In 2002, Long Island Reads initiated a program designed to bring together readers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to discuss a Long Island-related book. Unsurprisingly, the first book was the classic novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Now …Read more

Years ago, I taught the book The Outsiders to classes of teenagers. My students were intrigued by the two warring gangs separated by economic circumstances: the Socs, wealthy kids in madras and khakis who had it all versus the Greasers with their hai …Read more

Adaptations are common in theater and often popular shows are revised and modified to reach different audiences. Shakespeare is a favorite source of material.“Hamlet” inspired “Fat Ham” and “Romeo and Juliet led to “ West Side Story” and later “& Jul …Read more

“Deep down, we are the same. Like, we are all, you know, deep down, just… people.” Such is the concept at the heart of Lost Sock Laundry, a new play written by Ivan Faute and produced by UP Theater Company, which is currently premiering at Fort Washi …Read more

“The Who’s Tommy” The music from “The Who’s Tommy” is part of the fabric of my life. I grew up singing it, hearing it and loving it. Snatches of songs immediately evoke images and remind me of my college years. Although I’ve seen the show and the mov …Read more

I was 14 years old when i went to the circus for the first time. I don’t recollect any of the acts, but I can remember the sideshow and even bought a souvenir ‘giant’ size ring. Overall, I recall an air of sadness that pervaded the entire day. The ne …Read more

It’s good to know that classical theater continues to be relevant. Although “An Enemy of the People” by Henrik Ibsen was written in 1882, it feels pertinent today, and as I sat in the Circle in the Square watching the latest revival, I considered how …Read more

Creating a musical from a successful book and movie is a mixed bag. The upside is that the material already has thousands of loyal fans. At the same time, it attracts audiences with expectations. That was one issue when the Harry Potter franchise was …Read more

If you ever watched “The Office” (and is there anyone who hasn’t?) you know Holly Flax, the HR person who becomes Michael’s girlfriend. Played by Amy Ryan, she is always smiling, optimistic and a bit goofy. It was hard to envision the same actress as …Read more

On April 1st, 2024, 7pm – for one night only – singer/actress Linda Purl and Music Director Tedd Firth will join forces at Birdland with internationally acclaimed DIVA Jazz Orchestra (A 15 piece orchestra), for a celebration of some of the extraordin …Read more