by Debbie Tuma
While the surf’s up and the beaches are beautiful, why leave the Hamptons to see a Broadway show in New York City? Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor has a great lineup of theatrical productions, to celebrate their 35th Season. After sold-out performances of the play “Mister Halston” in June, and the musical “Cagney” in July, they are about to kick off the six-time Tony Award-winning musical, “Dear Evan Hansen” from August 4-29, followed by Joy Behar’s collection of five comedic plays, “Bonkers in the Boroughs,” from September 1-6.
“We’re a well respected theater and we have access to Broadway shows, which I’m happy to bring out to the East End,” said Scott Schwartz, Artistic Director of Bay Street Theater. “I know Tony award-winning actors, and also songwriters from such shows as Dear Evan Hansen.”
But Schwartz, who also directed Evan Hansen, said that this upcoming production “is a new take on this show, so even if you’ve seen it before, you should come to this amazing new production, taking advantage of our intimate space.”
When asked why he chose Evan Hansen, he explained that his two other shows took place in different eras— Halston in the 1960’s to 80’s, and Cagney in the early 1980’s till around 1950, so he wanted to do something more contemporary, so people can relate to it.
“This show has a great rock energy, and the cast of eight actors is small, but each one is a powerhouse,” Schwartz explained. “And Kenny Lee, who plays Evan Hansen, is is so talented in acting and singing.”
Kenny Lee was also in Pippin, Urinetown, Once on this Island, and he also played Evan Hansen at the A.C.T. of Connecticut. Maya Days, who plays his mother, Heidi Hansen, is an amazing Broadway star from Aida, Rent, and Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Dear Evan Hansen is a show about a high school student struggling with loneliness, who becomes caught in a misunderstanding that grows beyond his control.
“It’s about our need to connect with one another, and bringing this show into Bay Street’s intimate space places that story right in front of the audience,” he said. ‘When we look up from our phones, we begin to recognize how connected we really are. The joy, pain, humor, and hope of these characters can be felt throughout the room, creating an experience filled with empathy and ultimately happiness.”
Dear Evan Hansen is a book by Steven Levenson and the music and lyrics are by Academy, Tony and Grammy award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for “La La Land.”
Coming in September is a refreshing and fun look at New York City life, with the show, “Bonkers in the Boroughs,” written by and starring longtime comedienne Joy Behar, who has been a Sag Harbor local for years, as well as maintaining her New York apartment near her popular TV show, “The View.” Behar has also appeared on local Hamptons stages as Southampton’s “Sticks and Stones Comedy Club.” Her Bay Street show is a collection of 5 short comedic plays, each set in a different borrough. It’s billed as “smart, irreverent, and unmistakably New York.” Behar’s show explores the relationships, family, friendships and daily absurdities that can push us to the edge and keep us laughing. Don’t miss this fun and lively show.
For tickets and information call the Bay Street box office at 631-725-9500 or visit www.baystreet.org.