Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus - Hofstra University

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure
An ancient prince’s adventures will unfold through the worlds of film noir, Westerns, and monster movies when Pericles, Prince of Tyre
headlines Hofstra University’s 78th annual Shakespeare Festival, October 23-November 1, 2026.
The festival presents the sweeping Shakespearean romance and adventure along with Something Wicked (a one-hour version of Macbeth) and a concert of early music by the Hofstra Collegium Musicum. Together, the three productions offer audiences opportunities to experience Shakespeare’s storytelling and the music of his era.
For Pericles director Royston Coppenger, this year’s production is also a return to a personal milestone. He first directed the play for Hofstra’s Shakespeare Festival about 30 years ago, marking his debut as a director for the festival.
While revisiting the same play initially gave him pause, the years between productions offered an opportunity to approach it with new ideas.
“It’s been a long time, and I figured, well, maybe I got better over the years,” Coppenger laughed.
The story follows Pericles (Andrew Canese ’27) as he flees a dangerous king, survives shipwrecks, and experiences loss and separation from his family. His travels take him across the Mediterranean in a tale that spans decades and ultimately offers the possibility of reunion.
“I adore playing a character who has the opportunity to develop so much over the course of the story, both mentally and physically, and I love the play's ever-present themes of perseverance, persistence, faith, and determination,” Canese said. “It's a classic romance/ adventure story.”
Coppenger recognized a connection between the prince’s predicament and classic suspense films: an innocent person discovers something dangerous and must run for his life. From that he was inspired to make the play’s starting point reminiscent of 1940s film noir.
As Pericles travels, however, the production’s visual language changes. Each destination evokes a different cinematic world: from a Western to a setting inspired by The Bride of Frankenstein, and to Cold War Russia.
Set designer David Henderson has created towering screens that will display video imagery to establish locations and help audiences follow the play’s rapid transitions. The production’s narrator, Gower (played by Morgen Mighty ’27), will take on the personality of a beat poet.
Live music adds another layer to the storytelling. Student performers will alternate between acting and playing instruments, improvising much of the accompaniment in response to the mood of a scene.
“It’s a really fun play that takes advantage of the students’ different talents,” Coppenger said.
The production also gives students experience with one of Shakespeare’s less familiar works. While the festival does stage favorites such as Macbeth and Hamlet, Coppenger sees value in introducing students to a broader range of Shakespeare’s writing.
“We like to show them how these more obscure, and in some ways, more difficult plays work,” Coppenger said. He added that the romantic fantasy of Pericles
offers opportunities for casting across genders and having actors play multiple roles, making it a good fit for this year’s student ensemble.
Working with dramaturge Iska Alter, professor emerita of English, Coppenger and the cast are also examining passages that require clarification or cutting, making decisions about the text as rehearsals progress.
Canese, a BFA in Performance major from New Hyde Park, said the Shakespeare Festival helps student actors build essential skills and prepare for future roles. Pericles marks his second Shakespearean production at Hofstra.
“Performing Shakespeare’s work is a fantastic way for the growing actor to develop their most fundamental skills,” he said. “Shakespearean acting is also a performance style all in itself, and knowing how to work with the text is essential in being able to find work in productions of his plays elsewhere.”
Pericles will be performed at the Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater in the John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, at 8 p.m. on October 23, 24, 30, and 31, and at 2 p.m. on October 25 and November 1.For theater tickets and additional performance information, visit <a href="https://www.hofstra.edu/drama-dance/current-season.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hofstra’s Department of Drama and Dance current season page</a>.
Guests from the general public may purchase tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">online</a>.Photo: Savannah Stone '28 as Diana in Pericles, part of Hofstra University's 78th Annual Shakespeare Festival.

Local Event: Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

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Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes...

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure
An ancient prince’s adventures will unfold through...

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

Hofstra University

Directed by Keith Michael Pinault
A one-hour version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this dark psychological tragedy explores the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition. A Scottish general receives a sinister prophecy that he will become king. Driven by fierce ambition and the urging of his ruthless wife, he commits a terrible crime to seize the throne, sparking a downward spiral of paranoia, chaos, and destruction.
Location: Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater in Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall
Show times:
<ul>
Friday, 10/23 at 1 pm in front of Adams Playhouse
Saturday, 10/24 at 2 pm in Pride Park
Tuesday, 10/27 at 11 am in the Schaeffer Black Box Theater
Thursday, 10/29 at 8 pm in the Schaeffer Black Box Theater
Saturday, 10/31 at 3 pm in the Schaeffer Black Box Theater
</ul>
Purchase tickets at: <a href="https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/</a>

Local Event: Something Wicked - A One Hour Macbeth

Something Wicked - A One Hour Macbeth

Directed by Keith Michael Pinault
A one-hour version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this dark psychological tragedy explores the...

Directed by Keith Michael Pinault
A one-hour version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, this dark psychological tragedy explores the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition. A Scottish general receives a sinister prophecy that he will become king. Driven by fierce ambition and the urging of his ruthless wife, he commits a terrible crime to seize the throne, sparking a downward spiral of paranoia, chaos, and destruction.
Location: Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater in Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall
Show times:
<ul>
<li>Thursday, October 29th at 11am and 8pm</li>
<li>Friday, October 30th at 11am</li><li>Saturday, October 31st at 3pm</li>
</ul>Purchase tickets at: <a href="https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/</a>

The Fall 2026 Dance Concert features pieces by Hofstra faculty choreographers and guest artists. Pictured: Metal Garden, Choreographed by Sean Curran in the Spring 2026 Dance Concert. Photo by Johan Elbers.
Location: Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater in John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Show times:
<ul>
<li>Thursday, November 19th at 8pm</li>
<li>Friday, November 20th at 8pm</li>
<li>Saturday, November 21st at 2pm and 8pm</li><li>Sunday, November 22nd at 2pm</li>
</ul>Purchase tickets at: <a href="https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/</a>

Local Event: Hofstra University Fall Dance Concert

Hofstra University Fall Dance Concert

The Fall 2026 Dance Concert features pieces by Hofstra faculty choreographers and guest artists. Pictured: Metal Garden,...

The Fall 2026 Dance Concert features pieces by Hofstra faculty choreographers and guest artists. Pictured: Metal Garden, Choreographed by Sean Curran in the Spring 2026 Dance Concert. Photo by Johan Elbers.
Location: Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater in John Cranford Adams Playhouse
Show times:
<ul>
<li>Thursday, November 19th at 8pm</li>
<li>Friday, November 20th at 8pm</li>
<li>Saturday, November 21st at 2pm and 8pm</li><li>Sunday, November 22nd at 2pm</li>
</ul>
Purchase tickets at: <a href="https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://hofstra-university-drama-dance-z79p.vivenushop.com/</a>

New York City Metropolitan Area

Suffolk County

Peggy Spellman Hoey

Sachem

Kepherd Daniel

Islip

Hauppauge

Sayville-Bayport

East Islip

Brentwood-Central Islip

Smithtown

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Patchogue

Medford

Community Ambulance Company, Inc

Community Ambulance Company invites residents of Sayville and surrounding Long Island communities to join us for the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day &amp; FREE Community Paper Shredding Event on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This community event brings together two important services in one convenient location, helping residents safely dispose of unwanted medications, protect their personal information, and access valuable health and safety resources.💊 FREE Prescription Drug Take Back&nbsp;Residents are encouraged to bring unused, unwanted, or expired medications for safe and responsible disposal.
<ul><li>Safe and convenient medication disposal</li><li>Capped needles and injectable medications accepted</li><li>Help prevent medication misuse and protect the environment</li></ul>
📄 FREE Community Paper ShreddingProtect your personal information by securely disposing of sensitive household documents.
<ul><li>FREE on-site document shredding</li><li>Staples and paperclips are accepted</li><li>Secure document destruction provided by Long Island Shredding &amp; Record Destruction</li></ul>
Please do not bring: Binders, CDs, plastic materials, metal objects, or non-paper items. Attendees are asked to take their empty boxes and bags home after their documents are shredded.❤️ FREE Community Health &amp; Safety Resources&nbsp;In addition to medication disposal and document shredding, attendees can take advantage of:
<ul><li>FREE Narcan education and training</li><li>Hands-Only CPR education</li><li>Substance-use prevention information</li><li>Community health and safety resources</li></ul>
🤝 Bringing Our Community Together&nbsp;Community Ambulance Company is proud to host this event in collaboration with local organizations, community partners, and elected officials who share our commitment to public health, safety, and community service. Whether you're cleaning out your medicine cabinet, securely disposing of old paperwork, or interested in learning lifesaving skills, we encourage you to stop by!No appointment necessary. All services are FREE.Event Information: Saturday, October 24, 2026 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Community Ambulance Company 420 Lakeland Avenue, Sayville, NY 11782Questions? Michael Matthews <a href="mailto:mmatthews@communityamb.org">mmatthews@communityamb.org</a><a href="mailto:mmatthews@communityamb.org"></a>Help us spread the word! Share this event with your friends, family, and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you on October 24!

Local Event: DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day & Free Community Paper Shredding

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day &...

Community Ambulance Company invites residents of Sayville and surrounding Long Island communities to join us for the DEA...

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day & Free Community Paper Shredding

Jay Estate

<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Balloon-300x200.jpg">Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone! Join us on Sunday, October 25 from 11am - 3pm. New this year in honor of the Montgolfier Brothers invention of the hot-air balloon in 1783 - you guessed it - learn all about the thermodynamics of these beautiful aircrafts from <a href="https://www.libertyballoon.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Liberty Balloon Company</a>. Enjoy outdoor activities and old-fashioned entertainment as we commemorate America 250 with a very special chance to see authentic centuries-old artifacts of the Revolutionary War at the historic first home of patriot and peacemaker John Jay. <a href="https://youtu.be/1-5rBwbfv08?si=7Y61Jf0fiNcaNAr2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Watch a video from last year's festival here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/b5a7d988-48ca-4a56-bb9b-28da36e2bc0e" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE TO AVOID THE LINES.</a>
<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Revisit-the-Rev-300x300.jpg">
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
* Silhouette artist <a href="https://www.sweet-silhouette.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Varin Acevado</a> will create heirloom portraits. * Stilt walkers &amp; jugglers ensure super photo ops for the whole family! * Professional facepainters from <a href="https://www.jamesdaniel.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">James Daniel Entertainment </a>will create butterflies and dragons with deft dabs of paint and glitter! * Join the <a href="https://www.ryetroop2.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rye Boy Scouts Troop 2</a> for boat racing in the reflecting pool * Create your own take-home origami animals with talented volunteers from our Japanese community partners in Harrison. * Try your hand at special geocaching activities in honor of America at 250 highlighting John Jay's role as spymaster during the Revolutionary War. * Make a self-portrait with artist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellenjingxu/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jing (Ellen) Xu </a>and ColorWorld. * Learn about robotics and STEAM with <a href="https://www.makeinspires.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">MakeInspires.</a> * Don't miss the rocket show with <a href="https://newyorkcity.madscience.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mad Science!</a> * Pony rides and the petting zoo are family favorites!

ALL AGES
* Self-guided tours of<a href="https://parks.ny.gov/history/rev-war?utm_campaign=NYSOGS+Parks-RevWar250&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=Search&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23972741403&amp;gbraid=0AAAABD-CRbX_77SLGE4f5AlYAwtMckwIS&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlsfWBhD4ARIsACL7p1GnNW59-3sZb1eG8wDrPXmniU0OpY52GakfKQTDy-DZfXtRno0_JBwaAnZYEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Revisit the Revolution Exhibit</a> at the Jay Mansion. * Self-guided tours of the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens (2022 NYS Nonprofit Excellence, 2023 ICAA Landscape Design, 2026 GCA Historic Preservation). * Nibble on savories from food trucks and local favorites like Cousins Lobster Roll, Jimmy's Soft Serve, Crazy Taco Mex, Food Truck Refinery, Westchester Burger and Mangones Market. * LIVE Music from <a href="https://www.brooklynbluegrass.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective</a>. * Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Pelham Bit Carriages. * Shop for the holidays early or for any occasion - explore gorgeous jewelry, sweaters, fine art photographs, handcrafted Japanese pottery from <a href="https://nslifestyles.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NS Lifestyles</a>, <a href="https://shopthebeehive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Beehive</a>, <a href="https://www.crichlowfineart.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Crichlow Fine Art</a>, <a href="https://hirokosceramics.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hiroko's Ceramics</a> and many more bespoke offerings from our vendors * Learn about 10,000 years of archaeology beneath our feet with Dr. Eugene Boesch.
More activities being added every day! Admission is $50 per family and $20 individual.
Thank you to our Jay Day Co-Chairs Lindsay Bello Martin, Claire Weschler, Jennifer Soliman and Julia Thalhammer and 2026 RCDS Community Engagement Fellow Ellora Shah.&nbsp;
More volunteers welcome! Contact us at <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a> to sign up for a shift.
The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is a dynamic nonprofit which manages the Jay Estate in Rye, New York. The 23-acre park that they have preserved and interpreted since 1992 is an award-winning culture hub and wildlife refuge on Long Island Sound. Located in the heart of Westchester’s only National Historic Landmark District, the site welcomes visitors April through November to learn about our nation’s flawed yet precious democracy through indoor and outdoor public programs. Offerings about American History feature prominent writers and educators. Free horticulture and birding workshops teach guests about native plants and wildlife. Family-friendly concerts draw hundreds for old-fashioned fun and unplugged enjoyment. The site is a member of NY State's Path Through History and Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. Sign up to volunteer or access all they offer at <a href="https://jayheritagecenter.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.jayheritagecenter.org</a>
<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Vendors-300x300.jpg">

Local Event: Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Westchester County

Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone!...

🚒🔥 SAVE THE DATE! 🔥🚒
Mark your calendars for the Sayville Fire Department OPEN HOUSE &amp; FIRE PREVENTION NIGHT! 🎃👨‍🚒
📅 Friday, October 30, 2026 ⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM 📍 Sayville Fire Department Headquarters
Come enjoy fire safety demonstrations, trucks &amp; apparatus, a junior firefighter obstacle course, bouncy firehouse crawl, face painting, giveaways, refreshments &amp; MORE! 🚒🔥🎃🚓🚑
🚒 Bring all your family and friends and don’t forget to share this post to spread the word🚑 TIA
#SayvilleFireDepartment #OpenHouse #FirePreventionMonth #SaveTheDate #SayvilleNY

Local Event: Sayville FD Fire Prevention Open House

Sayville FD Fire Prevention Open House

🚒🔥 SAVE THE DATE! 🔥🚒
Mark your calendars for the Sayville Fire Department OPEN HOUSE & FIRE PREVENTION NIGHT! 🎃👨‍🚒
📅 Friday,...

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Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

OCT

23

8:00 PM

Long Island, NY

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

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Long Island, NY

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

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Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

OCT

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Long Island, NY

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

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Long Island, NY

Hofstra’s 78th Shakespeare Festival Takes Pericles on a Cinematic Adventure

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Hofstra University Fall Dance Concert

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