_________________ WANTAGH ________________
HERALD Staying on the green
Celebrating a milestone
Softball team finds its footing
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Vol. 72 No. 19
MAY 2 - 8, 2024
$1.00
A magical toy land in Wantagh Theissen Foundation opens Family Fun Center on Wantagh Avenue By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Charles Shaw/Herald
John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, held a grand opening for the organization’s new Family Fun Center on April 18. Thanks to donations, the facility will host free events for sick and underprivileged children.
A dream came true in Wantagh on April 18, when John Theissen held a grand opening for his new Family Fun Center, which will offer free entertainment for sick and underprivileged children in the community. The center, on Wantagh Avenue, is filled with a variety of fun activities and games that will bring a smile to a child’s face. It is also the new headquarters of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that helps sick and underprivileged chil-
dren with donations and fundraisers. The facility will host parties for kids who have cancer, or who are in financially unstable families. The foundation works with social workers who let Theissen know about children in need, who will be invited to use the center for events without charge. Inside are an arcade, an arts and crafts section, a candy station and a movie theater with a popcorn machine and video game systems connected to the screen. According to the 53-yearold T heissen, a Wanta gh ConTinued on pAge 13
Temple B’nai Torah set for a musical performance of ‘Annie’ By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Temple B’nai Torah is bringing “a hard knock life” to Wantagh as its MainStage Players gear up for a musical performance of “Annie.” Led by temple member Tom Reilly in his directorial debut, the musical will feature adults and children singing and dancing on stage. Based on the 1970’s Broadway production, the musical is the famous story of a charming redheaded orphan girl and her quest to experience the love and stability of a real family. Reilly, who has been with the temple theater group for more than 18 years as a performer,
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etween the makeup and the costumes, we really have a lot of people stepping up from within. We couldn’t do it without our volunteers. ToM REillY Director said he always wanted to put on a production of “Annie.” With a mixture of fun, young talent and experienced adult performers,
Reilly added that this year’s group provides the right opportunity for the musical. “I think it’s the perfect makeup for the older cast and the younger ones in the middle, so it’s just good timing for this show,” Reilly said. Rehearsals began in January, and Reilly said performers, who are also temple members, have been hard at work perfecting their performances. The young actors playing Annie and the other orphans have a large role in the musical, according to Reilly, but he noted that the children have stepped up to the challenge. Reilly’s wife, Lisa Shubin, the producer of the musical, said most of the children in the show
have experience on stage, but also have at least one parent performing with them, creating a relaxed, family environment during rehearsals. “It kind of flows naturally,” Shubin said of the rehearsals. “They figure out what they need to do, and they’re here because they want to put in the time and commitment.” Playing the title role of Annie
is 14-year-old Alyssa Abrons, who has been with the temple theater group for more than five years. Annie is her first major title role in a performance, which is made easier when working with friends and family, Alyssa said. “I feel good about it,” Alyssa said of her role. “Everyone is supportive. They definitely let you relax, you have breaks, and ConTinued on pAge 4