JOAN AND DONALD SCHAEFFER BLACK BOX THEATER, JOSEPH G. SHAPIRO FAMILY HALL, HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

by Sam Desmond - January 06, 2026

CAP Syosset had their opening night for this winter’s production of “Annie” on Saturday, January 3 and it was a standout version of the classic rags-to-riches musical with a strong, bonded cast....

by Sam Desmond - December 06, 2025

With the magical notion of having a real ice skating rink on a dramatic stage, the Holiday Spectacular on Ice at the Gateway in Bellport creates wonder in the audience from inception and delivers well beyond expectations in person....

by Sam Desmond - December 05, 2025

For some holiday cheer, “Annie” at the Smithtown Performing Arts is the Christmas production to bring families that spirit of generosity and can-do attitude for December....

by Sam Desmond - December 03, 2025

In the perennially winter tale of “Anastasia,” a musical about the young Russian woman with claims to be being the lone survivor of the royal Romanov family’s massacre, The Lighthouse Repertory captured the magic and warmth of a Christmas-time story while creating great dramatic tension....

by Sam Desmond - November 21, 2025

In the world of Dickens, the reader is for the long-haul of human emotions, and Theatre Three’s 41st annual production has perfected conveying that panoply of passions in the classic, “A Christmas Carol.”...

by Sam Desmond - November 17, 2025

A perennial, heart-warming tale of personal and societal triumph, the Argyle Theatre’s opening night of “Annie” was a celebratory reminder of why we should never give up on our dreams, even if they look a little different when they come true....

by Sam Desmond - November 16, 2025

Ray Bradbury’s prescient, Cold War classic, “Fahrenheit 451” was brought to the stage at Bay Street Theater with even more urgency and relevance to our increasingly curated, aesthetic, and good vibes based lives in 2025....

by Sam Desmond - October 28, 2025

Parents looking to introduce their children to the world of theater patronage should look no further than “Boo! The Musical Adventure” playing at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip on Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2 at 11 am....

by Sam Desmond - October 20, 2025

As in-depth, thrilling, and heart-breaking as Carole King’s legendary album, Tapestry, Cultural Performing Arts Center Syosset’s production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” was a full ride of the human emotions that was embodied in the songs that defined American music for a generation....

by Sam Desmond - October 14, 2025

What did our critic think of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at Cultural Arts Playhouse Merrick? Superb acting skills bring the depravity of Sweeney Todd's London...