Bellmore Theater Offers More Than Just Movies

While Bellmore Movie Theater offers shows on the silver screen, it's what's on the stage that most wait in line for.

All this week during winter recess, Plaza Theatrical Productions performed the show, "Blue's Clues Live" daily at 11 a.m. to mostly sold out audiences.

"Blue's Clues Live" is a play-along show which allows its audience to step inside and become part of a world where host, Steve, lives with his puppy, Blue. The audience actively participates in Steve's daily routines and helps solve everyday problems. It is based on the Nick, Jr. television show, "Blue's Clues."

I ventured inside the theater with my 19-month-old son, my camera and a prayer. Tickets were $10 each and included a signature Blue's Clues notebook and crayon, a small soda and a bag of popcorn. The place was packed with parents, grandparents and kids. Just as I thought I couldn't hold my son's attention any longer, the lights dimmed and the main character, Steve (played by Eddie Grosskreuz), opened the show. He immediately engaged the audience of children, asking their names and ages. 

Then came the furry friend all the kiddies were waiting for - Blue. Played by Ariel Bethany on all fours, the children ogled over this mostly silent character.

The show's entire cast, Tickety Tock (Vanessa Spica), Slippery Soap (Jeremy Smith), Mailbox (Melissa Schoenberger), Shovel & Pail (Roni Alper Cohen), Mr. Salt (Bob Budnick), Mrs. Pepper (Donna Morales), Paprika (Mia Capone), Goldilocks (Samantha Masone), Letter 1 (Joshua Kurzban) and Letter 2 (Jagger Kugler) were on point in every acting, singing and dancing number.

The group dazzled in several musical numbers. All scene transitions were smooth and most of all - they kept most kids, including mine, engaged and intrigued! After the show, children were even allowed to meet Steve, Blue and some other characters to take a photo.

The show was directed and choreographed by Tommie Gibbons. Jordan Smith was the musical director. Ted Sieban provided sound design, Deirdre Cutler was the stage manager and Sherry Kfare did costume design. John Christie and Joel Schoenberger were in charge of set construction, while Thea Sieban was the prop mistress/scenic artist and John Holly was in charge of scenic design. 

Plaza Theatrical Productions will be performing Cinderella on Saturdays, Feb. 20 and 27 at 11 a.m. and A Year With Frog and Toad on Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27. They will also perform The Wizard of Oz during the next school vacation week from March 30 to April 3. Plaza Theatrical is a non-profit organization with Kevin F. Harrington and Phyllis S. Harrington as the producers.

For more information visit Plaza Theatrical Productions' Web site or call the box office at 599-6870.