Long Islanders With Disabilities Perform 'Oliver!' In Northport

NORTHPORT, NY — People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted its first-ever Spring Showcase, featuring a cast made up entirely of Long Islanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a modified production of the musical, "Oliver!" before a crowd of more than 100 supportive family and friends on Friday, People's Arc of Suffolk announced.

The performance took place at the newly opened People’s Arc of Suffolk Performing Arts Center in Northport, marking the culmination of weeks of hard work by a cast of approximately 20 performers. The event also featured original art displays, music performances, and highlights from the organization’s innovative Arc TV program.

"It was so nerve-wracking/ But it was so special. You know, I dreamed of this for so long since I was a kid — and to see it all come true, man, it’s special," said Francisco Escandon, one of the featured cast members. "This is my dream, to be an actor. I’m not in it for millions of dollars or for trophies. I’m in it to act — to be an actor. This is so special."

Set in partnership with the Spirit of Huntington Art Center, the event welcomed family, friends, and community members for a heartwarming afternoon of performance and celebration.

The production included select scenes and songs from the classic musical, adapted to highlight the strengths and talents of the performers.

"Their confidence is soaring, their relationships are building — not just in the community but with each other," said Marisa Arbutina, vice president of Adult Day Services at People’s Arc. "They’ve worked so hard. This is their end result. You can see it in their faces. Their smiles say it all."

The People’s Arc Performing Arts Center, located at 51 Scudder Ave., Northport, opened its doors in October 2024. The center aims to offer a unique approach to services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Using performing arts disciplines — including music, theater, dance, and digital arts — community teaching artists, clinicians, and direct support professionals collaborate to guide participants in exploring their interests and talents.

The center’s innovative services aim to integrate the arts into the lives of people with disabilities, promoting inclusion and self-expression. Programs such as TheatreAbility, MusicAbility, DanceAbility, and ARC TV provide dynamic, innovative, and integrated services to the people supported.