The Sparrows mix music and acting for classic fun

The Sparrows, a performing arts group based in Locust Valley, have quickly gained a reputation for their original and engaging musicals. Founded by Brooke Di Spirito, the group has its roots in the hamlet of Oyster Bay and features a talented ensemble composed primarily of Locust Valley High School alumni.

“Everyone is primarily from Oyster Bay and Locust Valley,” Di Spirito said, “with just a few members from other areas like Manhattan and Port Jefferson.”

The Sparrows grew out of Di Spirito’s passion for musical theater. The group’s first production, “The Beautiful and Damned,” fell victim to multiple cancellations during the coronavirus pandemic, but its perseverance paid off with a successful debut in 2022 at the Landmark Theater in Port Washington.

“I write musicals, and the first one I wrote that actually went anywhere was ‘The Beautiful and Damned,’” Di Spirito said. “It was canceled several times due to Covid, but we finally performed it in 2022. Most of the band members from that production formed what is now the Sparrows.”

The group has since performed at various venues, including the Old Westbury Gardens mansion, where it has a semi-regular residency. Its performances there have included period pieces set in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, blending comedy, drama and jazz standards. Its latest project, an original musical called “Once More, From the Top,” is set to premiere on Friday.

Anthony Speros, the Sparrows’ guitarist, joined the group after collaborating with Di Spirito during their college years.

“Brooke and I blend really well together when it comes to making a production,” Speros said. “I enjoy bringing theater projects to life, and even though it’s her production, I help out in any way I can.”

Speros initially helped arrange music for “The Beautiful and Damned” during its early development. Although the pandemic disrupted the plans, he rejoined the group when it performed at Old Westbury Gardens.

“Brooke called me up and said, ‘I need a conductor for this next show. We’re doing it at a mansion. Do you want to do it?’” Speros recalled. “I immediately said yes, and we figured out the rest of the details later.”

Hans Kiessling, the Sparrows’ drummer, praised the group’s collaborative atmosphere. A fellow Locust Valley High graduate, he said he knew some of the performers in high school, but really got to know them after joining the group, which works closely together on projects.

“It’s definitely a group effort,” Kiessling said. “We all bounce ideas off each other, and it’s a fun, collaborative time. Brooke usually comes up with the concept and writes the shows, but everyone has a hand in shaping the final product.”

Di Spirito’s background in dance significantly influences the group’s productions. She often handles the choreography, drawing from her experience as a ballet and swing dancer.

“I usually do the choreography, because that’s my actual background,” she said. “But there’s always an element of getting other people on board, whether it’s for lighting, sound or other aspects.”

The Sparrows’ performances at Old Westbury Gardens have been particularly well received, with sold-out shows leading to multiple invitations to return.

“We performed a Fitzgerald musical last summer, which went really well,” Di Spirito said. “We were invited back for a Christmas show, and now we’re preparing for another new musical at the end of this month.”

Looking ahead, the Sparrows plan to continue their tradition of original productions while exploring new opportunities to perform in unique venues. Di Spirito remains committed to creating fresh, engaging content for the group.

“I write and they act,” she said. “Sometimes I have to play in the pit or perform, but it’s all about making original shows that we’re passionate about.”

Their upcoming performances promise to deliver the same high-energy, creative flair that has characterized their previous shows. “Once More From the Top,” which will run from Friday to Sunday at Old Westbury Gardens, follows the story of a romantic entanglement gone wrong as the biggest film dancing duo of 1936 breaks up before being pulled back together for one last film.

Although the show is sold out, you can learn more about the Sparrows and their upcoming shows on their website, TheSparrows.MyPixieSet.com.