Theater Review - 'Spamalot'

THEATER REVIEW- ‘Spamalot’ Produced by Star Playhouse – Suffolk Y JCC  - Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur 

‘SPAMALOT’ Based on the 1975 film, ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’ the hit play ‘Spamalot’ is an irreverent takeoff on the legend of King Arthur and his knightly entourage as they embark on a riotous search for ‘The Grail.’ This show actually opened in Chicago in 2004, but overcame that stigma to go on and make it on the Great White Way. There it won a Tony for best Musical in 2005. 

It must be said that the music itself (bracingly delivered by Director Rob Fishman and his twelve-member orchestra) though appropriate for the comedic situations it supports, is entirely forgettable in terms of familiar lyricism. The lone near-exception is the toe-tapper ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.’

But that’s not important. Sweet, touching, ballads such as those found in ‘The Sound of Music’ for instance, or historical productions like ‘Les Miserables,’ would have been entirely out of place in this rollicking farce. What ‘Spamalot’ has in spades, is a galloping series of rib-tickling one-liners and sight gags … and the musical score never gets in the way of the guffaws.

I will confess to being a sucker for Monty Python slapstick shtick. I love the silly rhymes, the double entendre, and most of all the straight-faced faux sincerity with which incredibly corny observations are impudently delivered … as when the recorded voice of God commands King Arthur and his, uh, ‘men,’ “Just find the Grail and get on with it; these people haven’t got all night!”

Solomon Buchman plays ‘King Arthur’ and pulls off the demanding assignment perfectly. One can easily imagine how the big guy must have once been an excellent ‘Harold Hill’ in ‘The Music Man.’ Buchman is ably assisted by Jennifer Barry (‘The Lady of the Lake’). She has an equally big voice and an even better flair for sometimes-naughty comedy—so important to this slightly profane show.

Director Michael McAuliffe has managed to mold his big cast (thirty performers!) into a vehicle that runs like a champ for two hours on all cylinders. Choreographer Leia DePalo has everyone hoofing, jumping, and spinning right on cue in their exquisite costumes designed by Maxine Katz, and the whole production is properly illuminated by Director McAuliffe (who doubles as Lighting Designer). Nor can Sound Technician Emma Palk be overlooked. In vaudevillian shows like this, where timing and coordination are vital, everyone from Set Designer (Bob Wildfeuer) to Stage Manager (Gene Indenbaum) must come through … and all do so commendably. Kudos! … all of you!

‘Spamalot’ runs thru Sunday, June 5 at what is arguably the best equipped theater on Long Island. For those who might not yet have visited the magnificent new building, The Star Playhouse at 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack is a facility that simply must be seen to be believed. The first time I walked into this massive venue, I harkened back to my initial exposure as a 12-year-old to Radio City Music Hall. No kidding. It’s that impressive.

Suggestion: Bring the kids … turn off the cell phones … and watch as Kassner, Strauss, Buckley, Katz and dozens of other gifted actors make you laugh you tushies off.

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of eleven novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. His newest book, THE GHOSTWRITERS, explores the bizarre relationship between the late Harper Lee and Truman Capote. It maintains that each actually wrote the other’s most famous work. Ladouceur’s revealing website is www.JebsBooks.com

Spota Responds "Bellone's Accusations Baseless;Designed To Block Campaign Probe"

District Attorney Spota says Bellone’s accusations baseless; designed to block campaign probe

County Executive Bellone “Tom Spota you must resign from this office”

County Executive Beeline at DA office calling for DA Spota to resignSuffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota today called County Executive Steven Bellone’s allegations of impropriety and misconduct in the DA’s office “baseless” and nothing but a vendetta in retaliation for refusing Bellone’s efforts to stop criminal investigations of the County Executive’s best friend and former campaign treasurer, and former senior Bellone administration official Donald Rodgers of Centereach who pleaded guilty 22 months ago to official misconduct and filing a false instrument charges.

“I have never said it before, but I’ll say it now.  The County Executive has made and did make in the past, multiple personal pleas to me in the presence of other prosecutors, not to investigate or prosecute people that he was close to,” District Attorney Spota said.

“He asked me not to charge his IT commissioner Donald Rogers.  He begged me not to charge him, as a matter of fact, even though I showed him, and I explained to him, that Rodgers had falsified documents with respect to a failed contract,” DA Spota said.

The investigation into Donald Rogers was opened in November 2013 in response to information sent to the district attorney’s office by whistleblowers in the Suffolk County Information Technology department, a fact that DA Spota said did not deter the County Executive.  

“Bellone had absolutely no concern for the evidence or the fact that Rodgers had committed a crime.  And I did prosecute Rodgers.  And he did plead guilty,” said Spota. 

The District Attorney further explained Bellone again attempted to intercede on behalf of his childhood friend Robert Stricoff of Babylon, asking the DA to discontinue the ongoing investigation of the County Executive’s former campaign treasurer.

“Again, I refused,” DA Spota said.  “I told the County Executive it was my obligation to continue the investigation and I even commissioned and paid for an independent auditing firm to review all of the records, and based upon their recommendation, I sent everything to the chief law enforcement counsel for the State Board of Elections for review.  I also sent other documents, too, to the state Board of Elections, and Mr. Bellone knows what they are…”

The District Attorney said Bellone’s accusations stem from the County Executive’s wish “that perhaps he thinks that perhaps another prosecutor will do what he wants and choose to look the other way”

“And that’s why he stood on the steps outside and said outrageous things…that 190 prosecutors, cops, and support staff are all a part of a “culture of corruption”.  It’s outrageous and it’s false,” said Spota.

Responding to a reporter’s question about Bellone’s claim that he’s asked the governor for assistance, District Attorney Spota said, “If the governor chooses to question me or members of my staff, everybody will be available.”

County Executive Bellone "Tom Spota you must resign from this office"

By p.biancaniello

At a hastily arranged press conference held on the steps of the District Attorney office building this afternoon Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone called for District Attorney Thomas Spota to resign.  

Saying “Tom Spota you must resign from this office.” Bellone sited today’s Newsday article as a reason he was asking for Spota to resign today.  The article:DA Thomas Spota’s wiretap of Robert Macedonio: New details of probe By Gus Garcia-Roberts and Will Van Sant gives a detailed description of incidents that were not followed up on by the DA.

The District Attorney’s position is an elected position and as such, there is no procedure in place to forcibly remove DA Spota. Although there is a great deal of rhetoric and an ongoing federal investigation Spota has not been charged nor convicted of any crime. With cameras rolling Bellone delivered to an assistant district attorney a letter calling for Spota to resign his position. Should Spota not resign Bellone pledged to call on the Governor to take action to remove him. 

Bellone opened the press conference by referencing his first visit to the DA’s office some twenty years ago when James Catterson was the Suffolk County District Attorney. 

“I supported Tom Spota for district attorney because I believed that he was the man that was taking on corruption and would end corruption and political persecution. It has now become clear that that was simply a reshuffling of the deck chairs and that the culture of corruption that has clearly existed now in this county and in law enforcement for decades has continued unabated and has only worsened.” County Executive Steve Bellone

St. James' Contes Family Cooking, Cabinetry And More...

Mother’s Day Re-Imagined

By Nancy Vallarella

Nationally, Mother’s Day is the busiest day for the hospitality industry. Apparently, family members feel this day is best left to the professionals. No doubt many Smithtown moms celebrated by dining out.  The restaurants along Rt. 25A were bustling. For one Smithtown mom, Mother’s Day is every day on 25A.

Aggie Contes, mother of three and retired Smithtown Christian School teacher spends afternoons tending shop at her youngest son Joshua’s new business, Re-Imagined Kitchen and Bath.  With a grand opening scheduled for this Sunday, May 15^th, she is one proud mother.

John and Aggie Contes have two sons that have realized their career dream. Across the road from Re-Imagined Kitchens and Bath, oldest son Chef Jonathan Contes has co-owned the acclaimed restaurant Mosaic for over a decade.  There is much speculation that sister, Jessica will be doing business on Rt. 25A in the future. 

This tight-knit family has been working, growing and learning together since the early eighties when father, John Contes transitioned from his family’s restaurant and catering business to teaching. The entire Contes family commuted to work and school together as they all headed to the same destination, the Smithtown Christian School on Brooksite Drive. 

Beaming, Aggie speaks of her son Joshua’s desire to work with his hands and physical capabilities even from an early age. She recalls his bold attempt to climb a twenty-foot ladder at 18-months-old and his handy work creating a new fireplace for the family home.  Eventually through drive, desire and ability the youngest Contes landed a job with Affordable Cabinets in Farmingdale where he honed his skills for several years. 

With a business of his own, Joshua Contes continues his friendship with his former boss and mentor. Many clients remain in his life as friends. When asked how it feels to see your children realize their dream, Aggie Contes smiles knowingly. She recommends having patience and to always allow for constructive exploration. 

The Re-Imagined Kitchen and Bath showroom features several manufactured lines of kitchen and bath cabinets, quartz and granite countertops, sinks, and fixtures.  Striking wood pieces handcrafted by Joshua Contes are a must see especially for the wine enthusiast.

You are invited to join the Contes family in the Grand Opening of Re-Imagined Kitchen and Bath, 437 North Country Road, Saint James on Sunday, May 15^th from 1 p.m. to 5 pm.  Refreshments will be provided by Chef Jonathan Contes of Mosaic Saint James who under supervision was allowed to cook his first steak at age five.

Kings Park Has Two New Eagle Scouts Thomas McGee & George Gonatas

Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta Congratulates Kings Park 

Boy Scout Troop 75’s Newest Eagles … Thomas McGee and George Gonatas

(Smithtown, NY)…Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta praised Thomas McGee and George Gonatas, whom he coached in the Kings Park Soccer League when they were younger, for achieving the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. Thomas of Kings Park became Troop 75’s 75th Eagle Scout and George of Fort Salonga was the troop’s 76 Eagle Scout. 

For his Eagle Scout Leadership Project, Thomas supervised other scouts from the troop in the construction of five benches for the Boys Varsity Locker Room at Kings Park High School. George’s Community Leadership Project involved working with his troop members to build a new shotput circle at Kings Park High School. As students at the   school, they hope their projects will encourage more scouts to give back to their schools.

“Becoming an Eagle Shout is an amazing achievement and is something that you have accomplished while still a teenager. It is a recognition that will stay with you for the rest of your lives,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, who represents the district. “Through your years of scouting you have attained a skill set and leadership qualities that you can apply in college and in your careers to make this a better community. What you have done is very impressive and we all expect great things from you in the future,” added Legislator Trotta.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (center) presented Eagle Scouts George Gonatas, Jr. (left) and Thomas McGee (right) with proclamations citing their accomplishments.