Community flavor takes center stage at Theater Three

Port Jefferson’s own version of Broadway came to life on Main Street in 1979.

That’s when Jerry Friedman, together with Robert and Linda Herr, purchased the 140-year-old Athena Hall building for their 10-year-old nonprofit regional theater company, Theater Three.

Before acquiring the building, which marks the geographic beginning of Port Jefferson’s downtown district, the company performed in rented spaces around the Three Village area.

Today, the acts take place either upstairs on the 400-seat main stage, or in the 90-seat cabaret-style second stage, which is in the basement level.

The theater holds seven main stage productions, several second stage events, acting classes, and cabaret and comedy shows.

Constructed in 1870, the building was originally created for town hall meetings.

“Theater Three is in the community and of the community,” executive artistic director Jeffrey Sanzel said.

“We’re a resource of artistic focus. It’s not just about the presentation, it’s about a place to gather.”

Packed house acts include the annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” and the theater's own “Festival of One-Act Plays,” which attracts about 500 original scripts. Six are showcased at the festival.

Sanzel said between that donations, ticket sales and fees for acting classes, the theater breaks even. It has a $1.1-million annual budget.

The theater’s local actors say they are pleased with the variety of people that come to the venue.

“There are a lot of theaters on Long Island that get a mainly senior citizen audience. This audience at Theater Three is a little more diverse,” said Linda May, a Theater Three actor since 2005 who is now performing in the theater’s version of John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt.”

The play attracted new Port Jefferson resident Rosa Dicalogero, 35, who says she was drawn to Theater Three’s community atmosphere and its actors.

“I think the theater is amazing and the people are talented,” Dicalogero said.

Elizabeth Ann Castrogiovanni, also a cast member in “Doubt,” began acting with the regional theater at the age of 7. She’s now 24 and doubles as assistant to the artistic director.

Over the years, she has seen many changes to the theater, such as improvements to the costume shop and changing the rake stage to a flat one. The actual building has not changed, which she says is a draw.

“One of the biggest appeals is that it’s an older building and it has such a great feel to it,” said Castrogiovanni.

Another attraction, she adds, is the close-knit feel.

“I think Theater Three is a diamond in the rough,” Castrogiovanni said.