Sparkle on Stage impresses on the Nautical Mile

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“I’m over the moon proud. I appreciate them more than words could possibly express,” said Robyn Workman, director of Sparkle on Stage, a Freeport children’s theater group. Workman’s students had just performed at the Esplanade on the Nautical Mile, as part of the Thursday-night Summer Sunset Concert series sponsored by the Long Island Council of the Arts-Freeport.

            Sparkle on Stage raises money to help build a cultural arts facility in Freeport. Their production on August 12 was Broadway in the Attic, which combined songs and scenes from several of Broadway’s most famous productions, including Kiss Me Kate, A Chorus Line, Sweeney Todd, and Hamilton.

            On the humid evening of August 12, the students sang, danced, and played instruments. The audience responded to their passion and camaraderie with enthusiastic applause. After the show was over, a raffle was announced, with the winners receiving items such as a pillow and a beach towel. Other memorabilia given away at the show included shirts, water bottles, and flippers.

            “It’s my pleasure [to perform],” said Stefanie Workman, Robyn Workman’s daughter, an actress who helps mentor Sparkle’s productions. “I wish to become the person I had when I was growing up, the one who’s always encouraging kids to go for it. … I am very proud of my mother, and I don’t think I would be pursuing my dream [of acting] without Sparkle on Stage.” Stefanie also runs a production company in Freeport called Don’t Tell on Amy, which she hopes can “bring theatre and film to the community.”

            Sparkle on Stage will be performing Into the Woods: The Musical, a version of the 1986 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, on Saturday, August 28, and Sunday, August 29, at The Playground (255 Archer Street) in Freeport, starting at 7 pm. Admission is free. Robyn Workman herself will be performing.

“The director asked if I could make an appearance as a witch,” said Workman, “and I happily said yes.”