November 10, 2011 (Sag Harbor, NY) – Bay Street Theatre has announced that Josh Grisetti, who played David Kalowitz in last summer’s ENTER LAUGHING, THE MUSICAL, has been named one of the finalists for the 2011 Clive Barnes Foundation Award. Grisetti’s hilarious and memorable performance received rave reviews and sold out audiences could not get enough of his amazing talent.
The announcement was made November 9 and addresses fall-to-spring seasons. This is the second year for the award, which Barnes’ widow, Valerie Taylor Barnes, oversees. Two top winners, one in theatre and one in dance, will be announced December 5 at the Walter Reade Theatre at Lincoln Center. The not-for-profit Clive Barnes Foundation is named after Barnes, who was a theatre and dance critic with work which was printed in the NEW YORK TIMES, NEW YORK POST and other publications. He died in 2008 at the age of 81.
The celebrated production of ENTER LAUGHING, THE MUSICAL, with direction and musical staging by Stuart Ross and music direction by Phil Reno was produced by special arrangement with Dan Whitten and Tiger Theatricals in Association with Carl Reiner, played a critically-acclaimed run at Off-Broadway’s York Theatre in 2008. After the initial limited Off-Broadway production returned to The York for a second limited engagement, producer Dan Whitten announced that he will bring the show to Broadway. The production played at Bay Street Theatre last summer before continuing on its journey to Broadway.
Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. This commitment extends to innovative educational programs that highlight the power of live theater. It is our mission to be an artistic haven for an extended family of artists and audience, while continuing to provide a gathering place to share in the unique collective theatrical experience.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
LOOKING FOR NEW HOME
October 25, 2011 (Sag Harbor, NY) – As a follow up to recent articles, Bay Street Theatre confirms that it is looking for a new home in Sag Harbor. Contrary to some headlines, the theatre is not closing its doors. The theatre will celebrate its 21st season in 2012 in its current location on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor. The lease is up in May, 2013, so the 22nd season will take place at a new or temporary facility.
“The long term goal,” says Murphy Davis who is one of the Artistic Directors for Bay Street Theatre, “is to find or create a permanent home. It is a major expense each year to rent the current space, the Riverhead shop where we build the sets and the rent for our actors and production crew each summer. The combined total is going to be up to $500,000 a year just in rents.”
Artistic Director Sybil Christopher conferred, adding, “There isn’t a not for profit theatre anywhere that can sustain that kind of financial impact each year.”
“This is part of a natural progression. Bay Street has proven itself for 20 years, and now it must find a permanent home. It is the only way to develop a strong and healthy business which people will want to invest in; both now and for years to come,” Executive Director Tracy Mitchell explained. “Unfortunately, the ramification of not having a permanent location spills over and makes it nearly impossible to receive grants and other funding. People want to know you’re going to be around and that’s exactly what we’re going to do by developing a permanent home.”
Supporting Bay Street also supports the local community in very tangible ways. The Bay Street staff and their theater-goers bring business to Sag Harbor and other local villages for restaurants, shops and bars. And Bay Street keeps much of their spending local--they contribute to the local economy by renting 10 to 12 homes for interns, cast and production crews as well as taking rooms at local hotels. Bay Street purchases nearly everything here from supplies at the hardware store to food at Schiavoni’s, from meals at the Corner Bar, Dockside, and American Hotel to knick-knacks at the Variety store.
Bay Street is a year-round presence on the East End, offering everything from live theatre to comedy, from live music to The Picture Show, serving up classic films from September to May. Bay Street’s educational outreach initiatives include a 20 student College Internship program, musical theater camps for kids, and the already popular LITERATURE LIVE production, now in its third year. This year’s selection TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD runs from November 7-26 and includes local talent such as Lily Spellman, Susan Galardi and her son Hudson among others. So far over 1,500 students from local and regional schools are booked to attend. Tickets are $10 for kids and $20 for adults. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up.
In addition to being a professional theatre, Bay Street expanded its role to include community center-type needs as requested by year-around residents-- a space for local musicians, forums, rental space for film festivals, seminars, and benefits. Last year alone, their latest program BENEFITS BY BAYSTREET held successful fund raisers and raised thousands for Hurricane victims in Haiti and Earthquake victims in Japan. AND for many years Santa arrived for pictures and such at Bay Street’s for a magical afternoon filled with beautifully decorated trees, photos with Santa, carol singing, old fashioned film classics and hot cocoa and treats. This year, Santa will have to find another place to land. “We just don’t have a way of providing a day like that for free any longer,” said Mitchell. The Sag Harbor Chamber was notified and currently appears to be unable to fund his visit as well.
“The long term goal,” says Murphy Davis who is one of the Artistic Directors for Bay Street Theatre, “is to find or create a permanent home. It is a major expense each year to rent the current space, the Riverhead shop where we build the sets and the rent for our actors and production crew each summer. The combined total is going to be up to $500,000 a year just in rents.”
Artistic Director Sybil Christopher conferred, adding, “There isn’t a not for profit theatre anywhere that can sustain that kind of financial impact each year.”
“This is part of a natural progression. Bay Street has proven itself for 20 years, and now it must find a permanent home. It is the only way to develop a strong and healthy business which people will want to invest in; both now and for years to come,” Executive Director Tracy Mitchell explained. “Unfortunately, the ramification of not having a permanent location spills over and makes it nearly impossible to receive grants and other funding. People want to know you’re going to be around and that’s exactly what we’re going to do by developing a permanent home.”
Supporting Bay Street also supports the local community in very tangible ways. The Bay Street staff and their theater-goers bring business to Sag Harbor and other local villages for restaurants, shops and bars. And Bay Street keeps much of their spending local--they contribute to the local economy by renting 10 to 12 homes for interns, cast and production crews as well as taking rooms at local hotels. Bay Street purchases nearly everything here from supplies at the hardware store to food at Schiavoni’s, from meals at the Corner Bar, Dockside, and American Hotel to knick-knacks at the Variety store.
Bay Street is a year-round presence on the East End, offering everything from live theatre to comedy, from live music to The Picture Show, serving up classic films from September to May. Bay Street’s educational outreach initiatives include a 20 student College Internship program, musical theater camps for kids, and the already popular LITERATURE LIVE production, now in its third year. This year’s selection TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD runs from November 7-26 and includes local talent such as Lily Spellman, Susan Galardi and her son Hudson among others. So far over 1,500 students from local and regional schools are booked to attend. Tickets are $10 for kids and $20 for adults. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up.
In addition to being a professional theatre, Bay Street expanded its role to include community center-type needs as requested by year-around residents-- a space for local musicians, forums, rental space for film festivals, seminars, and benefits. Last year alone, their latest program BENEFITS BY BAYSTREET held successful fund raisers and raised thousands for Hurricane victims in Haiti and Earthquake victims in Japan. AND for many years Santa arrived for pictures and such at Bay Street’s for a magical afternoon filled with beautifully decorated trees, photos with Santa, carol singing, old fashioned film classics and hot cocoa and treats. This year, Santa will have to find another place to land. “We just don’t have a way of providing a day like that for free any longer,” said Mitchell. The Sag Harbor Chamber was notified and currently appears to be unable to fund his visit as well.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Joy Behar Heads Up Annual Appeal
Following on the heels of a successful Mainstage season, Bay Street Theatre has embarked on an ambitious Annual Appeal seeking to raise $375,000. Chaired by TV personality Joy Behar, host of her own nightly show on Headline News and of ABC’s “The View,” the campaign will make it possible for Bay Street to continue its mission to provide artistic, cultural and educational programming for the burgeoning year-round population on the East End .
Ms. Behar, a long-time supporter and recently appointed member of Bay Street’s Board of Trustees, commented she is “honored to serve as the Chair of this year’s Fund Raising Campaign. When I started coming out to The Hamptons, I wanted to live near Sag Harbor because Bay Street was there. The area is lucky to have a place where live performances thrive year-round. I think I’d have to move if it weren’t permanently fixed in the ‘nabe’.
According to Tracy Mitchell, Bay Street’s Executive Director, the campaign is more critical than ever. “Despite the great successes of this year’s Main Stage productions, ticket sales still account for just 48 percent of the operative costs the theater pays to survive. With costs rising and the economy struggling, individual contributions are more important than ever. Every donation makes a difference, no matter how large or small.”
The theater’s summer season saw critical successes and great audience reaction to its roster of shows. From season opener TRU, to its controversial BETTY’S SUMMER VACATION, to the highly successful production of ENTER LAUGHING, THE MUSICAL, Bay Street hosted 25,000 residents and visitors this year.
The season was not without its share of offstage drama -- A serious car accident involving TRU star, Darrell Hammond, caused the cancellation of the final two performances which resulted in a revenue loss of more than $25,000. When Hurricane Irene hit, ENTER LAUGHING, the theater’s biggest hit, had to be cancelled for 3 performances — totaling a loss of over $70,000 in tickets sales alone. So the theater’s Annual Campaign takes on added significance heading into this Fall.
“Literature Live” which brings curriculum-based literature to life on stage for local and regional school children as well as the general public is short funding. “We plan on presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” from November 4th through 26th if we can meet our fundraising goals” says Mitchell.
"Literature Live” is presented to schools during the week and on three weekends, including Thanksgiving Weekend for the general public, with ticket prices pegged at $10 for students and teachers and $20 for adults. “We keep the ticket price low so schools can afford to come and see the show” says Bay Street’s Artistic Director, Murphy Davis. “It is so rewarding to watch the reaction of kids experiencing what may be their first exposure to live theater.” The theater is a year-round presence on the East End, offering everything from the Comedy Club with its A-list headliners to The Picture Show which serves up classic films from September to May. Bay Street’s educational outreach initiatives include a 20 student College Internship program and a musical theater camp for kids during school vacations.
As Mitchell points out, supporting Bay Street also supports the local community in very tangible ways. “Our theater-goers bring business to Sag Harbor restaurants, shops and bars. And the Theater contributes to the local economy by renting 10 to 12 homes for interns, cast and production crews as well as taking rooms at local hotels. We also purchase everything here from supplies at the hardware store to food at Schiavoni’s, Corner Bar and other supplies.”
A true community center, the theater also serves as a space for local musicians, forums, rental space for film festivals and seminars and for many years has served as the place Santa visits in Sag Harbor. Last year alone, their latest program “Benefits by Bay Street,” has held successful fund raisers for Hurricane victims in Haiti and Earthquake victims in Japan. Tax deductible contributions can help ensure that Bay Street remains, as CBS Sunday Morning reported “one of the country’s pre-eminent regional theaters”. These contributions are essential to the theater’s mission to “entertain, inspire and enhance the cultural arts for the East End and beyond”. Donations can be made by calling the Development Office at 631-725-0818 or by sending a check to Bay Street Theater, PO Box 810, Sag Harbor NY 11963.
Ms. Behar, a long-time supporter and recently appointed member of Bay Street’s Board of Trustees, commented she is “honored to serve as the Chair of this year’s Fund Raising Campaign. When I started coming out to The Hamptons, I wanted to live near Sag Harbor because Bay Street was there. The area is lucky to have a place where live performances thrive year-round. I think I’d have to move if it weren’t permanently fixed in the ‘nabe’.
According to Tracy Mitchell, Bay Street’s Executive Director, the campaign is more critical than ever. “Despite the great successes of this year’s Main Stage productions, ticket sales still account for just 48 percent of the operative costs the theater pays to survive. With costs rising and the economy struggling, individual contributions are more important than ever. Every donation makes a difference, no matter how large or small.”
The theater’s summer season saw critical successes and great audience reaction to its roster of shows. From season opener TRU, to its controversial BETTY’S SUMMER VACATION, to the highly successful production of ENTER LAUGHING, THE MUSICAL, Bay Street hosted 25,000 residents and visitors this year.
The season was not without its share of offstage drama -- A serious car accident involving TRU star, Darrell Hammond, caused the cancellation of the final two performances which resulted in a revenue loss of more than $25,000. When Hurricane Irene hit, ENTER LAUGHING, the theater’s biggest hit, had to be cancelled for 3 performances — totaling a loss of over $70,000 in tickets sales alone. So the theater’s Annual Campaign takes on added significance heading into this Fall.
“Literature Live” which brings curriculum-based literature to life on stage for local and regional school children as well as the general public is short funding. “We plan on presenting “To Kill a Mockingbird” from November 4th through 26th if we can meet our fundraising goals” says Mitchell.
"Literature Live” is presented to schools during the week and on three weekends, including Thanksgiving Weekend for the general public, with ticket prices pegged at $10 for students and teachers and $20 for adults. “We keep the ticket price low so schools can afford to come and see the show” says Bay Street’s Artistic Director, Murphy Davis. “It is so rewarding to watch the reaction of kids experiencing what may be their first exposure to live theater.” The theater is a year-round presence on the East End, offering everything from the Comedy Club with its A-list headliners to The Picture Show which serves up classic films from September to May. Bay Street’s educational outreach initiatives include a 20 student College Internship program and a musical theater camp for kids during school vacations.
As Mitchell points out, supporting Bay Street also supports the local community in very tangible ways. “Our theater-goers bring business to Sag Harbor restaurants, shops and bars. And the Theater contributes to the local economy by renting 10 to 12 homes for interns, cast and production crews as well as taking rooms at local hotels. We also purchase everything here from supplies at the hardware store to food at Schiavoni’s, Corner Bar and other supplies.”
A true community center, the theater also serves as a space for local musicians, forums, rental space for film festivals and seminars and for many years has served as the place Santa visits in Sag Harbor. Last year alone, their latest program “Benefits by Bay Street,” has held successful fund raisers for Hurricane victims in Haiti and Earthquake victims in Japan. Tax deductible contributions can help ensure that Bay Street remains, as CBS Sunday Morning reported “one of the country’s pre-eminent regional theaters”. These contributions are essential to the theater’s mission to “entertain, inspire and enhance the cultural arts for the East End and beyond”. Donations can be made by calling the Development Office at 631-725-0818 or by sending a check to Bay Street Theater, PO Box 810, Sag Harbor NY 11963.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Auditions For Literature Live Production of 'To Kill A Mockingbird' Set
Bay Street Theatre is getting ready for the LITERATURE LIVE production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to be staged Nov. 7 to Nov. 26. Local equity and non-equity actors are encouraged to audition.
The production is adapted from the book by Harper Lee and will be directed by our own Artistic Director Murphy Davis.
Equity Principal Auditions: will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Bay Street Theatre, located at the corner of Bay and Main Streets in Sag Harbor. No appointment is necessary. The producer will run all aspects of this call.
Equity Principal Auditions will also be held on Tuesday, October 11 at the Actors’ Equity Association Audition Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. located at 165 West 46th Street on the 2nd Floor. Sides will be provided at the audition. Please bring a picture and resume, stapled back-to-back.
Seeking all roles are available unless otherwise specified:
Jeremy Finch (Jem): Age 12. Scout’s older brother.
Calpurnia: African American, 35-50. The housekeeper. Proud and capable. Standards are high. Self-educated. Raised the motherless Scout and Jem.
Miss Maudie Atkinson: 40s-60. A neighbor. Sensitive, wise and compassionate.
Charles Baker Harris (Dill): 8-12. Small. Wise beyond his years.
Heck Tate: 30-50. The sheriff.
Mayella Ewell: 19-25. Lonely and overworked woman.
Mr. Gilmer: Prosecuting Attorney. Age 40-70.
Walter Cunningham / Judge Taylor/Boo Radley: 40-60. Three roles for one actor.
Tom Robinson: African American, 23-27. Handsome, vital. His left hand is disabled.
Bob Ewell: Age 40-50.
Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and Atticus Finch are CAST.
Auditioning performers will be considered as possible (emergency) replacements, should any become necessary. Girl, 9-12 years old. Atticus Finch is nearly 50. Scout and Jem’s father. Quietly impressive. Reserved. Civilized.
Notes: No phone calls in advance. No advanced appointment necessary. A sign up sheet will be posted at the theatre on the day of the audition. Sides for those wishing to audition will available at the Bay Street Theatre Box Office during normal hours of operation beginning Oct. 5.
Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community.
The production is adapted from the book by Harper Lee and will be directed by our own Artistic Director Murphy Davis.
Equity Principal Auditions: will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Bay Street Theatre, located at the corner of Bay and Main Streets in Sag Harbor. No appointment is necessary. The producer will run all aspects of this call.
Equity Principal Auditions will also be held on Tuesday, October 11 at the Actors’ Equity Association Audition Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. located at 165 West 46th Street on the 2nd Floor. Sides will be provided at the audition. Please bring a picture and resume, stapled back-to-back.
Seeking all roles are available unless otherwise specified:
Jeremy Finch (Jem): Age 12. Scout’s older brother.
Calpurnia: African American, 35-50. The housekeeper. Proud and capable. Standards are high. Self-educated. Raised the motherless Scout and Jem.
Miss Maudie Atkinson: 40s-60. A neighbor. Sensitive, wise and compassionate.
Charles Baker Harris (Dill): 8-12. Small. Wise beyond his years.
Heck Tate: 30-50. The sheriff.
Mayella Ewell: 19-25. Lonely and overworked woman.
Mr. Gilmer: Prosecuting Attorney. Age 40-70.
Walter Cunningham / Judge Taylor/Boo Radley: 40-60. Three roles for one actor.
Tom Robinson: African American, 23-27. Handsome, vital. His left hand is disabled.
Bob Ewell: Age 40-50.
Jean Louise Finch (Scout) and Atticus Finch are CAST.
Auditioning performers will be considered as possible (emergency) replacements, should any become necessary. Girl, 9-12 years old. Atticus Finch is nearly 50. Scout and Jem’s father. Quietly impressive. Reserved. Civilized.
Notes: No phone calls in advance. No advanced appointment necessary. A sign up sheet will be posted at the theatre on the day of the audition. Sides for those wishing to audition will available at the Bay Street Theatre Box Office during normal hours of operation beginning Oct. 5.
Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Four Join Bay Street's Board Of Trustees
August 23, 2011 (Sag Harbor, NY) – Bay Street Theatre announces four new members to the Board of Trustees: Erik Batt, Joy Behar, Mariann Florio, and Jane Holden.
To add the additional talent and integrity of these four new board members, Artistic Directors Sybil Christopher and Murphy Davis, report “is a terrific privilege and a great help to our theatre!”
“We are thrilled to welcome our new board members," Executive Director Tracy Mitchell explained. “We are so fortunate to have them add their expertise and commitment to Bay Street.”
A public relations professional with an illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Erik Batt's publicity work includes in-house stints at HBO and recently as the Director of Publicity for IFC. Career highlights include TV campaigns for HBO’s “Sex in the City,” “The Laramie Project,” “Angels in America,” and an award-winning PR campaign for the IFC documentary, “Monty Python: Almost the Truth,” and the historic Python 40th anniversary reunion. Prior to his career in TV, Batt worked for Henderson and Hogan, a talent agency with a strong focus on theater.
Batt is currently active as an Ambassador for The Miracle Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering orphans. He and his partner lived in East Hampton for 13 years before becoming proud residents of Sag Harbor. Like the waterfront itself, Batt believes Bay Street is the heart and soul of Sag Harbor village.
Daytime Emmy® Award-winner Joy Behar is the host of “The Joy Behar Show” on HLN which features newsworthy guests and examines today’s water cooler issues, from pop culture to politics and everything in between. One of the celebrated hosts for ABC’s “The View,” and a leading comic talent in her own right, Behar is the 2011 Campaign Chair for the Annual Appeal fundraising drive.
Mariann Florio has spent years of service as a volunteer. As past President of the Junior League of Long Island, she lobbied for Children’s and Women’s rights. She was also active in Habitat for Humanity as well as One in Nine, where she was honored for her work in lobbying for a survey to help find the hot spots for breast cancer on Long Island. For 13 years Florio worked with Involvement Theatre, a program for children with disabilities across Long Island.
Her vast community support includes work with New Kids on the Block program; CAPS (Child Preventative Services), which was honored by the State of New York; North Shore Child and Family Guidance; American Red Cross; and she Co-chaired the Fresh Air Fund Gala for five years with Tommy Hilfiger and her husband, the late Steven T. Florio, past president and CEO of Conde Nast Publications.
Jane Holden is a Senior Director at Brown Harris Stevens and was the 2010 Broker of the Year for the Sag Harbor Office. She is a lifelong resident of Sag Harbor and active community member. She has been a successful real estate agent since 1982 and credits that success to being such an integral part of the fabric of Sag Harbor. Holden’s years in real estate have given her an extensive breadth of knowledge of the nuances and intricacies of Sag Harbor, as well as its outlying hamlets. Throughout her extensive real estate career, Holden has received the accolade of Top Producing Agent numerous times - an award well earned, well honored and much deserved for her work ethic and dedication. Holden has been a long time supporter of Bay Street, and served as this year’s Chairperson of the Patron’s Committee.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Show Inspired By Carl Reiner's Youth
Richard Kind (standing); Left to right: Erick Devine, Josh Grisetti and Kate Shindle
ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, the hilarious production, begins previews on August 9. The tuneful show is based on the early life of Carl Reiner. Running through September 4, The show features a book by the legendary Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof, Zorba), music and lyrics by Stan Daniels (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Taxi”).
Saturday, August 6, 2011
You'll Want To ENTER LAUGHING...
Rehearsal photos by Barry Gordin (theaterlife.com)
The Bay Street Theatre production will also feature Gina Milo, Erick Devine, Eric Mann, Paul Binotto, Gerry McIntyre, Betsy DiLello, Emily Shoolin, Ray DeMattis and Phil Reno. The production features scenic design by James Morgan (Molly Sweeney), costumed design by David Toser (Oh Coward!), lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington (Chicago), and sound design by Tony Melfa (Talley’s Folly).
After the initial limited Off-Broadway production returned to The York for a second limited engagement, producer Dan Whitten announced that he will bring the show to Broadway. The production plays at Bay Street Theatre before continuing on its journey to Broadway.
Joseph Stein first adapted Reiner’s novel in 1964 when it enjoyed a successful Broadway run starring Alan Arkin. The musical adaptation was originally presented on Broadway in 1976 starring Robert Morse with the title So Long 174th Street.
“I started laughing one minute after the curtain went up on Enter Laughing, The Musical, and continued laughing for hours after the curtain came down,” says Carl Reiner. “I deeply appreciate the creative talent who succeeded in immortalizing my youth.”
“Working with Carl Reiner and Joe Stein has been a wonderful and humbling experience,” says producer Dan Whitten, “I’m very grateful that two men of their legendary talents can be so human, approachable and supportive.”
Tickets for ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical are available by calling the Bay Street Theatre Box Office at 631-725-9500 or log on to www.baystreet.org. Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m. with matinees Wednesdays at 2 pm. (8/17, 8/24, 8/31) and Saturdays at 4 p.m. (8/20, 8/27).
Tickets are $65 – $75. The first preview performance is set for Aug.9 and available as “Pay What You Can,” at the Box Office after 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Oh What A Night...
Chris Bauer, Fisher Stevens, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber and Frank Filipo
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Frank Filipo, actor and Board Member Richard Kind and Joanne Filipo.
Bay Street Theatre Executive Director Tracy Mitchell and Board Member Adrianne Cohen; front row: One of the founders and Artistic Director Sybil Christopher, actress Blythe Danner and Artistic Director Murphy Davis.(Photos by Barry Gordin)
It was a beautiful night in The Hamptons set against the backdrop of Sag Harbor’s sunset-drenched bay as we Rocked The Dock for Bay Street Theatre's 20th Anniversary.
The picture-perfect star-studded evening was hosted by Chris Bauer (HBO’s True Blood), Blythe Danner (“Meet The Parents) and Richard Kind (Spin City, Curb Your Enthusiasm). Among the noted attendees, Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, Mercedes Ruehl, Fisher Stevens and Robert Zimmerman charmed their guests under the big tent as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres circled the tables during the celebrated silent auction. A sit-down dinner catered by Sterling Affair Caterers primed guests for the evening's music and entertainment. Celebrity DJ Tom Finn, “The King of Spin,” kept the crowd stepping and the dance floor bursting with that summer jam.
Thanks to everyone who joined in to support Bay Street in it's 20th Anniversary season!
Monday, July 11, 2011
'Rock The Dock' Summer Gala Countdown Begins!
Bay Street's 20th year-long celebration continues with the jewel of the crown... the annual ROCK THE DOCK! SUMMER GALA BENEFIT taking place on Sag Harbor's Long Wharf on Saturday, July 16 --the only Hamptons waterfront gala set against the backdrop of the sun-drenched harbor.
The evening's hosts Chris Bauer (HBO’s True Blood) and Richard Kind (Spin City, Curb Your Enthusiasm) will be joined by Blythe Danner (Meet The Parents). The evening kicks off with cocktails and temptations at both the silent and live auctions! Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner catered by Sterling Affair Caterers and music provided by celebrity DJ "The King of Spin" Tom Finn, (named by Avenue Magazine). Finn has kept the dance floor bustling at fabulous parties including the MTV Music Awards, Oprah’s 50th Birthday Party, and The White House Millennium Bash!
The evening's lineup includes a special performance by the urban dance and percussion troupe, THE STREET BEATS GROUP whose cast members have performed in STOMP, TAPDOGS, on “Saturday Night Live,” and “MTV.”
Funnyman Richard Kind will serve as guest auctioneer for the Live “Fantasy” Auction featuring the sort of indulgences dreams are made of including a one-week stay for 8 in your own luxury villa in St Bart’s provided by Wimco, a walk-on role in ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL at Bay Street Theatre in August; opening night tickets and after party for Broadway’s 2012 production of EVITA with Ricky Martin and a round of golf with Richard Kind at The Bridge.
All fun and excitement aside, the Summer Gala Benefit is Bay Street’s most important development event of the year, raising funds to support Bay Street’s year-long programming including the Summer Mainstage productions, and Educational Outreach Initiatives. Sponsors for Bay Street’s 2011 Summer Gala include Bridgehampton Florist; Channing Daughters Winery; Dan’s Papers; HBO; Party Rentals, Ltd .; Searles Graphics; Southampton Publick House; Sterling Affair Caterers; Suffolk County National Bank; and Wimco.
Tickets to our annual bash are available at $550 per seat, with tables of 10 available at $5,500. A limited number of VIP preferred tables of 10 are available at $10,000. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Bay Street Theatre’s Development Office at 631-725-0818, email Marylou@baystreet.org.
Party On.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Betty's Summer Vacation A Farce At The Beach!
It's Fourth of July Weekend in The Hamptons and what better way to pay tribute to the perennial trials and tribulations of a summer's holiday than staging the outrageously funny "Betty's Summer Vacation" -- directed by Trip Cullamn.
Penned by playwright Christopher Durang, this contemporary romp features a young woman who spends the summer at the beach in a house share that spins wildly out of control. A Mainstage Production, Betty's Summer Vacation will run from July 5 to July 31st at Bay Street Theatre.
"We've always wanted to produce this play at Bay Street - every since seeing and loving 'Betty's Summer Vacation' at Playwrights Horizon years ago," Artistic Director Murphy Davis comments. "Before the Simpsons were The Simpsons. Before South Park was South Park, there was playwright Christopher Durang,” Murphy quips.
Penned by playwright Christopher Durang, this contemporary romp features a young woman who spends the summer at the beach in a house share that spins wildly out of control. A Mainstage Production, Betty's Summer Vacation will run from July 5 to July 31st at Bay Street Theatre.
"We've always wanted to produce this play at Bay Street - every since seeing and loving 'Betty's Summer Vacation' at Playwrights Horizon years ago," Artistic Director Murphy Davis comments. "Before the Simpsons were The Simpsons. Before South Park was South Park, there was playwright Christopher Durang,” Murphy quips.
Bobby Steggert
Betty’s idea of a summer vacation is blown to bits when her house mates begin to file in. One after the other, each house sharing member begins to divulge their true colors which, blended together, are “psycho-delic,” turning Betty's dream vacation into a summer she won't soon never forget.
Following the incredible reception from Bay Street audiences for other over-the-top comedies such as ROMANCE, DINNER, and BEYOND THERAPY, Artistic Director Sybil Christopher asserts, “We knew it was time to present one of Durang’s most outrageous comedies.”
Trip Cullman, Veanne Cox, Heidi Schreck, Celia Keenan-Bolger, John Behlmann
Durang’s credits include BEYOND THERAPY which was part of the 2008 Mainstage Season at Bay Street Theatre, The Marriage of Bette And Boo, A History of The American Film (a Tony nomination), Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All For You, Baby With The Bathwater, Laughing Wild, Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Christmas Binge and Miss Witherspoon. He appeared with Julie Andrews in the Stephen Soundheim review of Putting It Together.
Director Trip Cullman's credits include Broadway’s Take Me Out (Associate Director) and Off Broadway directing of: A Small Fire, The Drunken City, Some Men, The Wooden Breeks, Dog Sees God, Maniac Flight Reaction, Swimming in the Shallows, Roulette, Last Sunday in June.
Previews for this oh-so-true summer farce begin Tuesday, July 5. Opening night is Saturday, July 9. Performances at 8 p.m. Sunday performances at 7 p.m. Tickets to Betty's Summer Vacation are on sale at the Box Office at 631-725-9500 or online at www.baystreet.org. The Box Office is open Monday-Saturday 11 am – showtime; Sunday 3 pm – 7 pm.
Rehearsal photos attached by Barry Gordin.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
It's Quite Something
"I just can't say enough about Darrell Hammond in TRU -
"He does deep, deep research. This is the biggest thing he's ever done and we are so thrilled to be the ones working with him to present this piece. It's quite something.
"Even if you don't know who Truman Capote was -- if you're too young -- (he's one of the great literary icons of he Fifties and Sixties) this show is a wonderful experience both to get to know who Truman Capote was and to have insight into what it is to be an artist and the struggles that it entails."
- Murphy Davis, Artistic Director
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Hammond Has Capote's Moves 'Down Pat'
Read Allen Jackobson's review of Darrell Hammond's performance in TRU ...
An Except:
THEATER REVIEW
Live, From Sag Harbor, Darrell Hammond in ‘Tru’
"Wearing sunglasses and a reindeer sweater — it’s just before Christmas 1975, in Capote’s apartment in United Nations Plaza — Mr. Hammond demonstrates that he has Capote’s moves down pat.
His hands flutter, often touching his eyes or brow. His walk is a sashay, round belly leading while limbs and head follow. His mouth and tongue move more than seems necessary to produce his words.
Mr. Hammond, who spent a record 14 years, until 2009, on “S.N.L.,” reproduces the essence of Capote, who died in 1984 at age 59, without face-altering makeup. Even for an actor who excelled at portraying Bill Clinton, Donald J. Trump and about 100 other celebrities during his late-night TV tenure, this is an accomplishment."
- Allen Jacobson, NY Times Theater Review, June 10, 2011Thursday, June 2, 2011
Here Comes Darrell Hammond As TRU!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
'Chasing The Tiger' - Workshop Notes
Ana Reeder, J. Smith Cameron, Joel Leffert, Gail Sheehy, Victor Slezak, Kate King, John Shuman.
Photo by Barry Gordin, courtesy of Theaterlife.com
One of the incredible things about working in this business is the front row seat we get to witness the creative process unfold.
In theater, it's safe to say nothing truly begins without someone coming up with an idea and putting pen to paper or something down on the computer. The planting of that seed can start simply as an idea or point of view and in the rich landscape of the playwright's mind, gains shape and movement as characters emerge finding their way. And as the narrative develops a voice of its own, we are brought along on a journey that travels many paths before it finds its destination. When you get the chance to watch this process build 'in workshop' you see the trajectory that a play can take.
Thanks to the generous support of The Lucille Lortell Foundation we are able to be a part of that mercurial process when Gail Sheehy brought her 'Chasing The Tiger' workshop to our main stage last week. The ground-breaking author of Passages, Sheehy's first formal foray into playwriting tells the story of her career and home life while caring for her husband, noted magazine visionary Clay Felker (New York Magazine among others), during his battle with throat cancer.
The workshop is the first time the author can hear the voices out loud and the first time she sees real actors moving to it. It’s also the first time she gets input from a director - and in this case it was Tony award winning Jack Hofsiss (Elephant Man, 1981) who has done many productions here. They work with the lights and the sound and the actors and the language for four days all the while fine-tuning it. And then they put it up on Saturday night at 8 o’clock in what ever shape the piece is in. It's just amazing to watch.
That mean’s it can be literally the actors sitting working on the script. They may just be reading or at the point of moving around the stage, following lighting and cues, it really depends how much the script has progressed during the week. And the audience gets to watch this trajectory and has input in the development – by virtue of their response during the performance.
For example, in the last one we did, the playwright immediately saw his ending wasn’t working to the play and he saw that because it was the first time he heard the audience’s reaction. He saw where the real ending was and he tacked on another piece after it and it was the first time that became clear because it was read out loud and acted – so it’s an invaluable process for the playwright, director, actors and the audience.
A little theater magic in the making here @ Bay Street.
- Tracy Mitchell, executive director
Friday, May 27, 2011
Hammond True As 'TRU'
The first reading of TRU, with “SNL’S” Darrell Hammond took place on May 2. (In The Photo) Assistant Director Matt McGrath sits with Darrell Hammond as he runs through his lines as Truman Capote, with Director Judith Ivey looking on. The show begins May 31 and runs through June 26 at Bay Street Theatre. (Photo by Stephen Winkler.)
Your Back Stage Pass To All Things Bay Street Theatre
We are excited to offer this birds-eye view of regional theater in The Hamptons as Bay Street Theatre on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor eagerly embarks on its 20th Season.
Yes, you read that correctly folks, it's been 20 years since we first staged Men's Lives, the stage adaptation of Peter Matthiessen's ode to East End Baymen, which received resounding applause from our new patrons who have since celebrated 20 opening seasons with us.
As some of you may well imagine, running a not-for-profit regional equity theatre in The Hamptons is no idle feat. There's staffing and transportation and housing to consider, even before we turn on the footlights to run through rehearsals. In the theater world, 20 years is a milestone to be reckoned with and we are proud to be at the helm of this stalwart ship that each year provides thousands of Hamptonites and tourists alike an evening of true theater on the East End. We enjoy a welcomed relationship with our New York City associates and supporters who make sure to keep Bay Street at the forefront of their social calendar come summer time and can't say enough about our local supporters who make it possible for Bay Street Theatre to continue its mission to challenge and entertain our diverse community with classic and contemporary works.
This season is shaping up to be a headliner with our first Mainstage Production of TRU, featuring Darrell Hammond as iconic Truman Capote, directed by Judith Ivey, in previews May 31 and running through June 26th.
- Tracy Mitchell, executive director
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