Summer Theatre On Long Island
Forget the hassle and expense of traveling to Manhattan. Some of the choicest theatrical offerings can be found in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The venues range from intimate settings seating a few dozen to the 1,200-seat Patchogue Theatre. Those who venture to the Vanderbilt Mansion and Museum in Centerport can enjoy two of Shakespeare’s enduring plays in an outdoor setting.
In addition to the classics and the perennial musicals, children’s (marked with an *) and even new, experimental stage performances will be on the menu.
As the Bard reminds us, “summer’s lease hath all too short a date,” so go out and enjoy all the things that Long Island has to offer, including a generous heaping of theatrical treats.
Annie Jr.*
Saturday, Aug. 20
The classic musical about Little Orphan Annie, based on Harold Gray’s comic strip, is presented by Ovations Dance Repertory Company at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue.
Schedule and tickets at www.thegateway.org.
Blame It On The Movies
Saturday, July 30
Broadway singers stage a celebration of the greatest music to come from the silver screen at 8 p.m. at Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre.
Tickets $30-$50. Visit www.madisontheatreny.org or call the box office at 516-323-4444.
Curious George: The Golden Meatball*
Fridays and Saturdays, July 31 through Aug. 28
The inquisitive monkey helps his chef friend compete in a meatball contest at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown.
Tickets $15. Call 631-724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Dance To The Movies
Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 10-14
A production celebrating and reinventing some of Hollywood’s best musical moments with celebrity pros from Dancing With The Stars, top finalists from So You Think You Can Dance and the combined musical talents of finalists from American Idol and The Voice.
Tickets $59-$89. Patchogue Theater For The Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. Information/tickets at www.thegateway.org.
Disney’s Aladdin Jr.*
Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 13, 14, 20, 21
The 1992 animated film is brought to life onstage by Plaza Theatrical Productions. Shows at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., off Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City.
Tickets $12. Call 516-599-6870 or visit www.licm.org.
Mamma Mia
Through Sept. 11
Shows Thursday through Sunday. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport.
Tickets from $71. For tickets and information call the box office at 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
Moments in the Mayhem
Saturday, July 30 and Aug. 6
Paradoja Studios presents an all original sketch show at 7 p.m. at Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Pkway., Hicksville.
Tickets $8. Visit www.paradojastudios.com.
Moonlight and Magnolias
Through Aug. 7
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts, 2222 Hewlett Ave., Merrick. Takes a fun, farcical look at the behind-the-scene birth of one of the most beloved films of all time, Gone with the Wind.
Tickets $22. Call the box office at 516-868-6400.
Priscilla, Queen of The Desert
Through Saturday, Aug. 6
Tony-nominated musical tells the story of three colorful “divas” that drive their lavender bus, appropriately named Priscilla, across the desert and meet an array of fantastic characters. It is set to a score of well-known pop, funk, gospel and disco.
Tickets $59-$89. Patchogue Theater For The Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. Visit www.thegateway.org for more information, show schedule and tickets.
Rapunzel*
Weekends Aug. 6 through Sept. 4. Saturdays at 11 a.m., Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
The Emmy-winning cocreators of the hit television sitcom Friends retell the story of a long-haired princess trapped in a tower.
At the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. Tickets $15. Visit www.engemantheater.com or call 631-261-2900 for details and tickets.
Richard III
Fridays through Sundays, Aug. 19-21, 26-28
Daniel Higgins directs the William Shakespeare study in power, as the title character schemes and murders his way to the throne of England. At Eastline Productions, 2123 Wantagh Ave. Wantagh, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are adults: $20; seniors (60+): $15; and students (with college/ high school ID): $15. Add $5 if buy at the door. Get tickets online at www.eastlineproductions.com.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Wednesday, Aug. 24–Saturday, Sept. 10
Cult classic is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies. Patchogue Theater For The Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue.
Tickets $59-$89. Information/tickets at www.thegateway.org.
Sleuth
Fridays through Sundays, Aug. 19-Sept. 4
From the original 1970 Broadway production, actor Brian McKeon stars in the production of this spellbinding play, a game of cat and mouse gone terribly wrong.
Tickets $25. Studio Theatre Long Island , 141 South Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. Visit www.studiotheatre.com or call 631-226-8400 for schedule and tickets.
The Who’s Tommy
Aug. 5 through Aug. 28
Cultural Arts Playhouse puts on the rock musical by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff based on The Who’s 1969 double album Tommy, about a young man who loses his ability to speak or care about life in post-WWII England. His life is saved when he discovers pinball and rises to international superstardom.
For tickets, visit www.culturalartsplayhouse.com/purchase-tickets or call 516-694-3330. Performances are presented Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., first and fourth Sundays at 3 p.m., second and third Sundays at 7 p.m. at 170 Michael Dr., Syosset, NY 11791.
—Entry by Kimberly Dijkstra
Summer Shakespeare Festival
The Arena Players Repertory Theater presents Shakespeare plays on the Vanderbilt Mansion courtyard stage. Performances are presented on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Romeo and Juliet will run through July 31.
The Taming of the Shrew will be staged Aug. 3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28.
Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by calling the Box Office at 516-293-0674. The Vanderbilt Carriage House Theater, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport.
The Misadventures of Robin Hood*
Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 5-6, Aug, 12-13
A new musical comedy about Robin of Lockley and the people of Sherwood Forest has its world premiere. Shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson.
Tickets $10. Call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
The Wizard of Oz*
Fridays and Saturdays, July 29-30, Aug. 5-6
Children’s classic gets a musical treatment.
Tickets $12-$25. Patchogue Theater For The Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. Schedule and tickets at www.thegateway.org.
Year of the Iguana
Through Sunday, Aug. 7
The world premiere production of Claude Solnik’s new play which tells the true story of playwright Tennessee Williams’ troubling family relationships which served to inspire the creation of some of his most memorable tragic characters.
Tickets $25. Studio Theatre Long Island, 141 South Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. Visit www.studiotheatre.com or call 631-226-8400 for schedule and tickets.
*suitable for all ages
