Spring Show. . .

A Sweet Plaza Suite 

On May 2, 3, 9 & 10 audiences were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable production of Neil Simon’s hilarious comedy.  “Plaza Suite” is a collection of three comic episodes which all take place in Suite 719 of the famous Plaza Hotel in 1968. We were fortunate to have a talented cast consisting of Jane Maushay, Bob Vichiullo, Flo Federman, Matt Palace, Amelia Chiaramonte and John Simon. The show was crisply directed by Peter Morrison and featured a beautiful set designed by Lester Sprague. Kudos to all involved in making it a wonderful show.

 A Summer Get Together. . .

 Let’s all gather at the Bandshell at the end of Bellport Lane on Friday, Aug. 8th to listen to the sounds of the Ed Travers Band which plays Jimmy Buffet style music. Bring a blanket or chair and snacks and mingle with the Playcrafters. Hope to see you there – 8:00 P.M.

Upcoming. . .

Exciting news for the fall – our fall production will be a murder mystery opening Halloween weekend at the Bellport Community Center. The village is welcoming us with open arms and we are thrilled to be performing there once again. Stay turned for audition notices and more info.

In 2010 we will be celebrating our 50th year!  It may seem like a long way off, but start thinking about helping us plan the party and how to reach former members who have moved away.

Theater Folk. . .

John Simpson was given the part of Wiley Post in Gateway’s “Will Rogers Follies” after being seen by their General Manager at “Plaza Suite”.

Jim Parise is undergoing more treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital this summer. Keep him in your prayers. Send best wishes to JaP115@aol.com.

Waverley Monroe had by-pass surgery recently. You can send get well wishes to 34 Whitestone Rd., Sound Beach, NY 11789.

Playcrafters sends condolences to Theatre Three on the loss of Brent Erlandson, a well known and respected member of the Long Island theater community.

Our Website. . .

If you haven't already noticed, we have recently renovated our website (www.bellport-playcrafters.com).  In particular, there is a new section called "Memories from Past Shows".  There, you'll be able to stroll down memory lane and visit many of our past accomplishments through pictures, art work and eventually more historical information.  As we collect more memorabilia and organize it, this section will continue to grow.  Through the years, thousands of you have been a part of our past shows and we hope this new feature will help pay tribute to all of you who have participated.  For those who have contributed behind the scenes, we will be acknowledging all your work too in the very near future.  If you have any potential contributions to this digital museum, please call our webmaster, Des Burke, directly at 631-776-7863.

Scholarships. . .

Annette Mallaird presented the Playcrafter scholarships on June 2^nd  to Kara Mustafa, Danielle Bilecki, Jenna Burke, and Devin Nelson.

And, speaking of scholarships. . .

In 1965, Playcrafters established the Margaret W. Smith Memorial Scholarship.  Each year, graduates of Bellport High School who have participated in the performing arts are assisted by this scholarship.  To date, we have awarded over $62,000 to 121 students.  Your support through attendance, membership, concession purchases or program advertising, contributes to this project. 

At this time, our scholarship fund is at an all time low.  Please consider making a tax deductible donation to our scholarship fund to allow us to continue supporting deserving students of the performing arts.  The Board would like to thank the donors who have generously given towards this worthy cause in the past.  To make a contribution send a check made payable to Playcrafters to PO Box 452, Bellport, NY  11713.