North Fork Community Theatre's Joyful Rebirth Post Renovations

MATTITUCK, NY — Audiences who've long headed to the North Fork Community Theatre for a show know they'll be dazzled, moved, and delighted by the sheer force of the talent that takes the stage, every single time.

But now, the NFCT is back and better than ever after a months' long renovation project with a new show, "The Drowsy Chaperone," that wraps up Sunday, and, coupling the improvements with a stellar cast and rousing score — the result is nothing short of spectacular, a testament to the love of a community that's worked side by side to breathe new life into an iconic local gem.

During a recent tour of the upgrades with Mary Motto Kalich, president of the NFCT, a visitor is greeted by a space "sparkling with energy," she said. During the past eight months, she said, more than 80 volunteers — as well as professionals focused upon the construction and theatrical technology installations — have worked tirelessly on projects including organizing the props and . costumes and revamping the long-loved dressing room area.

Guests filing into the space for the first time since the facelift have taken in the sea of positive changes, including a brand-new orchestra pit, rehearsal room, lighting and rigging infrastructure — which lend a dramatic wow factor to the performance, as props can be lowered onto, and sent sailing across, the stage — acoustic treatments and more.

(Lisa Finn)

The work is ongoing, with the current upgrades installed with an eye toward future growth. But for now, a tour reveals that the space has been renovated to allow for improvements that set the stage — a new, expanded stage with far more space for actors to shine upon and even a new set of stairs — for the star of all shows, the cast and crew, to continue delivering their particular brand of wonder, taking the ever-present excellence up a major notch.

Take "The Drowsy Chaperone." The cast — including star turns by the talented NFCT treasure Michael Hipp, Marin Stark, John Condon, Michael Krulder, Eric Momente, Stuart Whalen, Nancy DiGirolamo, Kierra Prentiss, Haley Unger, Michael Drozd, Kelsey Cheslock, Laura Pearsall, Meghan Duffy, and ensemble — brought in delightful guests from the community for this production to portray the superintendent, including Fr. Joe Staudt, Jeff Strong, David Perrin, Andy Mitchell, Bill Evans, Brady Rymer, and Jill Schroeder.

(Lisa Finn)

The idea of bringing in key members of the community was nothing short of brilliant: Not only did it give audiences a chance to cheer for men and women who shape the North Fork with their work and dedication every day, but it also gave the guest stars, many of whom were stepping on a stage for the very first time, the chance to experience how much work, diligence and sheer dedication performing in a community production entails. The experience also, some of the guest performers have said, has ignited a spark, a forever love of theater, and the chance that one of these talented new voices might one day audition again for a future production.

And isn't giving birth to dreams what community theater is all about?

(Lisa Finn)

"The Drowsy Chaperone," with book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, is a "musical within a comedy," a parody of 1920s musical comedy.

The NFCT's current production, directed by Mary Kalich and produced by Lorraine, and with musical direction by Karen Hochstedler, co-choreography by Chelsea Chizever and Jenna Spates, literally shimmers with talent, as the actors burst onto the shiny new stage in a colorful, rousing, laugh out loud funny and uplifting performance that reminds the audience that local community theater is a gift beyond measure to be nurtured and celebrated.

(Lisa Finn)

What makes the changes at NFCT especially meaningful is the attention devoted to preserving memories — including a beautiful stained glass window uncovered during the work — while shepherding the theater into its next glorious chapter.

(Lisa Finn)

The show takes on even greater meaning for all involved, as it's the debut show in the newly revamped space.

"From the first day, it was a momentous show, the first show back in the theater after the renovations, and we were all very excited to be a part of it," Kalich said.

With the theater still being renovated while the cast rehearsed, "we sang and danced while lights were being worked on, AV systems being put in, and power tools were humming in the background. Each day the cast would come into rehearsal and something new had been installed. It has been great to start to use the new facilities: the rehearsal room allowed us to run a dance rehearsal downstairs while scene work was going up on the stage. The larger stage and new lighting and rigging allowed us to image the show in ways we would not have been able to before."

But the changes were just the first step, with other improvements still to come in an ever-evolving project meant to keep the space evolving and flourishing.

To that end, the 11th Annual Building on Tradition gala will be held on June 14 at Pellegrini Vineyards, to celebrate work completed so far and raise funds for the next phase. The gala will feature performances by NFCT members and a preview of this summer's Youth on Stage production of "Pippin," as well as dinner, wine and beer, a Chinese and live auction.

As always, the event will put the focus on community, on volunteerism, which Kalich says is the heartbeat of the NFCT, and on the love and sheer joy of local theater — which is shining strong in the beautiful new space.

For tickets and additional information, click here or call 631-298-NFCT (6328).