“So much of who I am is Broadway, is music, is collaborating with people. So when Covid happened, I felt as if I was stripped of my identity.”
After patience and persistence in the face of a global shutdown, the resurgent Smithtown Performing Arts Center is just the latest to blossom in this; the era commonly referred to in shorthand as “post-Covid.” With a summer slate headlined by the energy-fueled rock opera “American Idiot,” their players and personnel are often reminded that while the dark days are behind them, they certainly cannot be forgotten.
“It [“American Idiot”] was ready to go right before Covid – set built, and a week of tech rehearsals,” Board President Mike Mucciolo, 42, recalled. “We thought we would be down for two weeks, and obviously, that didn’t happen.”
What did happen, though: a multitude of kinetic silver linings emitting from what Mucciolo described as their running mantra for the past year and change – “Improvise, adapt and overcome.” A virtual engagement on the “What’s Up, Smithtown?” Facebook Live stream here, and a brave dive into uncharted outdoor performing waters there had the close-knit Smithtown Performing Arts family proving that 2020 would be a year of surprise, not their demise.
“I am not an outside person. I was excited, but worried about bugs, the weather and the heat!” joked Gabriella Fugon, 17, star of the upcoming “Moana Jr.” for the Children’s Theatre. Yet, she and her fellow performers agreed that after some time, everyone involved grew incredibly used to performing outdoors.
The nerves surrounding their first foray into open space theatrics cast aside, Mucciolo now firmly believes the performances of last summer were “some of the proudest things we’ve ever done.”
“We [he and wife Kelly, the center’s front house manager] were so touched to see grandparents and moms in attendance, who were in tears because their kids were able to have a slice of normal.”
Finally opening on the main stage Fri. July 9, “American Idiot” will run through July 31 ($45 per ticket / $40 for seniors 55+ and members) – and the cast could not be more ecstatic.
“It’s a really powerful story about Americans going through some of the same issues we face today,” said Robbie Torres, 31, currently training dancers on Broadway and also set to musically direct “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!” “This is a time to celebrate the diversity, artistry, and resiliency of the Long Island arts community. So many artists have been waiting in the wings, ready to share the magic of theater, and the audience is an integral part of that experience. Join us!”
“Moana Jr.” debuts for the Children’s Theatre on Thurs. July 15 – outdoors, and at the Smithtown Historical Society, the center’s most trusted collaborator during the pandemic. “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus!” will do just the same next, followed by the seasonally-timed “Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical.” Lastly, “Frozen Jr.” will arrive in the wintertime – but don’t expect the highly anticipated Holiday show to run outdoors.
Additional live entertainment like cover bands and stand-up comedy have also returned to Smithtown’s favorite venue. “I was excited to be back. The crowd and workers there always go above and beyond. It’s the best when laughs come at you from all angles,” said Anthony DiDomenico, 42, the WW Bro Podcast host who took the Smithtown Performing Arts stage last weekend.
Mucciolo added, “I’m really proud to say that we’re honoring our mission and commitment to our patrons, [and] to our subscribers. We’re not the only theater impacted by last year.”
No, they most definitely were not.
