Home News Local News ‘The Boyfriend’ dances into hearts of audiences at North Fork Community Theatre

‘The Boyfriend’ dances into hearts of audiences at North Fork Community Theatre

It’s a tale as old as time — especially on Broadway.

Poor boy meets rich girl; rich girl pretends to be a pauper to win his love, but the pair must keep their romance under wraps from the heroine’s rich daddy.

What ensues is a lighthearted romp rife with sweet and innocent yearning, trust and the belief that love does, indeed, conquer all. And no one does it better than the North Fork Community Theatre in their currently running production of “The Boyfriend.”

The NFCT’s latest offering, “The Boyfriend,” runs through November 9 and features book, music and lyrics by Sandy Wilson.

“Set against the backdrop of the French Riviera, this romantic spoof of 1920s musical comedies tells the story of English heiress, Polly, who is longing for only one thing: a boyfriend,” a description by the NFCT reads. “Polly’s father, convinced any boy who isn’t wealthy will court Polly strictly for her financial situation, forbids her to engage any potential suitors. Honoring his wishes, Polly explains to Tony, the messenger boy with whom she’s fallen in love, that she is no rich girl. This is just the tip of the mistaken identity iceberg as love proceeds to charmingly find its way through nearly every member of the cast and bring them all to a happy ending.”

Stellar performances mark this production, with each role impeccably cast. Gabrielle Comanda gives an heartfelt and endearing portrayal of Polly, the young girl smitten with a mere delivery man, yearning for not only the love of a life partner but from a mother. She captures the character’s innate innocence and deeply hidden dreams, mixed with a touch of mischief as she tries to hide her budding romance from her bumbling dad. Comanda is the perfect ingenue and captivates the audience in her quest for love.

Tony, played by Sam Notaro, also breathes life into his character, as the young suitor — also secretly wealthy — who captures Polly’s heart.

As always, Christina Stankewicz offers comic relief into her portrayal of Hortense; the actress is a staple on the NFCT stage and a talented character actress who continues to draw applause with each stand-out performance.

Aria Saltini, Victoria Carroll, Marie Werner, and Raven Janoski are colorful bursts of talent and beauty as they play out their forever pursuit of true love. Saltini’s Maisie, who longs to toy with all the boy while keeping her true love, Bobby Van Husen, on a string, is a delight to watch, her winsome smile wins the collective heart of the audience. Carroll’s dance with an older man is downright hilarious, offering a peek into the actress’s expansive range into the comedic.

O’Brien, another young thespian whom audiences have seen grow up on the NFCT stage, has grown into a leading role with finesse and self-assured flair. During his portrayal of Van Husen, his voice soars and his sense of rhythm and timing is spot on.

Jon Troiano, Matt Tuthill, and Ryan Zlatniski are the perfect suitors, a trio that brings humor and energy to their performances.

Lauren Sisson as Madame Dubonnet is a true inspiration, proving that love and passion can be young and sweepingly romantic at any age, as she pursues Percival Browne, her former flame and Polly’s loving but absent father, played by Bob Kaplan. Watching the pair rekindle a long-ago love and pursue new dreams is, in a word, magical. Love is for everyone, not only the young —and if there is one message “The Boyfriend” sings home, is that it’s never too late, to find forever love.

Terry Brockbank, who plays Lord Brockhurst with a wickedly funny roving eye, and Jan McGoey, whose upper crust British-accented Lady Brockhurst draws laugh out loud moments, are downright hysterical. They bring their considerable talents to the stage with charm and flair.

Also notable is Katrina Lovett in her roles as Lolita and the policewoman.

No review of the NFCT’s production of “The Boyfriend” would be complete without note of the extraordinary choreography by Kim Schafer and assistant choreographer Katrina Lovett. The dance numbers come alive, literally infusing the audience with boundless energy as they recall their own swings around the dance floor, doing the Charleston or falling in love during a slow waltz. The choreography could perhaps be some of the best seen on a local stage; it’s that good.

Set by the Riviera, the beautiful sets conjure a breezy, sun-kissed setting filled with  colorful seascapes and an escape from the troubles of the present world. Costume design by Deanna Andes and Doreen Kirby help to transport the audience; lighting is impeccable. Musical direction by William Roslak helps bring a soaring score to an enraptured audience.

Director Mary Motto Kalich has done herself proud with this show — it shines, literally, a perfect gem that sparkles with life, talent, and the belief that above all, anyone can have their very own happy ending.

Produced by Sherry Powers, “The Boyfriend” is s a joy to watch, all three acts, and a performance not to miss.

The show will run on October 30 and 31, and November 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9th. All shows are at 8 p.m. except for Sunday matinees, which begin at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 631-298-NFCT or going to www.nfct.com. For more information call the NFCT information line at 631-298-4500.

Free wine tastings by Scarola Vineyards, Sannino Bella Vita Vineyards and Waters Crest Winery will be offered on Thursday, October 30 andNovember 6 at 7 p.m., before the show starts at 8 p.m.

Student tickets will be available for $15 at the box office beginning 10 minutes before each performance. These tickets are subject to availability and cannot be reserved ahead of time.

The North Fork Community Theatre is located at 12700 Sound Ave, Mattituck, New York 11952.