre Three
412 Main Street
Port Jefferson, New York 11777
(631) 928-9100
www.theatrethree.com
John W. Engeman Theater at Northport
250 Main Street
Northport, New York 11768
(631) 261-2900
www.engemantheater.com
