Arts & Entertainment

Top 10: Arts Stories of 2012

A look back at the year in Sachem arts and entertainment new and profiles.

We've searched through our archives in 2012 to give you the Top 10 most significant arts and entertainment stories of the year. From school plays to master chefs, to alumni filmmakers, we bring you the year 2012 in artistic hindsight.

Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Photo Event to be Held in Port Jeff

Former Sachem Patch editor Chris Vaccaro highlighted this January 2012 exhibit that provided a rich photographic history of Lake Ronkonkoma during its heyday. The exhibit, entitled "Mirrors of the Past: Lake Ronkonkoma in Old Photographs," opened in Port Jefferson village and drew archives of photos as well as written accounts of our historic lake.

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Local Author Pens Book

Back in March, Sachem Patch profiled the debut book of Lake Ronkonkoma authoer Joan Tobin, who released: "Pavlov's Cats and Thirty Other Short Takes from Mensa Monthlies." The book was described as a "novelty collection of a variety of offerings, including observations, personal experiences, and essays." The book is still available on Amazon and through Tobin's publishing house RoseDog Books.

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Sachem East Spring Musical is the 'CATS' Meow

Last spring Sachem East High School wowed its audience with a dynamic performance of "CATS," and Sachem Patch's Shana Braff was there to capture all the action. A large ensemble cast was led by Alyssa Masseria (Munkustrap), Danielle Nigro (Demeter), Veronica Kelly (Bombalurina), Alexis Tedesco (Jellylorum), Sarah Clive (Grizabella), James Collins (Rum Tum Tugger), Rob Downes (Old Deuteronomy), Logan Farrell (Asparagus), Ashley Iadanza (Jemina), Rachel Wadler (Jennyanydots), Ryan Fazziola (Skimbleshanks), Cassie Balado (Cassandra), Lisa Cento (Rumpleteaser), Maria Cento (Mungojerrie), Katie Gerardi (Quaxo), Jake DeRobertis (Mr. Mistoffelees), Jaclyn Kieffner (Victoria,), Collin Gallagher (Macavity), Amber Celone (Ghengisa) and Ashley Ehman (Gilberta). Braff took plenty of photos, and you can relive the excitement by clicking on the headline.

Sachem North Puts On a Production of Hairspray

Of course we'd be remiss not to mention the other spring musical going on across town at Sachem North. Last April the Sachem North Drama Club put on John Waters' quirky musical "Hairspray." Sachem's production featured Dani Mannino as Tracy Turnblad, Laura Laureano as her best friend Penny Pingleton, Ryan Miller as Turnblad's mother Edna, and Paul Gagliardi as her father, Wilbur, just to name a few. Scroll through the gallery on this story to see the production all over again.

Sachem North Grad Launches Documentary Series

Back in June, Sachem Patch sat on the phone with Sachem North Class of 2007 graduate Jesse Mineo to discuss his ongoing documentary project "The Millenials." We only wish we could have printed half the conversation, as Mineo spoke at length and passionately about American culture, his generation's contribution to that culture, and what The Millenials will attempt to capture. Mineo, a film student at NYU, also spoke about his dynamic education at Sachem North. Read the profile if you didn't get a chance to the first time around.

New Community Theater Opens in Farmingville

Back in June, the Sachem community got a great new neighbor, as the Take-One Theatre Arts production company and community school finally found permanent residency in Farmingville. The new theater brings in talent from all over the island, and has been putting on regular performances in its new digs on Portion Road since the summer. Check out our profile and then check out their shows. 

Holtsville Man Competing on Fox’s ‘Master Chef’

In 2012 we followed Holtsville native Frank Mirando on his magical, and deep, run through the Gordon Ramsey reality TV competition "Master Chef," which aired over the summer on FOX. Mirando, a stockbroker by trade, was one of the strongest contestants on the show and made it all the way to the final four. Ultimately, he was done in by a chocolate souffle just before the judges decided on the top three. The long run, however, gave Mirando tons of exposure, a chance to show off his culinary talent, and he even got a chance to ring the closing bell at Nasdaq. Click the link and get up to speed on our coverage.

Holbrook Dancer Wins Big At Irish Dance Competition

Irish eyes were definitely smiling in Holbrook last July when 9-year-old Bridget Abraldes took 1st Place in the "Girls Under 10" category at the North American Irish Dance Championship in Chicago. Abraldes dances for the Ronkonkoma-based Mulvihill-Lynch Irish Dance School.

Sachem North Teacher Organizes Sayville Flash Mob Event Today

Sachem North Science Teacher Laura Heaney grabbed headlines in October when she organized a flash mob dance routine at the four corners at Montauk Highway and Railroad Avenue in Sayville. The flash mob was done in honor of International Day of the Girl, which helps shed light on violence against women and gender inequality. Heaney even provided a quick tutorial of the routine on YouTube.

Sachem Grad Produces Horror Movie Starring Brandi Cyrus

Back in November, Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch Editor Erica Jackson caught up with Dayna Ghiraldi, a Sachem graduate and the producer and publicist of a new slasher flick that was filming in Hampton Bays. The film is called "Old 37," and features Miley Cirus' sister Brandi. The premise of Old 37 is that a homicidal maniac ambulance operator intercepts emergency calls to 911 and picks up his unsuspecting victims. Filming was scheduled to go to wrap in mid-December for a release this coming summer of 2013. One arts feature Sachem Patch will follow in the new year.  


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