Jaime Zahl

Let your child explore the magic of theater in the most enchanting way this year! The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts proudly presents a contemporary rendition of Shakespeare's timeless comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” tailored especially for young stars aged 7 and above - as part of their new Act Out Theatre program.

EastLine Theatre will celebrate its 10th anniversary this month with a two-part production of Tony Kushner's acclaimed theatrical epic 'Angels in America.' The non-profit theatre group has established itself as an impressive presence in the community with intimate productions amplified by the skill and imagination its production teams over the years. Their tagline - 'little but fierce' - is well-earned 10 years after its inception in a tiny storefront blackbox in Wantagh. Now, they are partnering with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts to stage the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play celebrated as 'a turning point in the history of gay drama, the history of American drama, and of American literary culture.'

What did our critic think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at CM Performing Arts Center? As soon as CM Performing Arts Center's live orchestra struck up the first few chords of 'The Wizard of Oz's' iconic overture, a wave of nostalgia hummed throughout the Noel S Ruiz Theatre. Multiple generations filled the house at the opening weekend matinee. Children, parents, grandparents, and children at heart visibly delighted in the stellar stagecraft, vibrant costumery, and charming performances featured in CM's Season 49 finale.

'Tis the season for theatre! With Long Island being such a buzzing hub for regional and local theaters, you have plenty of options when it comes to bringing your children to experience the magic of live theater.

What did our critic think of GUYS AND DOLLS at Theatre Three? The glitz of 1920s-era Times Square is alive in Port Jefferson this fall with Theatre Three's effervescent production of the Golden Age musical classic 'Guys and Dolls.' A combination of masterful stagecraft, zippy choreography, and a top-notch ensemble of performers secures the production as must-see theatre this fall on Long Island.

Long Island audiences are in for an epic adventure this month with the Long Island Mainstage Premiere of 'The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical', running September 30 - October 29.

Long Island-based director and actor Andrew J Beck makes his CM Performing Arts Center directorial debut with the theater's latest production of Kander and Ebb’s mid-20th century classic musical “Cabaret'

'Write what you know...' female protagonist Katherine sings to herself as she struggles to put the story of a newsboys strike to paper. The musical number is just one personal meta experience I've encountered when reviewing productions of 'Newsies'.

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson presents a rarely produced version of 'Jekyll & Hyde' The Musical to kick off their 50th Anniversary season.

Long Island audiences have the opportunity to take in Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley's 'Prodigal Son' in the heart of Lindenhurst this weekend, where it runs at BACCA (Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts BACCA). 

Whether the film was a sentimental part of your childhood or not, the story and the music of 'The Sound of Music' will transport you back to the Golden Age of musical theatre. With stellar casting and top-notch production value, The Gateway's production is perhaps the closest you will get to Broadway on Long Island. 

As the sport of cheerleading has evolved, it has gained respect for the sheer athleticism involved in performing complicated routines. The Cultural Arts Playhouse's latest production of a?oeBring it On!a?? is living proof of this. The cast is filled with quadruple threats who not only belt out musical numbers, act both dramatic and comedic scenes, and perform a variety of dance styles, but also fly through the air executing impressive cheer stunts.

Eastline Theatre in Wantagh transforms into the moody world of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Treasure Island with a stylized stage adaptation.

Over the years, CM Performing Arts Center has continued to impress Long Island audiences with top-notch production value, talented casts, and crowd pleasing seasons of musicals. Their latest show on the marquee, Disney's "Newsies," is no exception. 

Scarcely produced on Long Island, Tony-Award winning satire 'Urinetown: The Musical' will be presented as a one-weekend only run at the YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts from Thursday, May 2 to Saturday, May 4.

New York composer/lyricist Brian Sweeney and writer Tiffany Smalls' 'Day and Age' - a modern, millenial anthem - is set to premiere at the Cultural Arts Playhouse Friday, March 15

Modern audiences were given the opportunity to see the powerful messages of Wedekind's play - set in the late 19th century - juxtaposed with a manic, brilliant rock score by Duncan Sheik and equally impactful lyrics and a book by Steven Slater to create the recipient of 2007's Tony Award for Best Musical. Brought to life by The Argyle Theatre, Long Island fans of the show and those who missed it on Broadway have the chance to see this important work. 

The Gateway conjured pure holiday magic with their recent production of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast,' hosted by The Patchogue Theatre. 

If you're looking to enjoy some holiday cheer in the comfort of a toasty theater look no further than the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center's production of the family favorite 'Annie.' Lavish sets by the masterful Patrick Grossman, a spacious house with a majority of plush red seats and some of the best talent on the island - this production is nothing less than you would expect from this company. Although there are multiple other companies also producing 'Annie' this season I must say this would be quite difficult to top.

Mental illness continues to have a stigma in this country and I applaud the Cultural Arts Playhouse for taking on a musical with such difficult and timely subject material. The passion this cast has for their production is evident through their dedication to diving head first into the emotional narrative and embodying characters faced with painful pasts, experiences and revelations.