Review: SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER at Theatre Three

Closing out their wonderful 47th season, Theatre Three offers a first-rate showing of the musical Saturday Night Fever. Based on the iconic 1977 movie and a story by Nik Cohn, this entertaining production, featuring songs by The Bee Gees, runs through June 24th at the charming Port Jefferson venue. This officially opened a few weeks ago and judging by the enthusiastic and still-packed house, you will certainly need to get your tickets quickly.

The tale centers on Tony Manero, a young Brooklyn man of nineteen whose weekend is spent at the local discotheque, 2001 Odyssey. There he basks in the adoration of the crowd amid a budding relationship with Stephanie Mangano. He can forget about life for a little bit including a dead-end job and a family who is mostly very unsupportive and not encouraging.

Excellently directed by Theatre Three's Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel, this production boasts a superb cast.

Long Island theatre vet Bobby Peterson strongly portrays the aforementioned Tony, John Travolta's role from the movie. Mr. Peterson and Rachel Greenblatt, who portrays Stephanie, a twenty-year-old "refined" Manhattan office worker, make a fantastic team. Believable as a couple, an audience favorite is indeed their heart tugging rendition of "100 Reasons". Also a highlight of the cast is Corryn David portraying Candy, the club diva, singer, and hostess. Ms. David gives powerful performances of classics "Disco Inferno" and "Night Fever", the latter in a duet with Kyle Petty as Monty, the club DJ. And Beth Whitford, portraying Annette, gives an extraordinary rendition of "If I Can't Have You" proclaiming her longing for Tony, but recognizes he's into Stephanie.

Truly, everyone is the company is top notch as is Mr. Sanzel's creative team.

Whitney Stone's enjoyable choreography - and the young company's execution - is admirable. As we know, 1970's disco music/dancing is one of the maIn focus points of this tale and must be done well; this cast delivers. The outstanding seven-piece orchestra, led by Music Director Jeffrey Hoffman, performed the classic and energetic score flawlessly. This is enhanced cleverly by Robert W. Henderson, Jr.'s lighting and Ronald Green III's stunning costumes.

Now I know you're probably thinking that Saturday Night Fever is done all the time; it is. However, recently there have been extensive changes to the material, so if you haven't seen an incarnation Saturday Night Fever in a while, this definitely warrants a visit to this production. And this is certainly a terrific cast to check out, too.

To celebrate the culmination of another boffo season, I implore you to dance your "boogie shoes" over to Theatre Three.

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Saturday Night Fever is presented by Theatre Three of Port Jefferson, Long Island, through June 24th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-928-9202 or visit www.theatrethree.com

Based on the Paramount/RSO film and the story by Nik Cohn, Adapted for the stage by Robert Stigwood, in collaboration with Bill Oakes, featuring songs by The Bee Gees, Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, Musical Direction by Jeffrey Hoffman, Choreographed by Whitney Stone, Stage Management by Peter Casdia, Properties by Linda May, Costumes & Wigs by Ronald Green III, Scenic Design by Randall Parsons, Lighting Design by Robert W. Henderson, Assistant Director is Jack Saleeby

Starring Bobby Peterson, Rachel Greenblatt, Beth Whitford, Mike Fales, Dylan Robert Poulos, Steven Uihlein, Eric Hughes, Emily Gates, Corryn David, Kyle Petty, Jeff Pangburn, Debbie D'Amore, Steven Incarnato, Katie Lemmen, Mike Zeccola, Brian Frank, Kyle Breitenback, Nicole Bianco, Alex Esquivel, Jessica Contino, Melanie Acampora, Meg Bush, Matt Hoffman

Photo by Brian Hoerger, Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

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