All that Drama!

Remembering our Sayville High School plays and musicals
School plays and musicals provide students with valuable opportunities for creative expression, teamwork, and public speaking. They help build confidence and enhance communication skills while fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Additionally, these performances cultivate an appreciation for the arts and can improve emotional intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

Accordion Menu: Click any title to expand (and collapse).

Intro

Introduction

 

Sayville High School presents:

“Something Rotten”, presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) from March 20 through March 22, 2025.

 

Photos courtesy Sayville Public Schools Facebook page!

All shows begin at 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $12 here:

https://bit.ly/4hzciKI

Sayville High School presents:

Sayville Schools Music Department

March 17, 2016 
 

January 1988 – “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller

The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller about the Salem witch trials. The SHS January 1988 production was done as a theatre in the round. The small stage was created on the main stage, with the audience chairs encircling it. The audience was very close to the actors.

As part of the play, I was originally supposed to play the part of one of the girls “afflicted” by witchcraft. Writhing and screaming was part of the role. Sounds easy, but it goes against natural civilized behavior and feels awkward in practice!

I ended up playing the role of Mrs. Ann Putnam though after the original actor dropped out shortly before the opening. Maybe she got sick or lost her voice? I can’t remember her name or the reason. So I scrambled to learn those lines.

Because the audience was so physically close, I didn’t put in my contact lenses. That way the audience was blurry, and it helped me focus on acting instead of the audience!

If you have any photos or memories you’d like to add about the 1988 production of The Crucible, contact the site administrator halgbrown@sayvillealumni.org

The Sayville High School annual one-act plays gave seniors the chance to try their hand at directing the underclassmen. It was a different experience for each of us, with different directors and actors for each one-act play. 

There was always some tension when we tried out, hoping that a senior we admired would choose us for their scene. From serious to hilarious, the scenes and experiences ran the gamut.

I only have the program from the 1988 one-act plays to show for it. If you have any photos or an experience to add, send them to the site administrator halgbrown@sayvillealumni.org

If you have any photos or an experience to add, send them to the site administrator halgbrown@sayvillealumni.org

Original ticket above courtesy of Mr. James Cashman. Thank you, James!

The Suffolk County News, 4 February 1965 pg 3
Courtesy of The Suffolk County News, 4 February 1965 pg 3
The Suffolk County News, 4 February 1965 pg 3
Courtesy of The Suffolk County News, 1 April 1965
Courtesy of The Suffolk County News, 1 April 1965
The Suffolk County News, 4 February 1965 pg 3
Courtesy of The Suffolk County News, 6 Aug 1965
The Suffolk County News, 4 February 1965 pg 3
Courtesy of The Suffolk County News, 1 April 1965

Reflections courtesy of

Paula (McCombs)  Loughlin, Class of 1965;

“

Authored by Booth Tarkington, this was a comedic theatrical work set within the opulent confines of a country hotel. The narrative centered on the amusing misunderstandings and romantic complications involving four men and four women who are enjoying their stay at the same resort. The action took place in a single room adjacent to the hotel lounge, where characters frequently enter and exit, resulting in a succession of comedic events. Each individual becomes entangled in a mix-up, mistakenly believing they are meeting someone else, which leads to considerable confusion and amusement. In the end, the play concluded with each couple discovering their rightful partner. This delightful and amusing piece highlighted Tarkington’s skill in crafting engaging and humorous situations.

Authored by Booth Tarkington, this was a comedic theatrical work set within the opulent confines of a country hotel. The narrative centered on the amusing misunderstandings and romantic complications involving four men and four women who are enjoying their stay at the same resort. The action took place in a single room adjacent to the hotel lounge, where characters frequently enter and exit, resulting in a succession of comedic events. Each individual becomes entangled in a mix-up, mistakenly believing they are meeting someone else, which leads to considerable confusion and amusement. In the end, the play concluded with each couple discovering their rightful partner. This delightful and amusing piece highlighted Tarkington’s skill in crafting engaging and humorous situations.

The play entitled “The Whole Town’s Talking” was performed in 1930 by students of Sayville High School. This marks one of the earliest occasions to view an authentic photograph of the cast, as it was featured in the yearbook of that year. We have digitized, improved, and subtly colorized the cast photograph, resulting in a commendable outcome.

It is noteworthy that the majority of these students were born circa 1912. What was the experience of life like for these students in 1930?  Life for a high school student in Sayville in 1930 was shaped by the Great Depression, traditional social values, and a more rigid education system compared to today. Here’s what it was like:

School Life

Curriculum: Education was focused on core subjects like English, math, history, and science, along with vocational training for students who planned to enter the workforce after graduation.

Discipline: Schools were strict, with teachers enforcing punctuality, respect, and proper behavior. Corporal punishment was still common.

Daily Routine

Getting to School: Most students walked, or biked.  Some came by car.  I’m not sure if there were busses yet.

School Hours: Days typically ran from around 8 AM to 3 PM, with a lunch break.

Homework: Assignments were generally less complex than today, but expectations for memorization and recitation were high.

Social Life

Extracurriculars: Sports like football, baseball, and basketball were popular for boys, while girls often participated in cheerleading, choir, or home economics clubs.

Fashion: Boys wore collared shirts, ties, and slacks; girls wore modest dresses, often with knee-length hems and stockings.

Dating: Strict social norms governed relationships, and most socializing was done in supervised settings like school dances or church events.

Impact of the Great Depression

Many students had to drop out of school to work and support their families.

School budgets were often tight, meaning fewer extracurriculars and resources.

Some students attended school part-time while working on farms or in family businesses.

Entertainment & Culture

Radio programs were a major source of entertainment and news.

Weekend activities included movies (talkies had become popular), soda shops, and local dances.

Prohibition (which lasted until 1933) meant alcohol was illegal, though speakeasies were present in some parts of Long Island.

We have incorporated the Suffolk County News article regarding this play, which is composed in a markedly different style compared to contemporary writing. The article provides an extensive account of all the events that transpired.

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Sayville Alumni Association, Inc.
Hal G. Brown, Director (Class of 1972)
halgbrown@sayvillealumni.org
https://sayvillealumni.org/
https://www.facebook.com/SayvilleAlumni/

Corporate: 5194 NE 9th St., Ocala Fl 34470

 838-500-2775

Join our mailing list to receive new posts.

Sayville Alumni Association, Inc.
Hal G. Brown, Director (Class of 1972)
halgbrown@sayvillealumni.org
https://sayvillealumni.org/
https://www.facebook.com/SayvilleAlumni/

Corporate: 5194 NE 9th St., Ocala Fl 34470

 838-500-2775

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Sayville Alumni Association, Inc.