‘Men’s Lives’ Returns
The Bay Street Theatre, which is celebrating the extension of its lease on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, has announced a 2012 mainstage lineup that includes comedy, a story of local baymen, and a world premiere musical.
On May 12, for Mother’s Day, there will be a one-night-only return of “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy,” written by and starring Brad Zimmerman. Proceeds from the tale of one man’s struggle to make it as an actor in New York City will be donated to the Bay Street Theatre, with a cost of $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Mr. Zimmerman’s acting roles include one on “The Sopranos.” He has also worked with such comedians as Joan Rivers, who said, “I’ve had three great opening acts in my lifetime: Billy Crystal, Garry Shandling, and Brad Zimmerman.”
Ana Gasteyer and Brian d’Arcy James will present “One Night, Two Voices, Three Cheers,” an evening of song on May 26. Both actor-musicians have earned rave reviews for their work, with Mr. James nominated for Tony Awards, and Ms. Gasteyer famous for her Saturday Night Live characters and impressions of Martha Stewart, Celine Dion, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Tickets are $65, $75, or $100, the latter to include an “after party with the stars.”
A world premiere of the musical “My Brilliant Divorce” will take the stage from May 29 through June 24. The one-woman show tells the story of an American woman with a fleeing British husband, a disapproving mother, a shifty attorney, and hypochondria. The musical was written by the Irish-born Geraldine Aron, who has authored several award-winning plays, 12 produced television and radio plays, and two screenplays. Matt McGrath, one of the Bay Street Theatre’s artistic associates, will direct. Mr. McGrath has directed Darrell Hammond in “Tru,” in addition to his many acting performances on Broadway and off.
Joe Pintauro’s “Men’s Lives,” a story of local baymen, which had its inaugural production at the theater in 1992, will return to Bay Street for a 20th-year revival from July 3 through 29. Murphy Davis, the theater’s artistic director, said that “its message about change and the human condition is as pertinent today as it was 20 years ago.” Harris Yulin, who has many film, Broadway, and Off Broadway credits, will direct the production.
A world premiere of the musical “Big Maybelle: Soul of the Blues” will run from Aug. 7 through Sept. 2, with Lillias White as the legendary blues singer taking on the challenges of America in the 1950s. Ms. White, a Tony Award-winning singer, has numerous Broadway film credits and has been promised to “blow the roof off Bay Street Theatre as she brings Big Maybelle to incandescent life.” The musical was written and directed by Paul Levine, a winner of many best director and production of the year awards.
Tickets and subscriptions for the mainstage productions are available online at baystreet.org or by phone during box-office hours, Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.