Triumphant Bay Street Announces Shows
Celebrating its 21st season, Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor has announced its 2012 Mainstage productions, and the season has an impressive lineup of talent. From the humorous and poignant look into the life of a divorcée, to the changing lives of the baymen on the East End of Long Island, to the world premiere of a brand new musical, the performances promise to delight every theater-goer.
The first production will be the American premiere of My Brilliant Divorce, which will grace the Mainstage from May 29 to June 24. The play was written by Geraldine Aron, and it will be directed by Matt McGrath, one of Bay Street’s Artistic Associates. The one-woman show tells the story of American ex-pat Angela whose irritatingly round-headed British husband leaves. She’s left to cope with a disapproving mother, a shifty attorney and a bad case of hypochondria. Poignant, insightful—and very, very funny. A real treat from across the pond! Previews May 29-31 sponsored by Peconic Landing.
The 20-year revival of Men’s Lives, which will show from July 3-29, was written by Joe Pintauro. It’s based on the book by Peter Matthiessen. Harris Yulin will direct. As Sir Walter Scott once said, “It’s not fish ye’re buying, it’s men’s lives.” This play was the inaugural production presented at Bay Street Theatre in 1992. Now it is being given a much-anticipated revival.
“We thought this year was a great time to revive this wonderful play,” says Murphy Davis the Artistic Director. “Not only does it have a timeless message about change and the human condition, it is as pertinent today as it was 20 years ago and still means as much to people who live and visit here.”
Sag Harbor playwright Joe Pintauro emphasizes, “War was declared on the beaches of the East End when local baymen were forced to launch a courageous fight against the crushing effect of history and economics on their lives in the Hamptons.”
The world premiere of the new musical Big Maybelle: Soul of the Blues will show from Aug. 7 to Sept. 2. It was written and directed by Paul Levine, and it features the sensational Tony-award winning Lillias White as the legendary blues singer Maybelle Smith. A big woman with even bigger talent, she took on all the challenges 1950s America had to give. White will blow the roof off Bay Street Theatre as she brings Big Maybelle to incandescent life. Be prepared to be knocked out of your seat! Previews August 7-10 are sponsored by PCH Builders and Property Management.
The 2012 Mainstage Season program is partially funded by the Suffolk County Executive’s Office. Mainstage Season three-play subscriptions are available online at www.baystreet.org or by calling the box office at 631-725-9500. Single tickets may be purchased online and at the box office beginning May 16.