There’s a bus that makes a nightly trip into Manhattan so you don’t have to.
John W. Engeman Theater uses the bus to shuttle Broadway talent to Northport for its shows. The equity theater, currently running a critically acclaimed rendition of the musical “Cabaret” (reviewed favorably by our own David Gordon on Feb. 24), is the only house that is open all year, according to marketing manager AnnMarie Snyder.
“People think we’re a community theater, but when they get here they’re like, ‘It’s just like Broadway,’” says Snyder.
Not that there’s anything wrong with community theater, she’s quick to point out. In fact, community theater has a lot to offer, not only in terms of entertainment, but education, too.
The Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts, which kicks off jukebox musical “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” on March 19, offers classes that not only teach kids acting, singing and dancing skills, but makeup, lighting and stage design, as well. “American Idol” competitor Robbie Rosen was a graduate of the class, according to the center’s production manager, Joe Muro.
“People do leave here pursuing a career,” says Muro. “Everyone starts somewhere.”
High school senior Zach Zadek, for example, debuted his first musical at the Cultural Arts Playhouse in Plainview. You can check out “6,” a piece the composer/performer compares to “Six Degrees of Separation,” through Sunday.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the BayWay Arts Center in East Islip is also closing this weekend, but continues at BroadHollow in Elmont next week.
If you’re not a fan of musicals, consider the first run of Dale Griffiths Stamos’ philosophical drama “One White Crow” at the Arena Players Repertory Theater in East Farmingdale. And Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” opens Saturday at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts.
