by Debbie Tuma
It’s going to be an exciting season for Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, which is celebrating its 35th year of fine theatrical productions. This theater, which seats 299 people and is located on Sag Harbor’s Long Wharf, was founded by Julie Andrews’ daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, her husband, Steve Hamilton, and Sybil Christopher, in 1991. Over the years they have attracted major actors, musicians and playwrights, and have also added special programs for children and teens.
In addition to shows, Bay Street has attracted well known musicians, and on April 11, they welcomed the music of the New York Bee Gees, a popular tribute band. This sold-out show turned into a huge dance party, as lead singer Peter Mazzeo (Barry Gibb) welcomed everyone to come jive to their electric disco hits as “Stayin’ Alive,” and “Night Fever.” Some fans wore colorful 70’s and 80’s disco outfits, and the party went on, with no intermission, until closing.
“The Bee Gees has always been one of my favorite bands, and it’s great to be able to dance, since there’s not many places out here for that,” said Jeff Smith of Sag Harbor.
“I felt the New York Bee Gees were totally authentic, and that if I closed my I eyes, they were right in front of me,” said Juliette Parker of East Hampton.
The Bay Street 2026 season kicks off with a documentary film called “Amy & Monte: A Legacy of Love and Creativity,” about the life and career collaboration of artist and fashion designer Amy Zerner and her husband of 50 years, best selling writer and astrologer Monte Farber. This East Hampton couple have written and illustrated over 30 spiritual books together, created a former spiritual shop in East Hampton called “The Enchanted World,” and Zerner has sold her fashion art to Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan.
This one hour documentary was written and directed by Annmarie Sairrino, who will give a Q and A following the film, which also has special appearances by Audrey Flack, Jules Feiffer, Julie Keyes, Bridget LeRoy, and others.
Also on May 9, in honor of Mother’s Day May 10, Bay Street will have a fun show called, “Mom’s Night Out,” presented by HA HA Hamptons Comedy. And on May 23, will be “Talk of the Town,” a concert staging of a new musical inspired by the real story behind the founding of the New Yorker in the 1920’s.
June 2-21 marks the beginning of four Main Stage shows throughout the summer, and this line-up looks really amazing! The first show is “Mister Halston,” produced in association with Bruce Robert Harris, and Hamptons resident Donna Karan is Executive Producer. This show is about the rise and fall of famous fashion designer Halston, during the 1970’s and 80’s in New York City.
From June 30 to July 26, the show “Cagney” will feature this Hollywood legend in a dance musical, which looks to also be exciting. Through song and movement it captures his influence on this era of the Golden Age.
It’s also very exciting to see a Broadway show favorite come to the Bay Street stage, as “Dear Evan Hansen” will make it’s Hamptons debut from August 4-29. Winner of six Tony Awards, this production is being directed by Bay Street’s Artistic Director Scott Schwartz, and promises to be a big hit here.
Another Hamptons local, Joy Behar, will present her five short plays, a world premiere comedy called “Bonkers in the Burroughs,” on September 1-6. Starring Behar and her friends, it takes a candid look at the absurdities of New York life. Like Behar, this show is comical and fearless. It should be lots of fun for all, and we are lucky to have such famous talent appearing at Bay Street this summer.
On this same note, there will be numerous celebrities appearing at the upcoming 35th Anniversary Gala at Bay Street on July 11. Get your tickets now!! The 2026 Honoree is Lin-Manual Miranda, recipient of the Julie Andrews Lifetime Achievement Award. This annual event is always a highlight of the summer arts scene, and includes a VIP Dinner, Cocktail Reception, Performance, Live Tributes and a Live Auction by Will Roland, Broadway and TV actor.
Tracy Mitchell, Executive Director of Bay Street Theater, said she is looking forward to a big year. “While Bay Street serves the community all year long, the arrival of our 35th Anniversary Mainstage Season is a special moment. This summer reflects the best of who we are—dynamic productions, incredible artists, and an intimate experience that invites audiences into every story.”
For further information, visit www.baystreet.org and call the Box Office at 631-725-9500.