HALF TIME - Theatre Three | 5.24.25

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson is currently presenting the New York premiere of “HALF TIME THE MUSICAL” from May 24th to June 22nd. Based on the motion picture “Gotta Dance” directed by Dori Berinstein, it tells the story of a handful of 60-something year olds looking to dance during a local basketball team’s halftime show - and I cannot say enough good things about this show or the theater’s production. As comedic as the plot is, there are genuine, heartfelt moments that add an unexpected (but quite welcome) layer of depth that draws you into the story. It was refreshing to see a different side of the dance world, where it is commonplace for people to be seen as too old to continue participating - and in such an endearing way.

The story begins with that foundation, however. We meet Tara (played fantastically by Tina Ann Aurora) who has just been released from her position dancing for the younger team because she’s too old at the age of 27. The organization decides to offer her the opportunity to stay on as the choreographer for the new dance troupe featuring seniors to perform during half time. She reluctantly accepts and holds auditions to put together “The Nifty Shades of Gray,” composed of incredibly colorful characters - all of which we get to know individually. Each senior is there for a different reason; some to revisit and reclaim their former glory, some to meet friends and have a good time, and even one that appears more invested in peddling Mary Kay than anything else.

Isn’t that *so* relatable? There’s always one person in a group of adults that is trying to sell something…hell, I was even one of these people some years ago!

The gang faces their first bit of challenges when they discover they would not be dancing to music from styles they are most familiar with, but that they would be dancing to hip hop. Everyone seems concerned about their ability to keep up with the exception of Dorothy, played by Candace McCready. Dorothy’s love for hip hop is shown through her ability to effortlessly pick up the choreography and her extensive knowledge of hip hop and the history behind it. McCready navigated through funny moments and heart warming moments with ease. One of my favorites came in Act 1 during “Dorothy/Dottie” where we see this love for hip hop on full display. Her smile lights up the stage and you’ll find yourself smiling with her! Linda May returns to the Theatre Three stage as Bea and shares wonderful moments with her granddaughter Kendra, played by Anna Moceri. We get to see a handful of interactions between the two of them where Bea shares life advice with Kendra; May and Moceri move between levity and warmth nicely, showcasing their excellent chemistry together.

Linda May, Yashaun Harris, Anna Moceri.

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle/Showbizshots.com

“Half Time” does an excellent job of highlighting each character’s story, getting you invested in their success and their individual songs focus on each character’s preferred genre. “The Prince of Swing” from Ron (played by Jack Seabury) showed him in his element swing dancing with the rest of the company. Act 2’s “¿Como No?” was a clear standout for me as well. This number comes out of nowhere! Camilla (played by Nikki Sislian, making her Theater Three debut!) storms the stage with a presence that’s bursting with energy and confidence. I did not want this number to end! Everything from the dancing to the vocals was super impressive.

Quite honestly, the choreography throughout the entire production was a blast! Everyone in the ensemble was strong and complemented each other nicely with vocals that remained consistent. Creatively, there were things done on stage that I haven’t seen at Theatre Three before; throughout the show there are moments where the seniors are being interviewed by a local news crew and they used real cameras on stage that projected live on the screen behind and I *loved* this. I found my eyes darting back and forth from watching the person on stage and to the screen “to see what the people at home see.”

Yes. We were about halfway through the show when I remembered that this is a live theater performance and that there isn’t anyone watching at home. Either that makes me a wee bit foolish or it is to the credit of the theater for drawing me in - I think I’ll go with the latter.

This show and production is a gem. I thought I was going to see a simple comedy and got so much more. By the time you experience the challenges these dancers face through their rehearsal process and get to the halftime show, you’ll find yourself rooting for them as individuals and as a group! There are positive and uplifting moments throughout that everyone can relate to, no matter the age. This is definitely one of those Long Island theater shows that I want to see a second time - and will! I’d say it is the perfect conclusion to an incredibly successful season.

“Half Time” is running at Theatre Three until June 22 and tickets can be purchased at the door, by calling the box office, or via their website at www.theatrethree.com.

Full Company.

Photo Credit: Steve Ayle/Showbizshots.com

Cast:

Tara - Tina Ann Aurora

Muriel - Marci Bing

Alison Prager - Colleen Rebecca Britt

Joanne - Lisa Frantzen Greene

Anthony/Announcer/Ensemble - Yashaun Harris

Estelle - Mary Ellen Kurtz

Fran - Denise DeFlorio Lardi

Announcer/Interviewer/Fernando/Ensemble - Will Logan

Mae - Phyllis March

Dorothy/Dottie - Candace McCready

Kendra/Hype Man - Anna Moceri+

Jenny - Cassidy Rose O’Brien

Ron - Jack Seabury

Camilla - Nicole “Nikki” Sislian

TV Host/Judith/Ensemble - Katy Snair

TV Host/Cameraman/Mascot/Ensemble - Ryan Van Nostrand

Ensemble - Julia Rose Albino, Melina Piervencenti, Isabella Scarpa, Michelle Shapiro

+ - Dance Captain

Creative Team:

Director - Jeffrey Sanzel

Assistant Director - Jason Furnari

Choreographer - Josie McSwane

Music Director - Jeffrey Hoffman

Production Stage Manager - Melissa Troxler

SOUND Design - Tim Haggerty

Scenic Design - Randall Parsons

LIGHTING DESIGN - Robert Henderson, Jr.

Associate Lighting Designer - Emmanuel Delgado

Projection Design - Indigo Shea

Technical Direction - Steven Barile, Jr.

Costume Design - Jason Allyn

Band:

Conductor/Keyboard 1 - Jeffrey Hoffman

Keyboard 2 - Kate VanEssendelft

Guitar - John Dericco

Bass - Dave Grudzinski

Drums - Don Larsen

Trumpet - Elliot Wolk

Reeds - Bill Kinslow/Dave Fletcher

Trombone - Diane Hoffman