Last Chance: Cast Of NFCT's 'Pippin' Has Magic To Do

MATTITUCK, NY — As the world wakes up to the news of two new mass shootings in the United States, hearts are collectively broken and residents are left awash with despair and wondering what can be done to effect sweeping change.

In light of the horrors unfolding in the headlines every day, there are harbingers of hope: Artists, actors, musicians and all who create forge on, trying to make sense of the madness and remind that in the end there is far more pure good in the world than inherent evil.

In Mattituck, the North Fork Community Theatre's annual Youth on Stage production of "Pippin" wraps up Sunday at 2 p.m.

"Pippin," a 1972 show with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, tells the story of Pippin, a young prince fashioned after the real-life son of King Charlemagne. Pippin, tormented as he seeks to find his life's true, existential meaning, battling in war and fighting back in the most life-altering way against his father's tyrannical reign, is reminded along his journey that the true joys lie in simple pleasures — in fact, in a beautifully ordinary life.

The cast, comprised of actors who range in age from 14 to 22, is a marvel to behold, all infused with sheer joy as they execute spot-on choreography and belt out classics including "Corner of the Sky," "Magic to Do," "Simple Joys," "Morning Glory," and "Extraordinary," all moments that simply shine under the musical direction of Karen Hochstedler.

The cast is rich with standout performances, including a sensitive and exuberant David Lopez as Pippin, an enchanting and captivating Alexandra Meli as the Leading Player, show-stopping moments by Michael Krulder as Charlemagne, a delightfully wicked and sassy Allie O'Connor as Fastrada, a simply sublime performance by Kierra Prentiss as Berthe, Pippin's exiled grandmother, and top-notch turns by Kat Motlenski as Catherine, Justin Stuart as Lewis and Grace Lovell as Theo.

Featured dancers include Jason Rios, Joey Podlas, Jesse Meehan, David Bassemir, John Yaiullo, Micky Kalich, Arianna McMorris, Sarah Scarborough, Jocelyn Podlas, Maeve Meyers, Becca Lukachinski, Grace Lukachinski. The talented ensemble shines with unforgettable performances by Aydin Fidelli, Jonathan Montgomery, Ryan Wilcox, Isaiah Mraz, Connor Liddell, Ryan Buchholz, Sarah Jordan, Jill Tuthill, Savannah Corwin-Hall, Kathleen Kelly, Lila Bowe, Olivia Mannino, Gabriella Kuklinski.

Producers include Corrine Araneo, Kim Cappiello and Liz Liszanckie; Assistant Director Brett Chizever shepherds the show to its crowd-pleasing pinnacle; choreographers Chelsea Chizever and Jenna Spates create numbers that sparkle and shimmer in a show designed for pageantry and, well, magic — making full use of the newly renovated theater's expanded stage. Costume designer Dee Andes wows with this show; it's a visual spectacle that does nothing short of dazzle. Jessica Scheer stage manages the production.

In a world torn by strife, the eternal message of "Pippin" resonates even more loudly and clearly in its purity. There's innate joy found in rivers that ramble, in eagles that fly, in remembering to start living in the here and now, because life passes quickly and seasons fade. And, perhaps even more compelling, there's a reason why community theater is needed in today's hatred-torn world even more desperately. In art, in music, in theater, we can find the messages of hope, the path toward healing. Watching a talented cast of young people dedicating their summer to creating a show rife with meaning, it's easy to see that there is, still, hope. Still reason to believe that a young dreamer can thwart tyranny. And to remember that deep within all of us, there's still the power to create change — indeed, there's still magic to do.

Tickets are $25, with student rush admission of $20 at the door only, subject to availability.