The Cultural Arts Playhouse (CAP) in Syosset presents its community theater adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic “A Christmas Carol,” with shows running from Dec. 7th through Jan. 5th.
Directed by Carmela Newman (also the musical director and costume designer), several members of the production's main cast also had roles in the Ronkonkoma-shot supernatural mystery film The Lady of the Lake, which released earlier this year.
This includes Raffaela Capp (Emily); comedian Christopher Brian Roach (Christmas Present); Michael Newman (Ebenezer Scrooge); and Debbie D’Amore (Mrs. Fezziwig).
Per the Millie D’Agostino Scholarship Fund, an annual event coordinated in honor of Carmela’s late mother, who left behind a noteworthy acting legacy on the local front, a special performance of Newman and Company’s “A Christmas Carol” will take place on Dec. 22nd. The Sunday matinee is set for 3 p.m.
"It is truly an honor to be leading this production with a performance dedicated to the memory of my mother, Millie D'Agostino, a longtime resident of Ronkonkoma,” Carmela Newman, also the President of the Millie D’Agostino Scholarship Fund, said. “It is also a gift to be directing such talent at my home away from home (The CAP of Syosset).”
D’Agostino passed away on Aug. 14th, 2017 at the age of 78. The Broadway musical and Golden Age classic film lover grew up in East Harlem the daughter of a seasoned violinist father and a professional radio singer mother. Millie herself sang in the St. Cecilia’s Church choir before being accepted into a prestigious summer stock program. She later performed in “Madam Butterfly” at the Lincoln Center-located Metropolitan Opera House in Manhattan.
The 5-time cancer survivor was married to Thomas J. D’Agostino for 55 years. She performed in over 150 theatrical productions across Long Island during that time. An arts, and overall community advocate, Millie regularly partnered with the theaters she performed at to raise funds for and through honorable service programs such as “Meals on Wheels,” Operation Christmas,” and the Knights of Columbus’ sister organization, the Columbiettes.
Capp (granddaughter), Carmela Newman (daughter) and Michael Newman (son-in-law) continue the local arts influence of D’Agostino’s family across multiple storytelling forums.
"I am blessed to have worked with Millie‘s daughters on several different projects,” said Christopher Brian Roach, who co-starred in “The Lady of the Lake” for Carmela Newman’s sister, Maria Capp. “Their passion and dedication to their work is a testament to their mother’s love and tutelage."
“Playing the role of Scrooge is made even more special by the involvement of friends and family,” said Michael Newman.“I am sure she [Millie] is watching us and beaming with pride and admiration."
"Dear Grandma, I will always love you,” said Raffaela Capp. “Thanks for sharing THIS world with me."
The Millie D’Agostino Fund itself supports future thespians in taking that extra leap beyond mere curiosity—setting in motion the opportunity for said performative hopefuls to learn about their desired craft as part of their higher education studies.
"To My Dearest Millie: I am grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of the legacy you left behind. The love, kindness, sweet friendship and best hugs ever will always live on in my heart, my memory and my life forever,” said D’Amore.
Sponsored by Syosset Hospital, ticket prices for the Dec. 22nd show are now available for $50. Seats can be reserved at www.culturalartsplayhouse.com or https://cap.booktix.com/dept/main/e/md24.
Raes, baskets and “munchies” will be featured. The theater itself is located at 170 Michael Drive in Syosset.
“Thanks to my CAP family, especially Bruce Grossman and Tony Frangipane for their unwavering support in hosting our annual fundraising event,” Carmela Newman adds.
“And thank you to Ronkonkoma residents Mike Newman, Chris Roach, Debbie D'Amore, and Raffaela Capp for their talent, love and friendship in sharing the stage to honor Millie's legacy. Through our scholarship fund, her legacy, passion and love of the arts is able to live on and continue to be shared with generations to come."
Visit the milliedagostinofund.com for more information on the scholarship program.