Dan's Papers - May 22, 2009 -

Some of the best theater in the world happens right here on the East End. We are home to some of the finest actors, from community actors to international movie stars, and we also have a wide variety of people that absolutely love theater.

In Sag Harbor, we have the charming Bay Street Theater that offers some of the finest live theater available. The space is large enough to impress, but small enough to make sense in Sag Harbor. On Saturday nights, something new the theater has been offering is a cabaret show at 10 p.m. in the lounge area, which features live piano acts. This summer you can enjoy the live and popular show Bell, Book and Candle, which is a magical brew of a romantic comedy that asks the question, "How much are you willing to change for the one you love?" The show runs from June 2 through 28 and tickets are between $55 and $65 dollars. You can also enjoy Dinner, which is having its American premiere and stars the lovely Mercedes Ruehl. This comedy runs from July 7 to August 2 and you can purchase tickets online at baystreet.org. Tickets cost between $55 and $65.

You should also check out Dames at Sea, which is a lovely musical set during the time of the stock market crash when the countryis in financial turmoil. This runs from August 11 to September 6 and is absolutely worth seeing. Tickets are between $55 and $75.

At the John Drew Theater at Guild Hall in East Hampton, which has been recently renovated and opens this season to the delight of many, there are many great upcoming events. On June 21 there will be a staged reading of Visiting Mr. Green by Jeff Baron, starring the legendary Eli Wallach and Peter Sabri. Running from July 8 to July 26 will be The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, starring Amy Irving and directed by Harris Yulin.

Yes sir folks, it is one very exciting lineup this summer.

The Hamptons Theater Compay, which hosts performances at the Quogue Community Hall at 126 Jessup Avenue in an amazing space, is having the female version of The Odd Couple, written by Neil Simon, hit the stage. The show is going to be directed by George Loizides, an excellent director, and is going to run from May 28 through June 14. Show times are pretty standard, with times at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and with a 2:30 p.m. showing on Sunday. Tickets are very fairly priced, adults are $22, seniors are $20 and students are $10, but you have to be under 21. The Hampton Theater Company, although a local theater group, offers some really excellent talent on the stage and it should be supported as much as possible. It was founded by James Ewing, June Ewing and James Irving and has been able to really make a name for itself in local theater. If you want to get in touch with the group, call 631-653-8955.

Out in Bellport, The Gateway Playhouse is also offering up some fantastic summer season shows. The 2009 season has tickets on sale now for Duke Ellighton's show Sophisticated Ladies that runs from May 27 to June 13. From June 17 to July 5 in Bellport Meshuggah-Nuns!, which has been described as a "crazy blend of Fiddler on the Roof and Nunsense" will hit the stage. At the Patchogue Theater, from July 8 to July 25 Miss Saigon will be showed, which is an extremely interesting show and will celebrate the theaters 60th season. At the Bellport Theater, between July 29 and August 22 The Drowsy Chaperone, a musical comedy that has gotten rave reviews, will be performed. Everybody is excited about the performance of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels that will hit the stage August 26 to September 12. Show times and ticket prices can change, so it is best to call this amazing theater to get exact times and prices. The theater is amazing and state of the art. Tickets for many shows start around $50. You can contact the theater by calling 631-286-1133.