Engeman Theater Announces 2017-2018 Lineup

By Janee Law

jlaw@longislandergroup.com

John W. Engeman Theater’s Managing Director Kevin J. O’Neill, left, and Producing
Artistic Director Richard T. Dolce.

The John W Engeman Theater in Northport Village announced this week its production list for the 2017-2018 season, including classics like “Annie” and “Grease.”

Kevin O’Neill, Engeman co-partner and managing director, said co-partner Richard Dolce, producing artistic director, selects the lineup of shows each year and decides what’s the right combination and perfect blend for the audience. All of the upcoming shows are musicals.

“The demand for musicals far out stretch the demand for plays,” O’Neill said. “Our season ticket holder base soared this past season when we went to all musicals.”

To begin the season, audiences can take a trip back to 1959 for the original high school musical, “Grease,” which will run July 6-Aug. 27.

Following that, from Sept. 14-Oct. 29, audiences can witness “Gypsy,” the rags to riches story of an awkward young girl, Louise, who rose to national fame as the burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee.

The holiday season will feature “Annie,” the seven-time Tony Award-winning classic that’s based on the popular comic strip. It’s set to hit Northport Village Nov. 9-Dec. 31.

Tony Award winner for Best Musical, “Once,” will ring in the New Year. “Once” is an original Broadway experience, featuring a talented ensemble of actors and musicians who play their own instruments on stage. It’s set to run Jan. 18, 2018-March 4, 2018.

Going into the spring season, from March 15, 2018-April 29, 2018, another Tony Award winner, “In The Heights,” promises to take audiences to New York’s Washington Heights.

The season will close out with the musical adaptation of classic 1952 film “Singin’ In The Rain.” The romantic musical comedy covers the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age when “talkies” come on the scene. It’s set to run May 17, 2018-July 1, 2018.

“It’s been a successful stretch here and we hope that continues,” O’Neill said. “We need to provide quality productions, quality service here and a good experience for everybody and keep working hard at making it a great experience.”

Season tickets are now on sale; single tickets will go on sale April 3. Tickets are available at the box office or at Engemantheater.com.