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”).

You'll Want To ENTER LAUGHING...

Rehearsal photos by Barry Gordin (theaterlife.com)

ENTER LAUGHING, The Musical, the hilarious Broadway-bound production, will be the third Mainstage show of Bay Street Theatre’s 20^th Season running from Aug. through Sept. 4. The cast features Broadway and television favorites including Jill Eikenberry (“L.A. Law,” Into The Woods), Josh Grisetti (Broadway Bound), Richard Kind (The Producers, Sly Fox), Kate Shindle (Wonderland) and Michael Tucker (“L.A.Law”).

Produced and presented by Bay Street Theatre by special arrangement with Dan Whitten (Jacques Brel…, Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Jersey Boys) and Tiger Theatricals in Association with Carl Reiner (Grammy Award and twelve-time Emmy Award-winner; (Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen) who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel on which the musical is based, Enter Laughing, The Musical tells the story of young, hapless David Kolowitz, a shop boy from the Bronx who pursues his dream of becoming a leading man on stage while facing mounting pressures from his despondent girlfriend, dismissive boss, distracted best friend, disgusted acting coach and disapproving parents.

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).

A critically-acclaimed run at Off-Broadway’s York Theatre in 2008 had The New York Times raving, “Hilarious! Josh Grisetti delivers a smashing comedic performance with a gung-ho supporting cast, nutty songs and witty staging. It works so well.” The Daily News said “I cannot remember when I have laughed as hard and as uncontrollably,” and theNew York Post calling it “The funniest tuner to hit town since The Producers. You may not enter the theatre laughing, but once there you’re guaranteed not to stop.”

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.

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!

'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 50^th 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.

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.

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.

It's Quite Something

"I just can't say enough about Darrell Hammond in TRU -

"We are really thrilled with the growth of this piece -- it's such a huge undertaking for any actor and Darrell has approached it with such intelligence, love and understanding on who Truman Capote was. Darrell is extraordinary and is only going to get more extraordinary in this roll.

"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