Lindenhurst’s Neighborly Night on the Town

For those who value convincingly staged theater – close at hand and at reasonable prices – look no further than Studio Theatre in Lindenhurst.

When it comes to locally produced musicals to comedy and heartwarming drama, the 139-seat, second-floor theater at 141 South Wellwood’s as good as it gets.

Aka “a labor of love,” according to Bob O‘Neill who, with wife Lisa and three children, has owned for more than a year. And not without its challenges – from home entertainment options to the recent economic downturn.

Yet since purchasing the theater from Pat and Jerry Zaback, life-long family friends and owners of the Broadhollow chain of local theaters, O’Neill Theatrical Productions LLC’s making a go of it.

How? Keeping overhead low, for starters. From building sets to taking tickets and manning the refreshment stand – and from scrounging for props to daily cleaning and minor repairs – the entire operation’s staffed by O’Neills.

Internet-based ticketing, dinner theater and holding the line on ticket prices have also all helped. Community involvement’s also key – Studio Theatre hosts an annual event for the of Lindenhurst.

And providing children’s shows and acting classes was a solid move. “People will cut back for themselves, but they still provide activities for their kids,” said Lisa.

It doesn’t hurt to have a deep feel for the business, either, and Bob O’Neill’s got a life-long association with local theater that goes back in the 70s when he first began acting with Broadhollow. His personal life’s deeply entwined with the business – the Zabacks were close friends of his parents, and they’re his son’s godparents.

Studio Theatre’s current show, Seniors of the Sahara, is an illustration of how charming local theater can be, when produced by people like the O’Neills.

Set in Margate, NJ and written by Barbara Pease Weber – who dropped in unannounced to see the production herself recently – the production’s a balance of theatrical professionalism and neighborly fun.

It tells the story of Sylvia Goldberg (Ginger Dalton), who returns from a trip to Egypt with a $30 keepsake that turns out to be of great antiquity and sought by its diabolical former owner. It's also home to a genie named Eugene (Don Frame), who emerges from the lamp with an aching back and an even more aching desire to serve his new mistress.

Produced by the O’Neills, directed by Linda May and delivered by this crew, the play’s a convincing fairy-dust romance wrapped up in New Jersey senior citizen chick-schtick.

Want to check out it out? Seniors of the Sahara continues with weekend shows August 26 and 28 and September 2 and 3. And check out the 's website for an updated schedule, including Neil Simon's Jake's Women.

Next up is On Golden Pond, beginning September 17. The fall season continues with Jake’s Women, beginning October 22, and Ethan Claymore, starting November 26, plus a special presentation for New Year’s Eve.

Editor’s Note: Look for a look back at of the August 21 performance of Seniors of the Sahara.