BAY STREET THEATRE’S ROCK THE DOCK — A SUMMER BENEFIT BASH

Bay Street Theatre showed the Hamptons a fantastic party last Saturday, July 21, 2012 at its annual Rock The Dock Summer Benefit Bash. The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction, while guests arrived dressed to party on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor.

Special guests included Bay Street Board Members Chris Bauer (True Blood) and Broadway, film and television actress Mercedes Ruehl; Tony award winner and star of the upcoming BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES Lillias White, and the show’s writer and director Paul Levine; legendary actors Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson and their daughter xxx Wallach; Aida Turturro (The Sopranos); playwright of Bay Street’s current running play MEN’S LIVE Joe Pintauro; Robert Zimmerman; Lorraine Boyle; Stephen Flaherty and many more of the Hamptons’ best. The waterfront benefit is held annually, and it is the theatre’s biggest fundraiser of the year!

After the cocktail hour, Artistic Director Murphy Davis was the master of ceremonies. The night started off with a special thanks to Frank Filipo, Bay Street’s Board Chairman, for being, as Davis describes as “ Bay Street’s most gracious supporter and biggest cheerleader” throughout the years. Chris Bauer also came to the stage and said “You have picked a winner if you’re supporting Bay Street Theatre. Thank you for your money, support, and applause.”

Guests were asked to compete in groups at their tables donating to the theatre’s Literature Live fund. The Summer Benefit Bash supports Literature Live, kids’ camps, college internships, and other educational programs that keep Bay Street as a cultural gem in Sag Harbor.

Immediately following, Tony award winner Lillias White brought down the house, as she performed three songs including “Candy” as a teaser to the one woman show BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES. Bay Street and their audience were also happy to present Ms. White with the “Happy Birthday” song and a birthday cake, as the event coincided with Ms. White’s birthday. Davis also officiated over an exciting live auction as guests bid on everything from a walk on role in the theatre’s 2012 season closer BIG MAYBELLE: SOUL OF THE BLUES, a luxurious St. Bart’s vacation provided by Wimco Villas, VIP Yankees tickets, golf with Richard Kind at The Bridge and the East Hampton Country Club, incredible getaways to New York City, Miami, New Orleans and the Dominican Republic, catered cocktail party for 25, and a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo!

Afterwards the winners of the live auction received complimentary champagne from the theater to celebrate their win. Guests feasted on a delicious tapas styled dinner under the tent on the water. Soon, everyone took to the dance floor to dance with the Hamptons’ hottest DJ Andrea Shapiro! The night was full of energy and high spirited!

The raffle drawing took place for the choice of either the 2012 Mini Cooper Convertible or $18,000 in cash. The winner was drawn by Jay Decker from BMW Southampton, also the provider of the car. The winner was Denise DeAngelo of Baiting Hollow, NY. She was not present to win.

Gift bags included items from L’Oreal, Colgate/Palmolive, Dirty Blonde Cocktails, and Bai by Snapple among others gifts. The ALL NEW after party at B. Smith’s immediately followed, so that guests could keep the party going.. The dancing continued and guests celebrated raising money for their local non profit!

Bay Street Theatre’s Summer Benefit would not have been possible without its fabulous sponsors this year that included: Bai Brands, BMW Southampton, The Bridge, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, Dan’s Papers, Diplomatico Rum, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papgayo, Fresco by Scotto, Party Rentals Ltd, PCH Builders and Property Management, Peconic Landing, Searles Graphics, Soho Grand Hotel, Southampton Publick House, Sterling Affair Caterers, Suffolk County National Bank, The Today Show and Wimco Villas. The silent auction was sponsored by over 75 local shops and restaurants. Interested sponsors for next year should contact the Development Office at 631-725-0818.

20 YEAR REVIVAL OF MEN’S LIVES AT BAY STREET THEATRE

July 2, 2012 (Sag Harbor, NY) – Bay Street Theatre is pleased to announce the second production of the 2012 Mainstage Season. MEN’S LIVES, by Joe Pintauro; based on the book by Peter Matthiessen; directed by Harris Yulin begins previews Tuesday, July 3 at Bay Street Theatre. The show will run through Sunday, July 29.

MEN’S LIVES was the inaugural production presented on stage at Bay Street Theatre in 1992. Now like then, Long Island’s East End Bay Men continue to fight for survival. As Sir Walter Scott stated, “It’s not fish ye’re buying, its men’s lives.”

Sag Harbor playwright Joe Pintauro emphasizes, “War was declared on the beaches of the East End when local Bay Men were forced to launch a courageous fight against the crushing effect of history and economics on their lives in the Hamptons. Today the crisis is even worse.”

“We thought this year was a perfect time to revive this wonderful play,” says Murphy Davis, Artistic Director. “Not only does it have a timeless message about the human condition, it is more pertinent today than ever. MEN’S LIVES tells the tale of a family’s struggle to maintain their way of life and fight for survival in these ever changing times. It is our way of honoring the Bay Men and their heritage, as well as the place where we all live. If you were here and saw our original production, come back…If you have never seen it, don’t miss it!”

Joe Pintauro’s (playwright) credits include SNOW ORCHID, a 1980 selection of the Eugene O'Neill conference (Circle Rep, London Gate). BESIDE HERSELF (Circle Rep) MEN'S LIVES (Bay Street Theatre 1990, 1991, 2012), BY THE SEA, collaboration with Terrence McNally and Lanford Wilson (Bay Street, Manhattan Theatre Club). SALVATION (London's Gate), CACCIATORE (Hudson Guild), RAFT OF THE MEDUSA (Minetta Lane, revival at The Cherry Lane Theatre), directed by Francisco Solorzano. Others include THE DEAD BOY and CATHEDRAL. His plays have been produced in many languages, including METROPOLITAN OPERAS 27 SHORT PLAYS, MOVING TARGETS, WILD BLUE, PERRY ST. ON THE WING, RULES OF LOVE (Charles Nelson Reilly Theatre Company) and AMERICAN DIVINE. Novels include State of Grace and Cold Hands (New York Times selection; best novels of the year.) He is the recipient of the John Steinbeck Literary Humanitarian award and the Life Time Achievement award at Guild Hall. Pintauro is busy working on a book of his photographs, a novel and full length play.

Harris Yulin (director) attended UCLA and studied acting with Jeff Corey before making his off-Broadway debut in NEXT TIME I’LL SING FOR YOU. From there, Harris continued acting in the classical arena with credits including A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, RICHARD III, KING JOHN, HAMLET and DANE. His Broadway debut was in WATCH ON THE RHINE; others include A LESSON FROM ALOES, UNCLE VANYA, HEDDA GABLER, THE DOCTOR’S DILEMMA, TARTUFFE, THE SEAGULL, THE VISIT, THE PRICE and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. He was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Classic Theater. Off Broadway credits include directing BABA GOYA, THE LIME TREE BOWER and THE TRIP TO BEAUTIFUL. Films include “End Of The Road,” “Doc Holliday,” “The Midnight Man,” “Night Moves,” “Scarface,” “Another Woman,” “Narrow Margin,” “Clear And Present Danger,” “Bad Dreams,” “Ghostbusters II,” “Multiplicity,” “Rush Hour,” “Training Day,” and “Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus.”

The cast includes: Mark Coffin (Senator, Chuck Courtney), Rob DiSario (William), Deborah Hedwall (Alice), Scott Thomas Hinson (Popeye), Brian Hutchison (Lee), Peter McRobbie (Walt), Victor Slezak (Peter) and Myles Stokowski (Nate Spencer).

The designers for the show include Drew Boyce (Set Designer), John McKernon (Lighting Designer), Cynthia Flynt (Costume Designer), David Bullard (Sound Designer) and Kathy Fabian (Properties Designer). Others involved with this production are Max Tabet (Assistant Director); April Kline (Production Stage Manager), Elizabeth Schiavo (Production Assistant), Cindy Tolan and Adam S. Caldwell, CSA (Casting).

The 2012 Mainstage Season program is partially funded by the Suffolk County Executive’s Office and Suffolk County National Bank. Tickets are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling the Box Office at 631-725-9500. The Box Office is open Monday-Saturday, 11 am –show time and Sunday, 3 pm – show time.

BAY STREET THEATRE TO STAY IN SAG HARBOR

New Agreement Reached April 24, 2012 (Sag Harbor, NY) – We are happy to report that we have reached an agreement to renew our lease securing our immediate future in Sag Harbor, while we continue to pursue the goal of finding a permanent home on the East End. This announcement comes after reaching a new lease agreement between the theater and Long Wharf property owner Pat Malloy earlier this week.

The lease provides Bay Street the option to stay on the Long Wharf until May 2023, providing much needed venue stability for the organization.  The new agreement also includes the necessary term flexibility that allows Bay Street time to continue its due diligence in identifying potential opportunities to ultimately achieve the objective of owning a permanent home on the East End.

“The great news is, we now have a stable environment from which we can pursue our dream of having our own home.  It is a dream a long time coming," Artistic Director Murphy Davis commented.  "For an arts organization to expand and continue to thrive it is imperative," he added. "We are so grateful to the East End community for coming forward with new ideas, potential partners, and interested underwriters. It is in that spirit of collaboration that we can all make this dream into a reality. ”

Executive Director Tracy Mitchell expressed her gratitude to the community support the theater has received during deliberations. “We deeply thank Pat Malloy for his understanding and his good will," she said. "He has provided us with both the stability we have long sought, and the flexibility we need, should a new, permanent home be identified and developed.”

Mitchell and Davis both credit that the open discussion with the community beginning last Fall, that spurred the interest of developers and funding sources alike. “On behalf of the entire Village Board, I am so glad to learn that Bay Street will be staying here in Sag Harbor,” Sag Harbor Village Mayor Brian Gillbride concurred.

Pat Malloy, longtime landlord of the Long Wharf facilities, expressed his pleasure with the long term agreement. “I am very pleased that Bay Street Theatre has decided to stay in Sag Harbor, and happy to be able to help them again with a favorable lease," he said. " My hats off to the good directors and managers for making the decision to continue to provide great theater to Sag Harbor!

Truly a community effort, the agreement celebrates the theater's long standing relationship with Sag Harbor Village. “Bay Street Theatre has been a Sag Harbor Village arts and community haven for over 20 years,” Frank Filipo, chairman of the Board of Trustees, commented  “We have said time and again that our first choice has always been to remain in this wondrous place. Working together with Pat Malloy, who shares that vision, we have come up with a path to doing just that. The feedback that we have received from the local community, the realization of the value that Bay Street provides to the local shops, stores, and restaurants that define this Village was tremendously helpful in bringing about this new agreement. It is beyond gratifying.”

A not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community, we at Bay Street Theatre extend our commitment to innovative educational programs highlighting 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.

JOSH GRISETTI NAMED FINALIST FOR CLIVE BARNES FOUNDATION AWARD

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.

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.

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 4^th through 26^th 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.

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.